Evaluating buffer zones’ efficiency for conservation and restoration of Gishwati forest reserve in Rwanda

The conservation and restoration of degraded ecosystems, exemplified by Rwanda's Gishwati Forest, are vital for preserving biodiversity, maintaining ecological balance, and ensuring sustainable resource utilization. This study aims to evaluate the impact of buffer zone implementation on the restoration and conservation of Gishwati Forest Reserve, comparing its status before and after buffer zone establishment. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combined Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis of land use/land cover (LULC) changes with questionnaires (360 respondents) and interviews (40 respondents) of local community members, capturing their targeted responses, aimed at gathering data to answer the research questions. It was found that before buffer zone implementation, the Gishwati Forest suffered severe change due to agricultural encroachment, deforestation, Nonetheless, the GIS technique analysis revealed a significant reduction in agricultural area, where Forestland experienced a substantial gain, increasing by 268.6 hectares over the 20-year period, with Cropland experiencing a significant decrease, hovering to the other side, with a total loss of 422.02 hectares, indicating successful restoration efforts. Moreover, survey results show a marked improvement in community perceptions of the forest post-implementation, with 94% of respondents describing it as "very degraded" or "degraded" before the intervention, and 74% ascertain observing improvements afterward. A buffer zone design that integrates concentric rings reflecting increasing ecological protection, stakeholder involvement in planning and robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks, aiming to enhance sustainability and ensure the long-term protection of Gishwati Forest was proposed. The study concludes that buffer zones are instrumental in reversing forest degradation and fostering ecological resilience in Gishwati Forest. To enhance the sustainability of conservation efforts, the study recommends adopting comprehensive buffer zone designs that include continuous community engagement, strict enforcement of conservation regulations, and adaptive management practices informed by regular monitoring and evaluation.