The Ecopark as a Model for Urban Health and Environmental Restoration
Nestled between the busy roads of Kigali’s Remera and Ndera sectors, Nyandungu Ecopark feels like another world. The air is cleaner here, softer somehow. The city noise fades into the rustle of papyrus and the slow chirping of birds, and the only traffic comes from walkers and cyclists tracing the park’s winding trails.
Yet this quiet stretch of restored wetland represents something far larger than a weekend escape. Nyandungu Ecopark is turning out to be the clearest expression of Rwanda’s vision to build cities that breathe, urban environments designed not just for movement and commerce but also for health, climate resilience, and human well-being.
Under the Kigali City Master Plan and Vision 2050, Rwanda aims to dedicate at least 25 percent of Kigali’s surface area to green space, part of a broader national push to integrate ecological restoration and public health.
Officially opened in 2022, Nyandungu is the first fully developed urban wetland ecopark in the country, a living demonstration of how environmental planning can directly support physical and mental health.
Healing by Design
When you walk through Nyandungu, the first thing that stands out is how deliberately it has been designed to promote calm and movement in equal measure. There are ten kilometres of walking and cycling tracks, shaded benches tucked into quiet corners, birdwatching decks, and a medicinal garden featuring more than 70 indigenous plant species once used in traditional healing.
“These are not random details,” said Ildephonse Kambogo, who oversees operations at the park. “A visit to Nyandungu is itself linked to mental and physical well-being. When people come here, they breathe clean air, they walk or run, they learn about biodiversity, and they find peace away from the city’s noise. It’s a healing place.”
The park is a result of years of collaboration between the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), the Ministry of Environment, and partners including the Green Climate Fund and the European Union. What was once a degraded, flood-prone wetland choked by waste and informal farming has been transformed into a 121-hectare green sanctuary balancing conservation, recreation, and education.
According to REMA, Nyandungu is part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to restore degraded wetlands across Kigali and to create ecoparks in all major districts as natural buffers against urban flooding, rising temperatures, and stress-related illnesses. But beyond its ecological purpose, the park’s managers and frequent visitors are increasingly recognizing its therapeutic value.
Reviving Indigenous Plants
Nyandungu Ecopark in Kigali hosts several indigenous medicinal trees that reflect Rwanda’s rich tradition of natural healing. Among them are Kigelia africana (Umuvungavungo), the sausage tree, whose fruits and bark are traditionally used to treat skin problems and wounds; Ficus ovata (Umurehe), a fig tree whose bark and roots serve in remedies for digestive and respiratory issues; and Markhamia lutea (Umusave), valued both for timber and for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
These species are carefully arranged within the park’s medicinal garden, a space designed to preserve indigenous plant knowledge while offering visitors an opportunity to learn, engage, and reflect. By combining education, conservation, and wellness, the garden not only showcases Rwanda’s botanical heritage but also supports the broader goal of mental and physical well-being.
A Sanctuary for Mental Health
“When you walk here, you don’t just see trees, you start listening to yourself,” Kambogo said. “We’ve seen visitors come just to find a private corner to sit and think. Some meditate for hours, and when they leave, they tell us, ‘I feel lighter, calmer, better.’” He recalls visitors who request more private sitting areas for meditation and reflection. The park has responded by training guides to help visitors understand the cultural and historical significance of different trees and plants, many of which carry symbolic meaning in Rwandan tradition.
“Some of the trees here were used in ancient Rwanda to resolve community conflicts or to mark boundaries,” he explained. “When older visitors see them, they remember their childhood. It brings comfort and connection. That’s also healing.” The Medicinal Garden is a favourite spot for both locals and tourists, showcasing plants once used by traditional healers for ailments ranging from respiratory conditions to skin infections and anxiety.
Accessibility and Inclusion
While Nyandungu’s terrain is largely natural, the park’s management has paid close attention to accessibility. Some trails have gentle slopes and smooth surfaces suitable for wheelchairs or buggies. “For visitors who can’t walk or bike, we’ve introduced electric buggies so they can still explore comfortably,” Kambogo said. “We also have guides who assist people with mobility challenges so that everyone can enjoy the park equally.”
He added that Nyandungu is in the process of introducing a first aid and wellness room for visitors who may experience fatigue, dizziness, or other mild health issues. “We’re setting up a small medical space with basic equipment—first aid kits, a bed, a resting area,” he said. “If someone feels unwell, they can recover before heading home. It’s part of our plan to make Nyandungu a full wellness destination.” A larger Visitor Centre is also being built, designed to combine conservation education with comfort and health safety.
Prescribing Nature
While urban green spaces have long been valued for recreation, doctors in Kigali are increasingly recognising them as legitimate tools for public health. According to Dr. Concorde Ishimwe, Chief Medical Officer at Muhima Hospital, activities like walking and cycling in green environments have measurable health benefits. “For patients with chronic diseases—those who live with conditions like hypertension or diabetes—regular walking is essential,” he said. “But walking in nature adds something extra. It helps lower stress hormones, improves blood circulation, and strengthens the immune system.”
Nyandungu Ecopark stands as a testament to Rwanda’s commitment to integrating health and environmental sustainability, offering a model for urban planning that prioritizes both ecological integrity and the well-being of its citizens.
Key Points
- Nyandungu Ecopark is Rwanda's first fully developed urban wetland ecopark.
- The park aims to promote health and well-being through green spaces.
- It features a medicinal garden with over 70 indigenous plant species.
- Accessibility measures include electric buggies and wheelchair-friendly paths.
- Doctors recognize the health benefits of activities in green environments.
Sources: How Nyandungu is Leading Rwanda’s Long-Term Vision to Use Green Spaces for Health and Well-Being