Tag: Rugezi Marsh

Rugezi Marsh

Rugezi Marsh is a high-altitude wetland complex located in northern Rwanda, between Lakes Burera and Ruhondo. It forms part of the upper basin of the Nile River and is recognised as a vital ecological and hydrological system. The marsh supports biodiversity, regulates regional water flows, and underpins local livelihoods through agriculture and hydropower.

Key facts
• Location: Between Burera and Ruhondo Lakes, Northern Province, Rwanda
• Area: Approximately 6,700 hectares
• Altitude: Around 2,100 metres above sea level
• Ramsar designation: Since 2005
• Main inflow/outflow: Source region of the Rugezi River (tributary of the Nile)

Ecology and biodiversity

Rugezi Marsh consists of papyrus swamps, sedge beds, and open water channels that provide habitat for diverse flora and fauna. It supports over 40 bird species, including globally threatened ones such as the Grauer’s swamp warbler and papyrus yellow warbler. The wetland also shelters small mammals, amphibians, and a range of aquatic plants that contribute to ecosystem health.

Hydrological significance

The marsh functions as a natural water reservoir, feeding the Rugezi River and sustaining downstream lakes and hydroelectric power plants, including the Ntaruka Hydropower Plant. Its peat and vegetation store water and regulate flows during dry and wet seasons, making it crucial for both flood control and drought resilience.

Conservation and management

Rugezi Marsh suffered significant degradation in the 1990s and early 2000s due to over-cultivation and drainage. Restoration programmes initiated in the mid-2000s by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority and local communities helped recover water levels and biodiversity. It remains a focus area for Rwanda’s wetland protection policy and sustainable resource use initiatives.

Importance for communities

The marsh underpins regional livelihoods through water supply, soil fertility, and potential ecotourism. Its protection is integral to national energy security and climate adaptation efforts, reflecting Rwanda’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability.

Birds commonly spotted at Rugezi Marsh include:
• Grauer’s swamp warbler
• White-winged swamp warbler
• Papyrus canary
• Carruthers’s cisticola
• Grey crowned crane

Rugezi is especially important for birders looking for rare and localized swamp species.