Discovering Rwanda's Geodiversity: A Field Trip across Musanze and Burera Districts

From October 16th to 18th, a group of about 30 experts was invited to join us on a field trip through Musanze and Burera District, to celebrate the International Geodiversity Day. The two-day trip took us to some of the most geologically and culturally significant spots in Rwanda: Musanze Caves, the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, and the Rugezi Marsh. Each location not only showcased incredible natural beauty but also represented important aspects of Rwanda’s geological heritage. This year’s theme, 'Conserving the Past, Sustaining the Future,' highlighted the importance of protecting these remarkable landscapes. ?

But this field trip wasn’t just about celebrating Geodiversity Day—it was also part of Rwanda’s effort to establish a UNESCO Global Geopark. UNESCO Global Geoparks are integral to UNESCO’s mission to promote the sustainable conservation of Earth's geological resources. These designated sites are single, unified geographical areas, with sites and landscapes of international geological significance, which not only focus on geology, but also highlight the interconnections between biodiversity, cultural heritage, and the involvement of local communities.

The group included geologists, conservationists, ecologists, local economists and key figures from locally operation organizations and institutions. Our diverse backgrounds allowed us to look at the sites from multiple perspectives, enriching our understanding of their significance. As we explored each landscape, we were encouraged to observe carefully, ask questions, and think about the diverse and stunning heritage these sites provide for Rwanda.

DAY ONE: Twin Lakes and Rugezi Marsh

We kicked off the trip with a visit to the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, located near the Virunga volcanoes. These lakes were formed by volcanic activity and are an important area for the surrounding communities. We began by visiting the first of the Twin Lakes, which, unlike the other, holds no life. This lifeless lake, however, is highly regarded by the local community, that for example engages in ecotourism and its serene beauty provided a peaceful setting for reflection.

Next, we made our way to the Rugezi Marsh, a large, protected wetland that stretches across the two districts Burera and Gicumbi. Rugezi Marsh is a unique and important ecosystem where functionality or dysfunction has large local, regional and global consequences. Until 2009, Rugezi Marsh faced illegal agricultural activities, livestock grazing and poaching. Today, the wetland has been restored and the water levels are back to their original levels. At the marsh, we met with the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA), a local organization doing amazing work to protect the wetlands and their wildlife, including the endangered Grey Crowned Cranes. We were lucky enough to see some of these beautiful birds in their natural habitat and learn more about the efforts to keep this ecosystem thriving.

On our way, we stopped at a traditional Rwandan blessing tree—a type of tree believed to bring loved ones together in marriage and bring good luck to passing travelers. It was a nice reminder of how nature and culture are deeply connected in Rwanda. As we drove through the scenic landscape, we had the chance to talk about what we were seeing, from the towering stone formations along the roadside to the stunning views of the Twin Lakes to the wide range of medicinal plants, that we encountered on our stops. We engaged in lively discussions about the places we visited, their significance and our observations. The geological history of this area is fascinating and seeing it up close sparked lots of conversation among the group about how these sites have evolved over time.

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After that, we visited the Ntaruka Hydropower Plant, located between the Marsh and the twin Lakes. The plant plays a crucial role in supplying energy to the local community and is a perfect example of how natural resources can be used in a sustainable way. Seeing how the lakes and wetlands work together to support both nature and human needs was a real highlight of the day.

As we continued our trip, heading to the second twin lake, we stopped by a community project initiated by RWCA. As one of several community projects that protect the wetlands through education and guidance, this project focused on helping women in the area develop new skills, like making handicrafts, so they can earn a living in ways that don’t harm the marshlands. It was inspiring to see how environmental conservation and local development can go hand in hand.

At the end of the day, we visited the point where the two Twin Lakes meet, the very spot that gives them their name. Despite the darkness setting in, the moonlight reflecting on the water created a truly magical moment, providing a perfect conclusion to our first day in the field. As we reflected on the day’s experiences, we felt a deep sense of pride in these remarkable sites and their significance to Rwanda. We are eager to propose their designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark, which would not only raise their international visibility but also promote ecotourism, support sustainable economic development, and reinforce ongoing conservation efforts. The group unanimously recognized the rich heritage these landscapes hold, both for Rwanda and for the world.

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Read our second Article on day two!