Nyungwe National Park plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through various conservation and sustainable development initiatives
While it is said that greenhouse gas emissions are increasing in Rwanda, often caused by vehicles or human activities such as forest burning, deforestation, other forms of forest destruction, industries, etc., natural forests like Nyungwe National Park are considered by experts to play a major role in reducing these emissions so that Rwandans and visitors can breathe clean air.
Environmentalists say that when they talk about greenhouse gases, they are talking about pollutants that, when released into the air, change the quality of the air we breathe, pollute it, and harm the health of those who breathe it, living organisms, and the atmosphere.
As reported in the program ‘Dusangire ibimba’ broadcast on Rwandan television on August 4, 2025, the Director General of the Rwanda Environmental Management Agency (REMA), Madame Juliet Kabera, explained that a study conducted in 2018, aimed at identifying the sources of air pollution and the current levels, revealed that the most polluting factor, especially in urban areas, is transportation.
She continued by saying that in rural areas, the study found that the most polluting factors are the fuels that people use for cooking, such as burning garbage, sewage and other fuels. Industries came in third place because Rwanda does not have many industries that emit these pollutants.
“The quality of the air we breathe is getting worse, it continues to get polluted. The measurements we are taking show us that the air continues to be polluted by the things we have mentioned. There are some standards that we are following here and there. If you look closely, you will see that there are mainly particles that we often call PM2.5”. She said
They are very small particles that are not visible to the eye and contain a combination of pollutants from different activities. Research shows that these particles often come from vehicles.
They are increasing compared to the WHO (World Health Organization) standards, which have increased 5 times more than they should be.
“This is why the Rwandan government says that action must be taken to prevent this increase from continuing, especially since the number of vehicles continues to increase.” He said
He says that these particles come from the burning of fuel oil and gasoline that makes the vehicle move. They are a mixture of many things, but the problem is that they are not visible to the eye, but are in the air we breathe, and they can cause health problems. In cities, these particles mainly come from vehicle exhaust.
What causes these particles?
Byiringiro Alfred, technical advisor in charge of transport at the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), says that vehicle exhaust is very polluting. As a vehicle ages and is not properly maintained, the fuel and diesel do not burn properly.
“There is a technique used to make engines so that the emission standards for these gases contain particles that are not burned properly. As a vehicle ages and is not properly maintained, the combustion of fuel and diesel that are not burned properly to help the engine run properly, these particles that are not burned properly become more, which is when they emit black substances.” He said
He added, when a vehicle is new, the engine burns well so that even when we are in it, there are very few of us that you cannot see, as it ages and starts to burn poorly, that is when you see the air containing these particles starting to come out, it is old or the owner has not maintained it properly so that the engine can burn properly.
Rwanda has set a target of reducing emissions by 38% by 2030 and 53% by 2035, requiring a budget of US$12 billion. REMA Director Juliet Kabera says that the target will be achieved because Rwanda is committed, capacity is being developed, and there is sufficient confidence.
The Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA) says that 80% of vehicles tested emit harmful emissions. Of the more than 200,000 vehicles tested, 52% were motorcycles and 38% were passenger cars.
Of these, 95% were more than 10 years old, emitting more pollutants than new vehicles.
REMA has conducted a study on sources of emissions that pollute the atmosphere, including motor vehicles, industries and other sectors. The study revealed that in 2018, vehicles contributed 57% of all emissions that grade air quality.
Céléstin Hakizimana, Head of Air Quality Monitoring at REMA, explained that Motorcycles are now the leading culprits among vehicles that release harmful emissions.
He stated: ” We see a significant share from motorcycles, which have risen to take the top spot among vehicles that pollute the most. Looking at the numbers, we currently have around 200,000 motorcycles on the road. Out of all 380,000 registered vehicles in Rwanda, more than half are motorcycles”.
Environmental expert, Dr Maniragaba Abias, as he stated in a story, he gave to TVR on December 7, 2025, stressed that the measures taken by the government, including protecting the environment and increasing the number of electric vehicles, would be a good way to reduce these emissions.
Hategekimana Eric, an environmental expert and researcher and an environmental teacher at GS Gisovu TSS in Twumba sector, Karongi district working at Nyungwe National Park, where he has been working for many years, studied forestry and environment in secondary and university, started working in environmental conservation since 2019, where he also worked for a long time in the Greeen Amayaga project, explains that greenhouse gases include 5 categories.
