Rwanda’s Wilderness Sabyinyo and SACOLA reach 50,000‑tree milestone
Wilderness Sabyinyo, Rwanda’s first community‑owned lodge, and the Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA) planted nearly 17,000 indigenous trees and shrubs towards the end of 2025 across the lodge’s property in the Virunga Massif, bringing total plantings to 50,000. The reforestation effort strengthens community‑led conservation tourism and supports ecosystem restoration in a key conservation landscape.
The initiative prioritises indigenous species to restore ecological balance, enrich soils, improve water retention and increase habitat diversity for local wildlife. Wilderness Sabyinyo General Manager Eric Dushime described the progress as “a significant milestone”, highlighting the model’s role in aligning environmental protection with sustainable tourism and community benefit.
Source: Wilderness Destination
