Rwanda Green Growth Strategy 18nov11 - Global Climate Change ...

Detailed Programmes of ActionProgramme 12: Sustainable Forestry, Agroforestry and BiomassEnergyResponsible Stakeholders (lead in bold)MINIRENA, RNRA, REMA, MINAGRI, MININFRA, ISAR, MINALOC, private sectorSummary of Programmes and ActionsTo meet energy demands for biomass it is necessary to ensure that supply meets or exceeds demand.Controlled tree planting through afforestation, reforestation, agroforestry and urban tree planting initiativesprovides wood for fuel, improves slope stability, supports food security and acts as a carbon sink. To ensuresustainability of these initiatives, Rwanda will undertake the following actions, all of which are eligible forcarbon credits. Action 1: Promotion of Afforestation/Reforestation (A/R) through enhanced germplasm and technicalpractices in the planting and post-planting processA key challenge to the success of Rwanda’s tree planting efforts is the use of genetically poor-qualitygermplasm, combined with planting at inappropriate times (e.g. during dry season) and lack of post-plantingcare. Improving these elements of Rwanda’s forestry programme will greatly enhance the success, andvisible results, of Rwanda’s A/R efforts. Mixed-species approaches are recommended for achieving bothmitigation objectives, as well as the adaptation benefits of ecosystem resilience and biodiversity. Carboncredits can be attained for A/R activities on both voluntary and compliance markets. Action 2: Improved Forest Management (IFM) for degraded forest resourcesLand scarcity is a primary constraint to the expansion of Rwanda’s forest resources. Efforts to maximise theproductivity of Rwanda’s many degraded forest plantations present an opportunity to increase biomasssupply without converting additional land. The degraded pine buffer zone surrounding Nyungwe NationalPark illustrates the need (and economic benefit) to rehabilitate degraded forests. Voluntary carbon credits(e.g. through the VCS standard) can be obtained for IFM. Action 3: Joint formulation and implementation of Agroforestry by MINIRENA/MINAGRIAgroforestry systems have significant potential for contributing to objectives of poverty alleviation throughincome generation and diversification; biodiversity, energy and water security; and sequestration of carbonby increasing above and below-ground sinks. In order to achieve the 85% agroforestry component of theVision 2020 national tree coverage target of 30%, Rwanda needs to redouble efforts towards agroforestrypromotion. Formulation of a joint strategy between MINIRENA and MINAGRI, in partnership with ISAR is acritical first step. Best practice in agroforestry is well established in Rwanda (e.g. Vi-Life, IFDC) and voluntarycarbon credits can be obtained and channelled as direct incentives to smallholders. Action 4: Licensing of sustainable charcoal production techniques & promotion of ImprovedCookstoves (ICS) for efficient and clean wood and charcoal consumptionRwanda’s charcoal sector is an estimated 5% of national GDP, and supplies the majority of urbanhouseholds’ energy needs. Fuelwood (and crop residues) supply the majority of rural households’ energyneeds. Promotion of more efficient and clean-burning ICS, and formalisation of the charcoal supply chainthrough licensing (for improved carbonisation) present opportunities to reduce biomass demand, and offsetnegative environmental and health impacts. Carbon credits for ICS have high potential in Rwanda throughboth voluntary and compliance markets – with credits likely exceeding the purchasing price of ICS.78Government of Rwanda