The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has praised Rwanda’s environmental restoration efforts following her visit to Nyandungu Eco-Park in Kigali, describing it as a model for cities dealing with flooding and climate-related challenges.

During her visit alongside Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye, Botchwey expressed admiration for the transformation of the once-degraded wetland into a thriving urban green space.

“Thank you for the tour to Nyandugu, It is an example for Commonwealth cities dealing with floods and other costly disasters.”

The Nyandungu Eco-Park was officially opened in 2022 after the restoration of a damaged wetland ecosystem.

Once a degraded swamp area, it has been converted into a multifunctional green space that supports recreation, biodiversity, and flood control.

Rwanda has increasingly focused on converting former wetlands and degraded urban zones into eco-parks as part of its climate resilience strategy.

Nyandungu is one of the country’s flagship projects, featuring restored wetlands, forested areas, and habitats for diverse bird and plant species.

The park now attracts growing numbers of visitors each year, with attendance surpassing 100,000 in 2025.

Its revenue has also steadily increased, reflecting its role in both environmental protection and local economic development.

Botchwey’s remarks highlight Rwanda’s growing reputation as a leader in sustainable urban planning, with Nyandungu Eco-Park serving as a regional example of how cities can turn environmental challenges into green opportunities.