Ecological principles in Conservation Planning

Evaluation of upgrade of the Cross-Border Roads Southwestern lot

in Rusizi and Nyaruguru districts, Rwanda

Presented by: Abenego D. Manston & Eliezer Scharlat

Introduction

Transportation infrastructure is an essential piece of a functioning modern economy and society,

providing increased connectivity for commerce and social development. Along with this, the construction

and presence of transportation infrastructure impacts the surrounding ecology in significant ways. Roads

are an essential component of transport infrastructure that have marked and often undesirable ecological

effects- causing habitat fragmentation and isolation of populations, which in turn reduces biodiversity

and leads to a less robust ecosystem. Abiotic factors such as hydrological patterns can be also impacted

by roads, leading to further, often undesirable, habitat modification. Additionally, indirect consequences

of road construction such as light and noise pollution, as well as various types or run-off and particulates,

further disrupt wildlife and contaminate the adjacent ecosystems. Considering these concerns, along with

the social and economic necessity of road infrastructure expansion and improvement, the discipline of

“Road Ecology” aims to utilize a multidisciplinary approach, with a focus on the cumulative ecological

effects of road systems, to mitigate and manage these deleterious effects and prevent catastrophic

biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse.1

The Cross Border Project can be understood within the analytical framework of “Road Ecology,”

whereby economic and policy factors are integrated with the ecological considerations and mitigation

strategies that are particular to roads and road systems. The project is a proposed enhancement of roads to

chip seal, along with road widening and the construction of requisite bridges, drains, and culverts in
southwestern part of Rwanda, in the districts of Rusizi and Nyaruguru. Rusizi District is situated along

the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) & Burundi while Nyaruguru District is located

further east, adjacent to Rusizi (Appendix 1).

The project's road construction will span across these districts, connecting various communities and

facilitating cross-border trade and movement in an area where trade and transport are significant

contributors to the economy, together accounting for 16% of Rwanda’s GDP as of 2022. 2 The route of the

road is designed to enhance connectivity between Rwanda and its neighboring countries, promoting

regional integration and economic growth.3

The road will pass through diverse landscapes, including forests, rural settlements, agricultural areas, and

sensitive ecological sites. It will traverse the natural environment in both districts, with specific sections

running through important forested areas (Appendix 2).

The forests within the project's vicinity hold significant ecological importance, particularly Nyungwe

Forest, contributing to the overall biodiversity and ecosystem functioning of the region. These forests

provide habitats for numerous plant and animal species, contribute to water regulation, soil conservation,

and carbon sequestration, and support the livelihoods of local communities who rely on forest resources. 4

Understanding the location and ecological context of the project is crucial for comprehending the

implications of the conducted Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA). Against this

backdrop, the objective of this evaluation is to scrutinize the ESIA planning document and identify

shortcomings pertaining to ecological principles in spatial conservation. This assessment aims to shed

light on how the ESIA aligns with ecological considerations and evaluate its effectiveness in

safeguarding the ecological integrity of the region. By critically examining the ESIA in relation to

ecological principles, we can identify areas that require improvement and suggest measures to enhance

the ecological outcomes of the project.

Ecology of the Project Area

The diverse ecology of Nyungwe Forest encompasses Afromontane forests, bamboo slopes, grasslands,

and wetlands. The forest's canopy shelters epiphytic plants, while bamboo thickets provide food and

shelter for animals like gorillas and elephants. Open grasslands attract grazing species and specialized

birds like the Grauer's swamp warbler. Wetlands serve as water sources and breeding grounds for

amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Ecological interactions include pollination by insects like bees and

butterflies. These interactions sustain the intricate web of life in the forest, with plants providing food and

habitat for various animals, and animals playing roles in seed dispersal and ecosystem balance.
Biodiversity of Nyungwe forest

Nyungwe National Park, situated near the project site, is a biodiversity hotspot in Africa. Housing one of

the largest populations of endemic species on the continent, its ecological richness is unparalleled. Of the

86 mammal species present, 14 are endemic to the Albertine Rift. 5 The forest harbors an astounding 14

primate species, including sizeable troops of colobus monkeys that can number over 300 individuals.

