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By Christophe Uwizeyimana
In Rwanda’s green Southern Province, near the iconic Nyungwe National Park, one man has become a symbol of environmental leadership, community empowerment, and sustainable development. Dr. Ange Imanishimwe, born and raised in the Tare Sector of Nyamagabe District, has turned a local calling into a global mission of protecting biodiversity while uplifting communities.
Rooted in Nature, Driven by Purpose
Growing up next to Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s richest biodiversity hotspots, Dr. Ange developed a deep respect for nature. That passion grew into action in 2012, when he began planting indigenous trees species native to Rwanda on degraded land. Today, over 78 hectares have been restored under his leadership.
“We realized that true development can’t happen if we destroy our environment,” he says. “That’s what pushed me to take action.”
That same year, Ange founded BIOCOOR (Biodiversity Conservation Organization), which evolved from a small social enterprise called BIOCOOP. What started as a grassroots initiative is now a nationally respected NGO employing 35 full-time staff and engaging more than 3,200 part-time workers.
Leadership Rooted in Action and Knowledge
Dr. Imanishimwe holds a Ph.D. in Biodiversity Management, a Master’s in Biodiversity Conservation, and a Bachelor’s in Zoology and Conservation, a rare academic combination that strengthens his practical work. His knowledge has been enriched through international training in countries like the U.S., Germany, Sweden, Ethiopia, and Kenya, including programs with The Nature Conservancy and the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley, where he met former U.S. President Barack Obama.
As Country Executive Director of BIOCOOR, he oversees projects that range from conservation biology and climate change mitigation to ecotourism and agroecology. He also consults for both local and international organizations on ecological restoration and sustainable development.
Healing the Land, Healing Communities
Understanding the link between biodiversity loss and poverty, Dr. Imanishimwe has made it his mission to create community-based solutions. His initiative to cultivate medicinal plants and indigenous trees outside Nyungwe Forest has reduced illegal harvesting inside the park. This effort has spread to Nyamagabe, Nyamasheke, Nyaruguru, and Huye, where forest and riverbank restoration efforts are helping to reverse land degradation.
“We look for places where the land has been damaged riverbanks or hillsides and plant trees and grasses to bring life back to the area,” he explains. “This helps protect the soil, bring back wildlife, and even fight climate change.”
Building Sustainable Enterprises
Dr. Imanishimwe has launched a trio of institutions designed to intertwine environmental protection with economic empowerment:
- Nyungwe Conservation Leadership Center: Trains future conservation leaders.
- Nyungwe BioInnovation Center: Supports research and local solutions in biodiversity.
- Nyungwe EcoVillage: A community-led eco-tourism model that attracts visitors while benefiting locals.
He negotiated nearly 1,300,000 USD in grants from partners such as the UNDP, JOA, TROCAIRE, the Commonwealth Foundation, and private investors demonstrating his strategic leadership and fundraising prowess.
Changing Lives, One Story at a Time
His work has changed the lives of many, including Emmanuel Mugendashyamba, a former poacher who now works with BIOCOOR.
“BIOCOOR helped me stop poaching,” says Emmanuel. “Poaching didn’t help us, it was just hurting our future.”
Since its founding, BIOCOOR has paid out over 4 billion Rwandan Francs in salaries, fueling local economies while protecting the environment.
Recognition and Global Leadership
From being named a Top Young Innovator of Rwanda through the YouthConnekt platform to being selected as one of just 18 individuals worldwide for the Kinship Conservation Fellows Program which is being held in Washington State in July 2025, Dr. Imanishimwe’s leadership continues to gain international recognition.
A Visionary for a Greener, Fairer Rwanda
Dr. Ange Imanishimwe is more than a conservationist. He is a bridge between tradition and innovation, ecology and economy, local wisdom and global vision. His life proves that sustainable development is not only possible but deeply impactful when rooted in compassion, science, and community.
“When we protect nature,” he says, “we also protect ourselves and future generations.”https://x.com/biocoor/status/1939032307500818896
