Application of Geospatial Techniques for Monitoring Gikondo Wetland Management: from Industrial Park to Eco-Tourism Park

Abstract— For several years, Gikondo Wetland has been serving as home for industries, warehouses, garages, and was critically degraded by various anthropogenic activities since its establishment as industrial park in 1960s. The objective of this study is to analyse quantitatively and qualitatively the dynamics of Gikondo Wetland degradation and its rehabilitation progress from industrial to eco-tourism Park. Geo spatial techniques (GIS and Remote Sensing) have been used to analyse changes induced by management techniques from 1987 to 2019. Results show that wetland area has reduced from 32.03% (1987) up to 25.70% (2010) indicating its degradation due to the increase of built up areas and bareland over the wetland area. From 2010 to 2019, the area of wetland has increased. This positive change of land cover is indicating a good progress of Gikondo wetland restoration process. Continuing reinforcement of national legal framework is required and the implantation of development programs should be done with minimum tradeoffs in order to achieve the transformation of this former industrial park into an eco-tourism park. Rehabilitation process should consider wetland functions, services, and replacement options for achieving sustainable use and management of wetlands in Rwanda.