Hategekimana Eric, an environmental expert and researcher and an environmental teacher at GS Gisovu TSS in Twumba sector, Karongi district
He said, “They include Carbon dioxide (Co2) from burning gasoline, fuel oil, coal, firewood, etc”.
. Methane (CH4) from livestock, waste, agriculture
. Nitrogen oxides (Nox) from vehicles and industries
. Sulphur dioxide (So2) from industries and waste oils
. Particulate Matter (PM 2.5&PM10) very small smoke that is inhaled and reaches the lungs.
He says that in Rwanda, with the help of a researcher from REMA, the Ministry of Disaster Management (MINEMA), and the United Nations Department of Health (WHO), air pollutants come mainly from:
a) Vehicles: Cars, motorcycles and trucks that use gasoline and diesel. These produce over 57% of air pollutants in cities (Urban air pollution).
For example: In Kigali city, PM 2.5 exceeds the level approved by WHO by 2-3 times.
b) Burning wood and charcoal: Still used by more than 70% of Rwandan households. They produce CO2 and harmful smoke (PM 2.5)
c) Industry and waste: Small and large industries and uncontrolled burning of waste
d) Agriculture and livestock: Methane from cow dung and manure and burning of crop residues.
He also says that even waste that is burned in unauthorized places pollutes the air, which is why burning waste should also be avoided.
He commends the government’s efforts to recycle these bottles and other non-biodegradable items, cutting plastic bags, and other items that were previously thrown away, which also greatly damage the air.
On the effects of these pollutants on human health, the head of the Department of Epidemic Control at the National Institute of Health (RBC), Dr. Edison Rwagasore, says that health authorities in Rwanda are very concerned about the health effects caused by air pollution, especially from vehicles, cars and motorcycles.
“It has been observed that there are particulate matter, the most important of which is PM 2.5, which when inhaled by a person, due to its structure, is very small compared to other particulate matter, so it easily enters the lungs, causing serious health problems such as asthma, heart disease and cancer.” He said.
The head of the Department of Epidemic Control at the National Institute of Health (RBC), Dr. Edison Rwagasore
He added, but there are also other pollutants from vehicles, which reduce the amount of oxygen we breathe. This is very worrying and apart from the immediate effects, there are also long-term effects.
He said that the cleanliness of what people breathe is very important in life.
He also said that according to the statistics so far, the number of people suffering from asthma is increasing significantly compared to the figures given, with about 200 people infected every year and those at risk of contracting it require medical treatment every month.
He said, “It is a worrying situation. We have about 15,000 people who are being monitored every month, every day, with this problem. There are other diseases, including heart disease, we have about 140,000 people suffering from them, you can understand that all of them are worrying and they are being treated with a lot of money.’’
He continued; it is necessary that strategies are put in place to deal with these diseases that can become epidemics if we let them continue like this.
Dr Edison Rwagasore continued, saying that apart from Rwanda, the United Nations Health Organization (WHO) also indicates that about 7,000,000 people in the world die every year from diseases related to air pollution.
“In Rwanda too, it has been shown that about 600 people may die from diseases related to air pollution. The measures that the government is implementing to significantly reduce these emissions will yield significant benefits in terms of reducing the number of illnesses and deaths related to these problems, because the money the country spends on patients with these diseases is very high, which could be invested in other development projects.’’ He said.
He says that all these measures, if implemented properly, could reduce deaths and illnesses from these problems by at least 30%. He also assures that RBC will continue to monitor them closely, especially at the health level, based on statistics, in collaboration with other institutions concerned with this issue, to see if these measures are really showing a change.
Although the measures to be implemented include measuring vehicle emissions and finding ways to reduce them, introducing more electric vehicles into the country, and increasing infrastructure that would help provide clean air for people to breathe, the Director General of REMA, Mrs. Juliet Kabera, highlights the benefits that Rwanda has in reducing these emissions, including those from tourism.
The Director General of REMA, Mrs. Juliet Kabera
“Reducing these emissions also includes tourism benefits. After all, people visiting the country need clean air. The way we focus on breathing clean air benefits tourists, including those who request to hold international conferences here. We are developing the sports sector, and you wouldn’t want to do all of that in a polluted environment. All of these are benefits that we will see.” She said.
