The PEAT-WISE Project under NELSAP focuses on the sustainable management of peatlands and wetlands in the Nile Equatorial Lakes region, especially in the Kagera Basin shared by Rwanda and Burundi.
It seeks to protect and restore major peatland ecosystems such as the Akanyaru and Nyabarongo wetlands, which are globally important carbon sinks. By conserving these areas, the project contributes significantly to climate change mitigation.
Beyond conservation, PEAT-WISE enhances climate resilience by reducing flood risks and improving water regulation. It promotes sustainable land use practices to counter degradation from drainage, agriculture, burning, and peat extraction, while supporting eco-friendly livelihoods for local communities.
Finally, the project strengthens transboundary cooperation between Rwanda and Burundi, ensuring joint management of shared ecosystems. Overall, PEAT-WISE combines environmental protection, climate resilience, and socio-economic development to safeguard fragile ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
PEAT-WISE was conceived to address the growing threats to peatlands caused by unsustainable practices such as drainage for agriculture, burning, and peat extraction. These activities have led to land degradation, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions. The project recognizes that peatlands are globally significant ecosystems because they store vast amounts of carbon, regulate water flows, and support diverse flora and fauna.
The project's core objectives include:
• Restoration and protection of peatlands in the Akanyaru and Nyabarongo wetlands, which are among the largest peatland complexes in the Nile Basin.
• Climate change mitigation and resilience, by conserving peatlands as carbon sinks and enhancing their role in flood regulation and water storage.
• Sustainable livelihoods development, promoting eco-friendly land use practices that allow local communities to benefit economically while reducing environmental harm.
• Capacity building and policy support, strengthening institutional frameworks in Rwanda and Burundi for transboundary ecosystem management.
• Regional cooperation, fostering collaboration between the two countries to jointly manage shared wetlands and peatlands within the Kagera River Basin.
Expected Impacts
• Environmental: Reduced greenhouse
Safeguard and restore peatlands: Protect and rehabilitate the Akanyaru and Nyabarongo wetlands, which are among the largest peatland ecosystems in the Nile Basin.
• Mitigate climate change: Conserve peatlands as globally significant carbon sinks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Enhance climate resilience: Improve water regulation and reduce flood risks through sustainable ecosystem management.
• Promote sustainable land use: Introduce eco-friendly practices to curb degradation caused by drainage, agriculture, burning, and peat extraction.
• Support community livelihoods: Encourage sustainable economic activities that allow local populations to benefit while preserving ecosystems.
• Strengthen transboundary cooperation: Foster collaboration between Rwanda and Burundi for joint management of shared wetlands and peatlands.