National Target 5: By 2020, at least 50 per cent of natural ecosystems are safeguarded, their degradation and fragmentat

​Natural ecosystems in Rwanda (forests, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and other lands rich in natural resources together with the biodiversity they host have been degraded by deforestation, encroachments, expansion of agricultural activities, human settlements, grazing, illegal logging, and charcoal production. Previous excisions of existing natural areas such as Akagera National Park for resettlement of returnees has reduced the area of natural ecosystems significantly. It is reported that between 1960 and 2007, Rwanda lost 65% of its forest cover (SoE, 2015). This also leads to habitat fragmentation. The key driver of  this has been population growth and dependence on natural resources for livelihoods (SoE, 2015). To reverse this trend, the government has committed to implement measures that safeguard natural ecosystems, reduce their degradation, and fragmentation significantly.