Returning to the benefits of tourism, which includes parks, we wonder if Nyungwe National Park could play a role in reducing these emissions and making these tourists love Rwanda more because of the clean air they breathe.
An environmental expert and environmental teacher at GS Gisovu TSS in Karongi district, Hategekimana Eric, says that all measures taken that ignore forests, especially natural ones, such as Nyungwe National Park, will not bring a 100% expected solution to breathing clean air.
Forests play a very important role in combating air pollution because they have the ability to capture these pollutants and transform them into clean air for people to breathe.
“General statistics show that 1 hectare of natural forest captures between 10 and 15 tons of Co2 every year. Ancient forests like Nyungwe store much more carbon than planted ones. Taking good care of them is one of the sustainable strategies to ensure breathing clean air”. He said.
He says that Nyungwe National Park, as an ancient rainforest, has been recognized by the world as having great global significance by the United Nations Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and Culture (UNESCO) and has included it in the world heritage, it has a significant role in reducing greenhouse gases.
As shown by the research of the Center for International Forestry Research, the World Agroforestry reports, the Rwanda National Forest Inventory and other environmental experts in Rwanda, and a long-time employee of the RDB, the department responsible for the conservation of national parks, Ngoga Thélésphore, Nyungwe National Park , One of Africa’s largest tropical mountain forests plays a major role in the fight against climate change thanks to several key ecological functions.
1) Absorption and storage of carbon dioxide (CO2)
The trees of Nyungwe absorb CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and store it in their biomass (trunks, branches, roots) as well as in the forest soils.
Numerical illustration:
Tropical mountain forests store an average of 150 to 300 tonnes of carbon per hectare (tC/ha).
With an area of approximately 1,000 km² (100,000 ha), Nyungwe could thus store 15 to 30 million tonnes of carbon, equivalent to 55 to 110 million tonnes of CO2 removed from the atmosphere.
2) A significant long-term carbon sink
Thanks to its age and low level of disturbance, Nyungwe acts as a stable carbon sink, retaining carbon for decades, even centuries.
Numerical illustration.
Intact forests continue to capture an average of 2 to 5 tons of CO2 per hectare per year.
At the Nyungwe level, this represents 200,000 to 500,000 tons of CO2 absorbed annually.
3. Soil protection and reduction of emissions related to erosion.
Forest cover significantly limits soil erosion, preventing the release of organic carbon stored in the soil.
Numerical illustration.
Forest soils can contain up to 40% of the total carbon stored by the ecosystem.
Deforestation can lead to the loss of 20 to 50% of soil carbon in a few decades. This loss is largely avoided in Nyungwe thanks to its protection.
4) Regulation of the local climate and water cycle.
Nyungwe influences rainfall patterns and regional temperature regulation, thus helping to mitigate the extreme effects of climate change.
Numerical illustration
Mountain forests can increase local rainfall by 5 to 15% compared to deforested areas.
They also help reduce local temperatures by 1 to 3°C, limiting heat waves.
5. Reduction of emissions from human activities.
Nyungwe conservation limits the use of logging, charcoal production, and unsustainable agricultural expansion.
Numerical illustration
Tropical deforestation is responsible for approximately 10 to 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Continued protection of Nyungwe prevents hundreds of thousands of CO2 emissions each year that would result from degradation.
Conclusion
The Nyungwe forest is a strategic asset for Rwanda. By storing tens of millions of tons of CO2, absorbing significant volumes of carbon each year, and stabilizing soils and the local climate, it contributes directly to national and global commitments to combat climate change, while supporting biodiversity and sustainable development.
It is in line with Rwanda’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) which states: “Forests are considered a pillar in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Nyungwe is a Carbon sink, Biodiversity reservoir, and a research center. When we talk about carbon sequestration → we are talking about CO₂ a lot.
Nyungwe is a major Carbon sink that helps Rwanda reduce greenhouse gas emissions, supports biodiversity and the economy through ecotourism and ecosystem services. Although climate change may have its impacts, forest conservation allows it to continue to play a very important role in combating climate change.
Ngoga Thélesphore also confirms that protecting Nyungwe is in line with human development because protecting the environment is about conserving natural resources that will benefit future generations.
“It is also possible to protect them by producing them sustainably. For example: Tourism, research, a center of traditional knowledge. In Rwanda, the biodiversity of national parks is used for tourism activities, which generate benefits for the country and reach the residents of these parks, especially through the tourism revenue sharing program.’’ He said.
