The Gishwati–Mukura Landscape tells a story of both environmental loss and hope. Gishwati Forest, in particular, suffered severe deforestation that reduced it to just 600 hectares, leaving only 2% of its original vegetation cover. During the last two decades, the Forest of Hope Association (FHA) has been contributing to this restoration, and while more work remains, the progress is undeniable. Through sustained restoration efforts, the landscape is now witnessing the return of forests, biodiversity, and economic opportunities.

Community members play an important role in the development of tree seedlings

At FHA, we believe that successful conservation begins with people. Local communities are not just beneficiaries, they are the driving force behind restoration. Community members plant, maintain, and protect native trees, agroforestry systems, and riparian forests. Thanks to the TerraFund for AFR100 investments in the region. Through TerraFund- a financing arm of the Restore Local initiative in Western Rwanda, FHA received two projects is restoring 480 hectares of land in Kigeyo Sector, Rutsiro District, through tree planting, assisted natural regeneration, agroforestry, and riparian ecosystem restoration. FHA Has already planted more than 122,000 trees on degraded lands, created over 200 jobs, and supported more than 5,000 community members with restoration activities. Women and youth contributed nearly 80% of tree planting and maintenance activities, while young people received training in tree survival monitoring and restoration techniques, and continue to gain valuable skills and employment opportunities. By investing in communities, restoration becomes sustainable for generations to come.

To upscale the restoration achievements, FHA aims to plant an additional 120,000 trees by 2032, with an expected survival rate of 80%, while creating 180 jobs and directly benefiting 5,000 people. These efforts will restore degraded land, enhance ecosystem services, strengthen community engagement in restoration activities, increase biodiversity and conservation, and improve local livelihoods to support both conservation and food security. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we believe that restoration is not simply about trees or hectares restored. It is about people. It is about creating opportunities, strengthening resilience, protecting biodiversity, and building a more sustainable future.

Picture of restoration partners and stakeholders: Vumbuzi Impact Africa Foundation, Communities, WRI team, RDB representative, Local leaders and FHA team

Restoration Impact

The restoration of Gishwati is bringing nature back to life. Chimpanzee numbers have increased from 19 individuals in 2012 to more than 40 in 2025. Golden monkey populations have also recovered, while birds, amphibians, reptiles, and insects have returned, and more than 5,000 native trees have regenerated naturally. These results demonstrate that the forest is once again functioning as a healthy and resilient ecosystem.

The FHA restoration effort is also transforming the lives of Gishwati forest surrounding communities. Since 2024, 119 Gishwati Community members, received health insurance support, and farmers who demonstrated over 95% tree survival rates have received goats to improve household incomes while enhancing sustainable land management. As one of the community members, Mr. Abraham Karuhije, explained: " FHA restoration activities have helped us protect our land and created new opportunities for improving our families’ livelihoods. We received more tree seedlings than we expected, and I was also given small livestock as a reward. This livestock will provide organic manure for my trees. Our participation in environmental restoration activities has truly transformed our lives."

Photo of Kigeyo resident receiving goat with Rutsiro District Vice mayor and FHA Board representative

The story of Gishwati’s ongoing restoration demonstrates that restoring forests is about much more than planting trees. It is about rebuilding ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, improving livelihoods, and creating hope for future generations. At Forest of Hope Association, we remain committed to working with communities, government institutions, donors, and conservation partners to restore degraded landscapes and build a greener, more resilient future for Rwanda.

"We are the Forest of Hope, and together, we are restoring nature, empowering communities, and creating lasting hope."