In northern Rwanda, the Green Gicumbi Project is getting international praise not just for planting trees, but for choosing the right ones. While many projects plant eucalyptus because it grows fast, Green Gicumbi is doing something different they are planting native trees that belong to the area. This helps protect nature and supports a healthy environment for the future.

The trees they are planting include Umuhumuro (Maesopsis eminii) and Umufu (Podocarpus usambarensis or falcatus). These trees are important because they help fix damaged land, improve soil, keep water flowing properly, and give animals a place to live. Unlike foreign trees, native trees fit well with local nature and don’t cause harm to the environment.

Local people are playing a big role in the project. They help collect seeds, grow the baby trees, and plant them on hills and near rivers. This not only helps protect the land but also gives people jobs and teaches them about caring for nature. Because the community is involved, the trees are more likely to survive and grow.

As the world faces problems like climate change and loss of wildlife, Green Gicumbi is showing a better way to plant forests. By using native trees and including local people, the project is giving hope and setting an example that other countries can learn from.