Wetlands and the Young Generation: International Wetlands Day 2025

Roots & Shoots Rwanda celebrated International Wetlands Day 2025 on February 2nd in collaboration with the INES Environmental Club. The day brought together youth, community members, and local leaders under the theme:

"Wetlands and the Young Generation: Empowering for Rehabilitation for a Sustainable Future"

A Day of Learning and Action

The celebration unfolded in two complementary activities — one focused on deepening knowledge, the other on direct environmental action.

Educational Visit to Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-Tourism Park

Participants visited the Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-Tourism Park in Kigali — one of Rwanda's most important urban wetland ecosystems. The visit provided first-hand insight into the biodiversity these ecosystems support, the water they filter, and the communities they sustain. Young people left with a deeper understanding of what wetlands do — and what is lost when they are degraded.

Community Cleanup at Mugogo Wetland, Musanze District

The team also carried out a hands-on cleanup at Mugogo Wetland alongside community members and local leaders from Musanze District. Volunteers removed plastic waste from the wetland margins, reinforcing that conservation is not just something governments do — it is something every community member can and must participate in.

Why Wetlands Matter

Wetlands are among the world's most productive ecosystems — filtering water, reducing flooding, storing carbon, and supporting extraordinary biodiversity. In Rwanda, they play a critical role in agriculture, water supply, and climate resilience.

World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2nd each year to raise awareness of wetland value and urgency of their protection. Roots & Shoots Rwanda is proud to mark this day with action alongside young people who are becoming the next generation of wetland defenders.