KIGALI, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Rwandans participated in a mass tree-planting campaign on Saturday in eastern Rwanda, advancing the nation's goal to plant 65 million trees by the end of the fiscal year.
Championed by Rwanda's Ministry of Environment, this campaign aims to boost forest cover, support environmental conservation, combat climate change, protect water resources, and enhance local livelihoods.
During the launch in Kamamana Village, Rwamagana District, where 25,000 trees were planted across 17 hectares, Environment Minister Valentine Uwamariya encouraged residents to foster a tree-planting culture and maintain planted trees to ensure their growth and intended impact. Uwamariya emphasized the collective responsibility of safeguarding Rwanda's forests.
Data from the ministry show that forests now cover 30.4 percent of Rwanda's land area, totaling 724,695 hectares -- a result of ongoing reforestation and conservation efforts. To further protect these forests, the government urges citizens to reduce wood and charcoal usage by adopting alternative energy sources like biogas, gas, and electricity. ■