Urban Wetland Restoration and Its Impact on the Ecological and Socioeconomic Benefits. A Case Study of Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park in Rwanda (2016-2024)

A wetland is a vital ecosystem characterised by its water-saturated conditions, either permanently or seasonally. It includes areas such as swamps, marshes, and bogs, which support diverse plant and animal life that has adapted to these unique conditions. This study examined "Urban Wetland Restoration and Its Impact on the Ecological and Socioeconomic Benefits: A Case Study of Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park in Rwanda (2016-2024)." The study employed a mixed-methods approach to assess the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park’s wetland restoration (2016–2024). Quantitative surveys captured visitor experiences, spending patterns, and environmental awareness, alongside local community perceptions of benefits, enabling analysis of social and economic outcomes. Semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (park managers, officials, experts, and community leaders) provided qualitative insights into management challenges, conservation strategies, and plans. Secondary data, academic literature, government reports, and environmental studies contextualised the findings, while remote sensing (2016 vs. 2024 orthophotos) quantified ecological changes. This triangulation of primary and secondary sources ensured a holistic evaluation of restoration impacts. The results demonstrated that the Nyandungu wetland restoration project successfully transformed a degraded area into a thriving ecosystem. Key statistics highlight this transformation: the reintroduction of 62 native plant species, the planting of 17,000 indigenous trees, and the establishment of habitats for over 100 bird species. Furthermore, the project created approximately 4,000 green jobs, with 50% of the local population perceiving improvements. Correlation analysis reveals strong positive relationships between restoration efforts and ecological (r=0.87-0.95), economic (r=0.76-0.82), and social dimensions (r=0.72-0.79), all with statistical significance (p≤0.05). The findings offer critical insights into the multidimensional impacts of urban wetland restoration, demonstrating the potential of such interventions to simultaneously address community development objectives. By focusing on the Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable urban ecosystem management and provides valuable recommendations for future wetland restoration efforts in Rwanda and similar contexts.