Eco Forest App Launch and Tree Planting in Runda

KAMONYI, March 6, 2024 — Roots & Shoots Rwanda in collaboration with ISARO Econext launched a fresh community awareness and tree planting campaign using improved technology to remotely monitor the growth of all planted trees.

The Eco Forest App

The new Eco Forest App was demonstrated to citizens in Runda Sector, Kamonyi District, on February 27, 2024. Members of both organizations joined residents in a tree planting community exercise (Umuganda) where 400 trees were planted, reaching 1,700 trees now monitored by the technology.

The App was developed by ISARO Econext — a social interactive platform to engage individuals and organizations to take measurable climate actions and promote green innovations.

The Technology Story

The earlier tree monitoring technology (using a QR Code Scanner placed on trees) was first introduced in 2022 after years of research. However, this met with challenges of children removing the QR codes from trees, making it difficult to track growth.

Christian Niyigena Gasaro, Founder of ISARO Econext, explains:

"Their findings show about 30% of newly planted trees die or get damaged. We developed a new application technology to improve monitoring of newly planted trees — between the citizen, the green agent, the organization that donated the tree, and satellite technology."

How It Works

• 📱 Each participant can name and register their tree in the app
• 🛰️ Satellite monitoring tracks tree health and growth remotely
• ⚠️ Damage assessment tools alert when a tree is at risk
• 🤝 Creates accountability between citizens, organizations, and green agents

Impact

Beyond planting trees, this initiative strengthened environmental awareness and built conservation skills among community participants. The personalized approach — giving each person ownership of their tree — ensures ongoing care and dramatically improves survival rates. 🌱