Every year, in May, two professors from Yale School of the Environment, who are internationally recognized for their interdisciplinary and applied research and contributions to conservation, travel to Rwanda with a group of master’s students. This Study Tour aims to allow the students to learn about the current conservation challenges and the strategies implemented in the country. This year, five students from four different countries visited Forest of Hope to learn about our community forest protection and conservation program.

Forest of Hope coordinator Thierry Aimable Inzirayineza shares the species that were planted at the restoration site with the Yale team.

The visit is always a learning experience. The students get a chance to talk to the Forest of Hope Coordinator and the representative from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)/Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Through these talks, Forest of Hope and RDB/GMNP staff share information about the history of the protected area and the work being done for its conservation.

The level of community engagement that saved this forest patch and the current collaboration of Wilderness, Rwanda Development Board, and Forest of Hope needs to be emulated Yale master’s student said.

This year, students had an opportunity to talk to some local community members who shared information about the consequences they experienced once Gishwati was cut. Community members mentioned that in the early 2000s, when the forest was cut, the dry seasons were longer, and there was limited access to water, which affected the production of crops. However, from their perspective, the conservation efforts have contributed to the community’s well-being as new jobs were created, and water availability increased in superficial waters and rain, enhancing crop yields. Moreover, community members shared with the Yale team how their kids have benefitted from participating in the eco-clubs, as they learn the importance of protecting trees and chimpanzee behavior and are interested in ecotourism activities.

Beatrice, a community member, and Thierry, the Forest of Hope Coordinator, walked with the Yale professor and two master’s students.

I appreciated Forest of Hope’s dedication to local communities and also trying to ensure that Gishwati permits are accessible to everyone while also regulating overuse. It was encouraging to hear from community members who support the park and have received benefits Yale master’s student said.

This year, the Yale team also visited the restoration area around the Gishwati Forest near the Forest of Hope Guest House. The Yale team learned about the species planted as part of the assisted natural regeneration plan where Forest of Hope is partnering with Wilderness Rwanda to restore 20ha and how these were selected primarily to benefit the primates of the forest. Through discussion, students understood how the land for reforestation is acquired from the landholders and how they are helped to relocate, offering alternatives for their well-being.

Opening the doors of Forest of Hope allowed us to witness the hard work involved in obtaining funding and the support of government decision-makers to achieve the protection of chimpanzees. I am optimistic that Forest of Hope will accomplish the restoration of these forests and ensure local communities access to the beauties of this landscape. Yale master’s student said.

Forest of Hope Coordinator Thierry Aimable Inzirayineza and the Yale team walking through the restoration area

It is incredible how much life you can find in a very little patch of forest. Talking with the people and learning about the work of Forest of Hope was very inspiring.Yale master’s student said.

Forest of Hope, using the funds received from the West Chester University Foundation, constructed a facility with dorm rooms that can host up to 24 students in bunk beds style accommodations and four single rooms with a separate shower and bathroom facilities. Forest of Hope is committed to continue offering a learning experience for students of all levels. Plan a visit.