Did you know that Rwanda is one of the only countries in the world that has a positive rate of forestation? Every year more trees are planted and protected in Rwanda than cut down. This is no easy feat considering Rwanda?s population density and the economic pressure on the small land size. In fact, Rwanda is much more difficult to reforest than countries like the United States, Brazil, and Russia which have large tracts of unused land but still have negative rates of forestation.

I think the secret to Rwanda?s success is simple: good leadership. In the past month alone, I have heard Prime Minister call upon citizens to plant more trees. It is a hallmark of good leadership to balance the short term and the long term, to invest in what is needed for the next generation and not just satisfy the wants of today. As a Rwandan, I have repeatedly seen this type of leadership in action. Rwanda has become an example for the world, from banning plastic bags to hosting a critical international deal to eliminate global hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Rwanda has also taking huge steps toward reforesting the country, creating long-term benefits for rural communities and the environment.

By the end of 1994, forests had been eliminated from 78 percent of the country and were decreasing at rate of 7 percent per year, according to the International Institute for Sustainable Development and the United Nations. The Government knew that without trees, the country could never fully rebuild itself, so it reversed this trend, planting millions each year. From 2015 to 2016, the Rwandan government planted 32 million seedlings, which is equivalent to the reforestation of 15,000 hectares. In 2017 Rwanda reached its target of 30 percent forest cover – three years earlier than planned.

Trees are integral to healthy land. Their roots cling to the soil, anchoring it to allow crops to grow. They hold on when the rains come and landslides threaten to wash away crops. Certain tree species pull atmospheric nitrogen from the air, break it down and contribute essential nutrients to the soil to help other plants grow. 

Other tree species regularly shed their leaves to provide nutrient fodder to the soil below. That's what Rwanda is up to; ensuring that future globe inhabitants will live in a green sustainable world.