In a remarkable personal initiative, Claude Mushimiyimana, a 25-year-old Rwandan student, has planted 2,470 trees along the Kivu Belt Road in Nyamasheke District, Western Rwanda. He is calling on fellow youth to join the fight against climate change through simple, impactful actions.
Claude, a university student at RP Kitabi College, Rusizi Campus, where he studies Biodiversity Conservation, decided to take action by protecting the environment beyond the classroom. His journey began with a simple act of caring for existing roadside trees, but quickly grew into something much bigger.
“I started by clearing and maintaining the trees that were already planted along the road on November 3, 2024. But I soon realized that wasn’t enough, so I began planting new ones,” he said.
Between the 4 to 5 kilometer stretch of the Kivu Belt Road in Kirimbi Sector, Claude has now planted 2,470 trees. Of these, 1,035 were planted along the roadside, while another 1,435 were added near drainage ditches and water channels.
At first, Claude faced discouragement from people around him who did not understand why he was doing it.
“Many people doubted me at first. But now, they’re seeing the benefits. Some of them have even asked me to help them get seedlings so they can plant trees on their farms,” he added.
Claude says he has no financial capability or sponsorship. He receives seedlings from the Rwandan Red Cross tree nursery and does the labor himself. With no car or large tools, he uses his bicycle to transport the seedlings, digs the holes by hand, and spends time doing the work he enjoys most.
“This isn’t about money. I use my own energy and time. I start at 7:00 a.m. and sometimes I work until 6:00 p.m. I want to show people that serving your country doesn’t mean waiting until you’re rich or after having solved all your personal problems. It’s about sacrifice.” Claude emphasizes.
He urges young people across Rwanda to contribute to environmental protection in tangible ways, especially by planting trees to combat the effects of climate change.
“Planting a tree may seem small, but it has a huge impact. It purifies our air, reduces climate change, and contributes to both the economy and community wellbeing,” he adds.
With no formal tree nursery of his own, Claude remains undeterred by the heat or the hard work, staying focused on his vision of a greener Rwanda.
