Local community knowledge of biodiversity and ecosystem services from Rwanda: motivation for improved community engagement in biodiversity conservation and water resource management

Abstract

Although rivers and wetlands are ecologically important as they provide ecosystem goods and services to humans and other living things, few studies globally have focussed on the knowledge of biodiversity and ecosystem services by local communities to assess how it contributes to biodiversity conservation and water resource management. This research conducted in Nyabarongo and Akagera rivers and their wetlands in Rwanda, aims to fill some of these information gaps. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, field observations and sampling of plants and animals reported by local community members as being of great importance. Results indicate that local community members know different types of ecosystem goods and services, and benefit from different types of natural resources. Twenty-three plant and 56 animal species were found to be of value, based on their perceived socio-economic and environmental importance. Threats to biodiversity and natural resources of studied sites were reported to include agriculture, floods, erosion, and pollution. Law and policy reinforcement coupled with the participatory engagement of all stakeholders including local community members in planning for biodiversity conservation and natural resources management are recommended. Further, the integration of local community knowledge in decision-making is recommended for sustainable biodiversity conservation and water resource management.