How Rwanda Uses Climate Tech to BoostReforestation and Improve Tree Survival
Rwanda is turning to technology to address a key challenge in reforestation: keeping newly planted trees alive. With survival rates for planted forests averaging just 64 percent—and in some cases dropping as low as 30 percent—scientists and ICT experts are creating digital tools to improve monitoring, accountability, and long-term forest health.
One of the leading innovations is the Ecoforest Climate Tech Platform, a digital monitoring, reporting, and verification (dMRV) system that assigns each tree a unique “digital file.” The platform tracks growth, health, and survival using GPS data, field updates, and satellite imagery. “Planting a tree is one thing; ensuring it survives and captures carbon long-term is another,” said project lead Amudala Museme. Farmers and field agents can update data via mobile apps or USSD, while organizations access results through online dashboards.
The Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA) is also developing a national forest monitoring and evaluation system and a new master plan to improve management and detect carbon storage. Rwanda aims to plant 300 million trees by 2029, supported by a national carbon registry to track emission reductions. By combining technology and sustainability, Rwanda is ensuring that every tree planted truly counts for the planet.
Rwanda is turning to technology to address a key challenge in reforestation: keeping newly planted trees alive. With survival rates for planted forests averaging just 64 percent—and in some cases dropping as low as 30 percent—scientists and ICT experts are creating digital tools to improve monitoring, accountability, and long-term forest health.
One of the leading innovations is the Ecoforest Climate Tech Platform, a digital monitoring, reporting, and verification (dMRV) system that assigns each tree a unique “digital file.” The platform tracks growth, health, and survival using GPS data, field updates, and satellite imagery. “Planting a tree is one thing; ensuring it survives and captures carbon long-term is another,” said project lead Amudala Museme. Farmers and field agents can update data via mobile apps or USSD, while organizations access results through online dashboards.
The Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA) is also developing a national forest monitoring and evaluation system and a new master plan to improve management and detect carbon storage. Rwanda aims to plant 300 million trees by 2029, supported by a national carbon registry to track emission reductions. By combining technology and sustainability, Rwanda is ensuring that every tree planted truly counts for the planet.
Sources: Africalix and Rwanda New Times