At least 3 reasons show that Nyungwe is a great solution:
1.Carbon sequestration
2. Water and air protection (Climate regulation)
3. Conservation of diversity that helps keep the ecosystem stable.
The difference between Co2 and PM2.5
. Co2: Green house gas that causes global warming.
PM2.5: Small particles of smoke that are harmful to health
He connects this with the residents of this park who believe that apart from the clean air it provides them, the tourism revenue that it brings to them is also very attractive.
Nshimiyimana Manasé from Rujagi village, Butanda cell, Butare sector, says that Nyungwe It has a great impact on them as its inhabitants because it provides them with clean air, and the money from the distribution of tourism products reaches them to build schools, establish development cooperatives and so on.
“As residents of Nyungwe, we cannot move away from it because of the clean air we breathe. We do not breathe heavy smoke because everything that is absorbed gives us light, that is why we always have a good life.” He said.
He added, in addition to this air, the money from the distribution of benefits from tourism also reaches us very well because now we have a very good school built for our primary school children, while before they studied in bad wooden schools that were far from us.
Because of its habitation, we always have good, fertile soil, which helps us to cultivate all seasons because we do not have many droughts, we come and provide well for our families.
We find that there is a big difference in air pollution between cities and rural areas because most of the major air pollutants occur in cities than in rural areas, such as factories and vehicles.
In rural areas, there is a lot of burning of wood, burning of garbage, etc., which is different from what is seen in cities.
In rural areas, there is the opportunity to still find natural forests and many gatherings that help in combating air pollution.
These various experts and researchers appreciate that the Government of Rwanda is doing everything possible to provide cities with trees that fight air pollution, significantly reduce the number of vehicles that emit air pollution, protect the environment in a way that is clearly reflected in government policies, and all other things that give hope for significantly reducing air pollution.
Other benefits for the country and the world in general are that 70% of the water used by the entire country comes from it, and it is the source of the Nile, which is a source of water for many African countries, and the good quality of life it provides, all of which make it unique.’’
Other benefits that Hategekimana Eric mentions in preserving it are its role in reducing global warming, which is why its inhabitants are always thirsty, controlling rainfall and also preventing residents from experiencing drought, maintaining good air quality for a long time, and other incomparable benefits.
He says that cutting it, burning it or destroying it in any other way would be destabilizing the entire country and the entire world in general, which is why it should be given special attention.
“If you cut down Nyungwe or destroy it in any other way such as burning it, etc., you are destroying the lives of the entire country’s population because you are causing severe drought in the country. The sun would be bright but there would be no rain, deserts would form, or the rain would be too much and floods and erosion would increase. Clean air would decrease, temperatures in the country would increase, and many other consequences would result.’’ He said.
Habarugira Wencesilas, in charge of health services in Rusizi district, agrees, saying that the presence of Nyungwe National Park is very important in combating these emissions.
However, says that since no country shares the climate, Rwanda cannot take measures alone that other countries have not taken, especially those with many industries that emit these emissions to produce large quantities, cooperation with other countries is necessary.
He also says that Nyungwe alone is not enough to completely reduce these emissions, which is why the government is also implementing other measures, including reducing vehicles and all other sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
There should be an emphasis on electric vehicles, and factories that emit these gases should be renovated and built in a way that reduces them.
“For example, the CIMERWA plant, as it was previously built, emitted a lot of greenhouse gases. Now that it has been renovated, these emissions are reduced. It could also be done elsewhere, which is still causing problems.” He said.
A study by the Rwanda Road and Infrastructure Development Authority (RURA) shows that the number of electric vehicles (EVs) in Rwanda has increased significantly, from just 19 in 2020 to 512 in 2024.
Although the initial cost of purchasing an EV is often higher than that of gasoline-powered vehicles, it is much cheaper to operate, especially since the government is also encouraging all those who want to own a car.
It says that high-end EVs: Cars like the Geely Panda Mini or Lingbox Uni can be found for under $6,000 due to import taxes.
Mid-range/Premium EVs: Cars between $14,180 and $17,880, while more expensive cars like the BYD Tang EV (with 7 seats) cost around 95 million Rwandan francs.
