Pascal Sibomana
This project focuses on the conservation of Nymphaea thermarum, a critically endangered water lily endemic to Rwanda and once listed as extinct in the wild by the IUCN. After its rediscovery in 2023 at Mashyuza Hot Spring, urgent action is needed to ensure its survival. The project will establish a translocated population of 100 individuals at Rwasave Fish Ponds, a wetland site that mimics the original habitat. This ex-situ conservation site will serve as a living lab for monitoring plant growth and reproductive biology. Parallel efforts will assess the ecological condition of the original Mashyuza habitat and explore additional potential populations in other hot springs, such as Kinigi and Nyamyumba.
The project also aims to engage local communities through workshops and citizen science training, promoting awareness and stewardship of this unique species. By building local capacity and advocating for legal protection, the initiative seeks to reduce human pressures on N. thermarum’s natural habitat and integrate the species into Rwanda’s broader conservation policies. The project is supported by the Rufford Foundation and will deliver key outcomes including biodiversity data, academic publications, habitat assessments, and a replicable model for the conservation of other threatened plant species in Rwanda.