Gishwati Forest: A Journey through Rwanda’s Forest of Hope

Nestled in the northwest region of Rwanda, Gishwati Forest is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and wants to experience firsthand the power of conservation. Gishwati Forest is a part of the Gishwati-Mukura National Park, located not far from Lake Kivu. The forest covers 2,500 acres (10 km2) of land, which has been restored through years of reforestation efforts and conservation programs.Gishwati Forest has a rich history, dating back to the 1930s, when it covered 70,000 acres of land. However, over the years, deforestation, cattle ranching, and agriculture led to its degradation, and by 2001, only a small circular patch of native forest remained. During the Rwandan genocide, refugees arrived in the forest and began clearing it for subsistence farming. This wave of destruction threatened the region’s biodiversity and led to soil erosion, degradation, and landslides.In 2007, the Gishwati Area Conservation Program was launched to restore the area’s lost biodiversity and to create a national conservation park to protect the Gishwati Forest’s unique ecosystem. The program’s success has been remarkable, and the Forest of Hope Association now manages the Gishwati Forest Reserve. Since the program’s inception, there has been a 67 percent increase in the forest’s size, and the local chimpanzee population has grown, leading to many research and conservation initiatives within the reserve.The forest reserve has recorded 58 species of trees and shrubs, including numerous indigenous hardwoods and bamboo. It is also home to a wide range of fauna, including four species of primates, the Eastern Chimpanzee, the golden monkey, the blue monkey, and the L’Hoest’s monkey. The forest also harbors other mammals such as the red river hog, black-fronted duiker, southern tree hyrax, serval, and many others.Visitors to Gishwati Forest will be able to take a stroll through the forest and experience the beauty of nature while enjoying the unique biodiversity of the area. They will also get a chance to learn about the Gishwati Area Conservation Program and the Forest of Hope Association’s efforts to restore the region. Gishwati Forest is a true Forest of Hope, a symbol of the power of conservation and the resilience of nature.