Operating Savings: Charging an EV at home in Kigali is approximately 2 to 3 times cheaper than buying gasoline for the same distance. Driving 500km in an EV costs roughly 27,000 RWF when charged at home
Used EVs: Typically, 20-40% cheaper than new cars, although the market continues to improve as conventional cars become more available.
Key difference: Electric cars are environmentally friendly and offer long-term savings, although their prices are still high, but will decrease as they become more common.
He also says that the reason Nyungwe needs other supporting measures is that it does not eliminate all air pollution from vehicles, industries, various wastes located around the country, emissions from combustion, etc.
He said that Nyungwe is very important but it needs other supporting measures such as promoting electric vehicles, improving public transport, increasing forests in cities, imposing strict laws on old vehicles, cooking using gas, biogas or electricity, increasing forests wherever possible, etc.
Nyungwe National Park is a natural forest covering an area of 1019 km 2. It became a park in 2005 and was listed as a World Heritage Site on September 19, 2023 by UNESCO, as a symbol of Rwanda’s excellence and the efforts the country has put into preserving its biodiversity and preserving natural areas of global importance.
It is located in the oldest rainforest in Africa. It is considered the reservoir of Rwanda’s fresh water because it provides 70% of its water, and it is also the source of the Nile River.
It covers 5 districts, including 3 in the Western Province of Rwanda, namely Nyamasheke, Rusizi and Karongi, and 2 in the Southern Province, namely Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru.
It has many incomparable features, because apart from the fresh air it offers, it also has tourist attractions such as the Canopy Walk Way, ziplines, etc. It is also home to various species of monkeys, over 1000 plant species, over 90 mammals, over 320 birds, and many more.
It also contains species of animals that attract tourists, such as impudent animals and cattle that are rarely found anywhere else in the world.
Its director, Niyigaba Protais, says that various measures have been taken to preserve it, including making it popular with its inhabitants and sharing the benefits it generates through tourism (Revenue sharing) depending on the project they have chosen.
He asks them to participate in continuing to preserve it because of its importance to their lives and economy, and to the entire country and the world, especially its role in providing clean air and combating air pollution.
Rwanda is implementing a dual-track strategy to phase out high-polluting fossil fuel vehicles while aggressively subsidizing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy
To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the government provides significant fiscal and non-fiscal incentives:
- Total Tax Exemptions: Fully electric vehicles (BEVs), batteries, and charging station equipment are 100% exempt from import duties, VAT, excise taxes, and withholding taxes until June 30, 2028.
- Infrastructure Support: Investors building charging stations can access rent-free government land and benefit from electricity tariffs capped at the industrial rate.
- Priority Access: EV owners receive Green License Plates, which grant preferential parking and potential exemptions from future congestion charges in Kigali.
Gasoline & Hybrid Vehicle Policy
Stricter regulations are being introduced to discourage the use of internal combustion engines:
- Petrol Motorcycle Ban: Starting in 2025, Rwanda will ban the registration of new petrol-powered motorcycles for public transport in Kigali.
- Reintroduced Taxes on Hybrids: Effective July 1, 2025, hybrid vehicles will lose many previous exemptions. They will face a 18% VAT, a 5%withholding tax, and a tiered excise duty based on age:
- 0–3 years: 5%
- 4–7 years: 10%
- 8+ years: 15%.
- Emission Controls: The Rwanda National Police conduct mandatory regular emissions inspections for all gasoline vehicles to enforce air quality standards.
Rwanda’s Mitigation Strategy (NDC 3.0)
To counter this rise, the government submitted an enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) in late 2025, which sets more aggressive targets:
53% Reduction by 2035: Rwanda now aims to reduce net emissions by 53% compared to a “business-as-usual” (BAU) scenario by 2035.
Carbon Neutrality by 2050: The long-term goal is to transition to a fully carbon-neutral and climate-resilient economy.
The future of carbon capture utilization storage technology lies in enhancing its efficiency and affordability
Forest Carbon Sinks: Rwanda’s forest cover (30.4% as of 2020) acts as a critical “sink,” removing millions of tonnes of CO2e annually, which helps offset the gross emissions from other sectors.
Impact of Recent Policies
The policies we mentioned such as the EV tax exemptions and the 2025 petrol motorcycle ban are specifically designed to decouple economic growth from emission growth. Early data suggests these e-mobility initiatives have already contributed to a 17% reduction in potential transport emissions compared to previous projections.
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