The Ministries of Health and Environment in Rwanda have jointly launched an ambitious tree-planting initiative aimed at transforming hospital surroundings into vibrant green spaces, promoting environmental conservation, and improving health outcomes.
Introducing the Green Hospital Initiative in Bugesera District on November 25, the project sets the target of planting up to two million trees in and around all hospitals and over 1,500 other health facilities across the country.
This significant undertaking coincided with the monthly community work Umuganda and saw the participation of officials from both ministries and their partners, resulting in the planting of over 1,400 trees around Ntarama Health Centre in Bugesera.
Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, the Minister of Health, emphasized the long journey ahead, stating, “So far, we have planted up to 20,000 trees countrywide, and we want to achieve two million trees.”
The Green Hospital Initiative, a collaborative effort between @EnvironmentRw and @RwandaHealth, endeavors to transform health facilities into green spaces, promoting both environmental conservation and improved health outcomes. The Ministry of Health highlighted that the project aligns with the government’s commitment to the well-being of the Rwandan population and the preservation of the environment, acknowledging nature’s positive impact on patient health and environmental quality.
Dr. Nsanzimana stressed, “Research shows that having trees and gardens in hospitals has a significant impact on patients’ recovery. It has been proven that patients in health facilities with ample garden spaces are discharged two days earlier than those in less green facilities.”
This tree planting initiative is launched amidst the Rwandan government’s efforts to address climate change and mitigate extreme weather events. With a plan to plant up to 63 million indigenous and exotic trees by the end of 2023, Rwanda aims to participate in the global carbon market.
In November 2022, Rwanda unveiled Ireme Invest, a climate investment fund mobilizing financing for innovative projects in clean energy, smart mobility, sustainable cities, climate-smart agriculture, increased forest cover, waste management, and the circular economy.
Rwanda’s 10-year climate action plan targets the reduction of an estimated total of 4.6 million tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030, amounting to a 38% decrease achieved through various interventions, including those in the forestry sector.
Not only does the country stand to gain climate and health benefits from this initiative, but tree planting also addresses soil erosion, a significant concern in Rwanda where agriculture plays a pivotal role in the economy.
