Rwanda is finalizing a ministerial order to protect hundreds of ancient native trees, known as legacy trees, based on their ecological and cultural value. These indigenous species are critical for biodiversity and store significantly more carbon than exotic alternatives, such as Grevillea. Beyond carbon sequestration, the initiative aims to restore 17 endangered tree species and protect existing old growth from threats like urbanization and charcoal production. This effort is part of a larger national strategy to restore two million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