Ornithologists find Nyungwe particularly captivating, with 280 bird species, including 26 Albertine Rift

endemics. Moreover, the park has 43 reptile species, 31 amphibian species, and an extensive array of

invertebrates, notably including an abundant butterfly population with 21 endemic species. The flora is

also diverse, with over 1100 species, 137 of which are endemic. This exceptional biodiversity makes

Nyungwe an invaluable ecological sanctuary.

Ecological importance of the site:

Nyungwe Forest holds immense ecological importance. It conserves biodiversity, including endemic and

threatened species, contributing to global conservation efforts. The forest acts as a carbon sink, regulating

climate and mitigating global warming. It serves as a water catchment area, regulating flow and purifying

freshwater sources. Nyungwe prevents soil erosion, maintains agricultural productivity, and provides
vital habitat for diverse organisms. Its cultural significance and ecotourism value further highlight its

ecological significance.

Ecological measurement of baseline:

Regarding the collection of ecological data, the methodology involved a combination of desktop studies

and field surveys. A desktop study was conducted to review publicly available scientific publications on

the ecology and biodiversity of the project area. Walk-through surveys were also carried out across the

proposed project site to observe and record plant and animal species. To this end, a non-random sampling

procedure of convenience sample was used in the entirety of the project area.
Expected effect of development:

1. Habitat Fragmentation: The road is expected to fragment and divide habitats into smaller patches,

making it difficult for species to find mates, food, or migrate and exchange gene.

2. Habitat Loss: The road construction process will lead to clearing vegetation, which directly results in

habitat loss. This can be particularly detrimental for species that rely on specific habitats.

3. Pollution: The road construction and use of roads will lead to air, water, and light pollution, which may

threaten the local habitat.

Suggested mitigation measures:

1. Habitat Fragmentation: To mitigate potential impacts arising from this, the consultants deemed it

prudent to conduct a study of animal crossing paths. Based on this information, speed limit infrastructure

such as road signs and design will be established for vehicles traversing the road.

2. Habitat Loss: Restoring the lost trees that were cut due to road construction.

3. Pollution: Use construction methods and materials that minimize pollution. Implement runoff controls

to prevent contamination of water bodies, and regularly maintain roads to reduce pollutant runoff.

View on what was done:

Overall, the planning document appears to have been well executed, however there are concerns

regarding the prioritization of social-economic issues over ecological ones. The project does

acknowledge the potential negative impacts on the sensitive ecosystem, such as deforestation, soil

erosion, and air pollution, which pose a threat to the local ecosystem, and raises concerns about these

issues as major threats arising from the development project that could affect the local ecosystem of the

area.
However, there are significant aspects that were not addressed and/or not adequately addressed in the

planning document. While the project recognizes the loss of habitat and plant species, proposing

reforestation as a solution, it overlooks the potential impact on fauna mortality. Additionally, it does not

specify any of the animals that would be at risk of habitat lost.

Another issue that was inadequately addressed in the assessment was the potential increase in species

fragmentation caused by the widening of the roads and road related infrastructure (ditches, etc.) and the

expected increase in traffic. The proposed mitigation method for this issue is the assessment of existing

animal crossings and the adjustment of road speed design and/or road speed signage. This mitigation

solution does not directly address the issue of the increased physical barrier that the renewed roads pose,

and updated speed signs and even road design to regulate vehicular speed is not reliable and is dependent

on external factors such as speed limit enforcement, that may not be sufficient in all or parts of the project

area, especially considering that non-compliance with traffic regulations is a significant issue in general

and in many African countries, including Rwanda. The construction of additional crossings and/or the

upgrading and widening of existing crossings would be a more direct mitigation strategy and is an

effective method for increasing species movement, albeit with cost-effectiveness related drawbacks. 6,7

Furthermore, the document does adequately address invasive species and the migration of people around

the project site. Introducing and spreading invasive species can have detrimental effects on local
biodiversity. This oversight is a significant concern that should have been addressed within the planning

document. As well, influx of people to establish new livelihood will likely impact the local ecology.

