Modernising tree management: improving Rwanda’s forests through innovative collaboration

The growing threats to our forests and the increasing loss of trees are alarming developments. It is therefore important to invest in the sustainability of vegetation and the growth of trees and plants. In this regard, Rwanda is taking a pioneering role by developing software to support the Rwandan Forestry Department in collaboration with the GovStack initiative and the Ministry of Environment.

The common goal is to improve the health and sustainability of Rwanda’s forests through innovative technologies and strategic partnerships. This innovative approach is promising to address these pressing challenges. But how exactly can this software help?

An innovative tool is to be introduced: the ‘Plantation Tree Tracker. “It is a web-based portal that was established as an outcome management framework for the tree planting campaign”, explains Phocas Mureramanzi, Acting Director of the Tree Seed Unit at Rwanda Forestry Authority. We had the pleasure of speaking to Mr. Mureramanzi about the GovStack collaboration and the Plantation Tree Tracker’s impact for Rwanda. He oversees and coordinates all activities of the Tree Seed Unit Directorate. “My job responsibilities include collection, handling, processing, certifying and packaging of the Tree Reproctive Materials used for reforestation activities.” details Mureramanzi. Additionally, he also ensures the skill development of private nursery operators.

“The Plantation Tree tracker has made my work easier than before as now we can remotely monitor the nurseries across the country and know the number of private operators in seedlings production.” says Mureramanzi. This software simplifies aspects of tree management, from the registration of tree species to the efficient management of tree nurseries and the processing of seedling applications. The software has been developed to support district and sector officers and make their work easier and more effective.

GovStack was the primary developer of the Plantation Tree Tracker. The application utilized the specifications for the GovStack Workflow Building Block. The initiative contributes to the development and implementation: the primary development of the web and sponsoring the training of the master trainers on the Plantation Tree Tracker.

Instead of cumbersome paperwork and manual processes, officers can rely on the Plantation Tree Tracker to streamline their tasks. “It helps the Ministry of Environment and Rwanda Forestry Authority to track all Nurseries and their production capacity within the country and see the progress of tree planting across the country by tracking the available seedling in the government and other partners’ nurseries”, says Mureramanzi.

With just a few clicks, they can quickly register tree species, monitor nursery growth and fulfill seedling requirements. This not only saves a lot of time and resources, but also ensures more accurate and efficient tree management, leading to healthier and more sustainable forests.

The collaboration with 50 officials responsible for managing the trees in their respective areas has been successful. Through training and ongoing support, officials are learning how to best utilize the Plantation Tree Tracker system to better protect and conserve Rwanda’s forests.

Mureramanzi remarks: “I think the future of digital innovation in Forestry in Rwanda is to bring all of the functionalities necessary for each sector of the forest industry into the digital age, but that they also have to be met with practicality and ease of use.” This is precisely what the collaboration with GovStack aims to achieve.

Want to learn more about GovStack’s partnerships in other countries? Take a look at the Global Showcase, where we showcase how GovStack is working with countries around the world to support their digital development. Are you more interested in the technical side? Access the Workflow Building Block specifications.