Additionally, the planning document relies heavily on-site visits, literature reviews, and surveys as the

primary means of collecting information on biodiversity. While these methods can provide some start-up

points for systematic conservation, they may not offer a true quantification of biodiversity. As well, the

sampling method used was non-random convenience sampling. Although the use of non-random

convenience sampling is understandable given the scope of the project and the logistical constraints, it is

a sampling method that is subject to significant bias and may thus may not accurately represent the

populations of flora and fauna sampled in the assessment.8

Preparing an improved ecological evaluation:

To provide an enhanced ecological evaluation of the project, a systematic conservation approach is

needed. Systematic conservation entails recognizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the need

to conserve them as integrated systems rather than isolated fragments. The first step in systematic

conservation is to compile relevant data, which can be achieved through methods such as literature

reviews, surveys, and site visits. It is important to note that the methodology followed in this evaluation

to establish the baseline condition of biodiversity should follow a similar pattern. Therefore, it is vital to

consider the existing method of data collection since it presents the first stage of systematic conservation.

To improve the evaluation, it is important to use reliable biodiversity surrogates that accurately represent

the conservation needs and patterns of other species or ecosystems of interest. Some important surrogates

to consider are focal species and taxonomic indicators. Focal species, such as umbrella species or

keystone species, can effectively quantify diversity and provide insights into overall ecosystem health.

Umbrella species, which require large habitats, indirectly protect other species by conserving their shared

environment. Monitoring these species provides insights into the overall health of the ecosystem.

Similarly, keystone species, with their significant impact on the environment, offer valuable information

on ecological processes and spatial dynamics. By studying focal species, we gain knowledge about
habitat quality, connectivity, and ecological integrity, enabling targeted data collection and informed

decision-making. By focusing on the preservation of focal species, we ensure the protection of critical

habitats and ecological functions, benefiting a wide range of species.

In addition, the use of taxonomic indicators, such as indicator taxa or higher taxa, would have enriched

the data collection process. These indicators provide valuable insights into the overall health and

functioning of the ecosystem by focusing on specific groups of species that are sensitive or indicative of

environmental conditions. By incorporating taxonomic indicators, a broader spectrum of biodiversity and

ecosystem dynamics could have been captured. Indicator taxa or higher taxa can serve as representative
groups that reflect the diversity and ecological interactions within the ecosystem. They provide valuable

information on the presence, abundance, and behavior of species within these groups, enabling a more

accurate assessment of the ecosystem's overall health and integrity.

Also, the integration of random sampling methods, at least in the particularly ecologically important areas

such as Nyungwe Forest, would provide a more representative picture of the flora and fauna in the areas

most likely to be impacted by the project. Sampling done based on the ecological parameters of relevant

indicators would also allow for incorporation of a strategy of complementarity, which could inform the

construction procedures as well as mitigation strategies across the project, to preserve complementary

sites and allow for maximum biodiversity conservation.

Conclusion

The Cross Border project represents a relatively comprehensive although incomplete assessment plan for

the construction and ecological planning of a critical infrastructure project. By incorporating the use of

biodiversity indicators, random sampling in ecologically relevant areas and considering complementarity,

the evaluation would have been more robust, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the

project's ecological impact and informing effective conservation planning.

 References

1. Coffin, Alisa. “From Roadkill to Road Ecology: A Review of the Ecological

Effects of Roads.” Journal of Transport Geography, 5 Oct. 2021,
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cal_effects_of_roads.

2. “Statistical Report.” GDP National Accounts, 2022 | National Institute of

StatisticsRwanda, statistics.gov.rw/publication/1914. Accessed 20 June 2023.

3. African Development Bank, www.afdb.org/sites/default/files/esia_for_the_cross-

border_roads_south_western_lot_131.046_km_in_rusizi_and_nyaruguru_districts.pdf.
Accessed 21 June 2023.

4. “Wild Places Nyungwe.” WCS Rwanda,

rwanda.wcs.org/Wild-Places/Nyungwe.aspx. Accessed 20 June 2023.

5. Biodiversity Surveys of the Nyungwe Forest Reserve in S.W ,

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Effectiveness.” Conservation Biology, vol. 24, no. 3, 2010, pp. 660–668,
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2010.01450.x.

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Crossings in a Highly Fragmented Landscape: A Multi-Method Approach - Landscape
Ecology.” SpringerLink, 9 June 2020, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10980-020-01047-
z.

8. “Convenience Sampling.” Convenience Sampling - an Overview | ScienceDirect

Topics, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/convenience-sampling.
Accessed 20 June 2023.