Friends of Environmental and Social Development Organization (F.E.S.D non-profit making organization established in 2018 by 33 members activists in promoting social development and environment protection. It’s recognized by Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), with certificate of Registration number 898/RGB/NGO/LP/04/2023.

FESD PROFILE :
Contact Information :
• Tel : +250788532211
• E-mail : fesd2021@gmail.com, info@fesd2018.org
• Website : www.fesd2018.org
• Social Media :
o Facebook : FESD Organization
o Twitter : @fesd1978
o LinkedIn : FESD Organization
Overview :
Friends of Environment and Social Development (FESD) is a Rwandan non-profit organization established in 2018, with legal personality number 898-RGB/NGO/LP/04/2023. It is based in Gihundwe Sector, Rusizi District, Rwanda, and officially represented by Managing Director Mr. Séraphin MUNYANTORE. FESD was founded to address pressing environmental and social challenges such as climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, inappropriate agricultural practices, and desertification, while promoting sustainable development in Rwanda.
Members and Structure :
FESD consists of 33 active members, with roles structured across various organizational levels including the Board of Directors, Technical Committees (Tender, Audit, Conflict Resolution), Executive Direction, Project Management, Accountancy, and Agronomy. These members work under the General Assembly to steer the organization’s initiatives.
Mission :
FESD aims to design and implement life-changing development programs and livelihood schemes that mitigate environmental degradation, address climate change risks, and reduce poverty. The organization works in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure sustainable development.
Vision :
To be a leading organization in Rwanda for social development and environmental protection, fostering sustainable, eco-friendly communities that balance environmental stewardship and economic well-being.
Objectives :
FESD’s main objectives are :
1. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation : Developing strategies to reduce climate change impacts and help communities adapt.
2. Sustainable Agriculture : Promoting environmentally friendly, modern, and productive agricultural activities such as agroforestry, improved animal husbandry, and apiculture.
3. Natural Resource Conservation : Supporting eco-friendly businesses and promoting technologies for energy-efficient household use.
4. Social Development Services : Establishing programs to enhance basic education, healthcare, water supply, and agricultural innovations, particularly benefiting children and women.
5. Income Generation Schemes : Introducing and supporting viable income generation activities for women and vulnerable community members.
Key Focus Areas :
1. Environmental Protection : Combat climate change by planting trees, promoting sustainable agriculture, and conducting awareness programs.
2. Community Empowerment : Provide livelihood opportunities through environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
3. Poverty Reduction : Implement initiatives that support food security and create income-generating opportunities.
4. Education and Awareness : Educate youth, schools, and communities about environmental protection and sustainable development through environmental clubs in schools.
Major Projects and Achievements :
1. Tree Nurseries : Established agroforestry and fruit tree nurseries in Kamembe (Kadasomwa) and Nzahaha (Nyenji) sectors.
2. Tree Seedling Distribution : Provided tree seedlings to communities, participating in community work programs like Umuganda to mitigate climate change and promote best land use practices, as well as schools to improve school feeding scheme through fruit trees planting, and to promote afforestation culture within children.
3. Health Insurance : Supported vulnerable families by paying for their health insurance.
4. Climate Change Mitigation : Planted agroforestry trees on community farms to reduce soil erosion and enhance food security.
5. School Environmental Education : Collaborated with primary and secondary schools to set up environmental clubs, raising awareness among students about climate change and environmental protection.
Partnerships :
FESD works with a variety of local and international partners, including :
1. Rusizi District JAF : FESD is a member of the Joint Action Forum (JAF) in Rusizi District and collaborates with several sectors such as Gihundwe, Kamembe, Nzahaha, Nkaha, and Mururu.
2. World Resource Institute (WRI) : Collaborates on the restoration of the Rusizi River Basin.
3. Primary and Secondary Schools : FESD engages schools in environmental education and projects.
4. Private Sector Federation (PSF) : Partners with PSF Rusizi Branch to promote eco-friendly businesses and work together in Community works.
5. Hope Rwanda Initiative : A collaborative partner for community development.
6. Rusizi Yego Center : FESD supports youth mentorship through this center.
7. Nea Armonia (Italy) : Works with FESD to promote harmony between people and nature.
8. Terrafund for AFR100 : In Project implementation of Restoration of Rusizi River Bank’s surroundings in Nzahaha landscape - Western Rwanda.
9. RCCDN : We are member of Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN).
10. ARCOS : We are members of Albertine Lift Conservation Society (Arcos) network
Future Projections :
1. Environmental Education : Expand environmental education to more schools across the region through the school clubs.
2. Tree Nurseries : Continue to grow agroforestry and fruit tree nurseries to protect natural resources and promote food security.
3. Agriculture : Collaboration with farmers by incorporating modern and sustainable agricultural practices that align with its environmental mission and contribute to the well-being of local communities
4. Waste Management : Organize initiatives for plastic waste collection and start a plastic transformation plant to create eco-friendly building materials such as pavements, tiles, bricks, and planks.
5. Partnerships for SDGs : Strengthen collaborations with organizations working toward achieving the Millennium Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
Volunteer and Partnership Opportunities :
FESD welcomes partnerships with organizations and individuals interested in advancing environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, climate change mitigation, and community development. Volunteers can engage in a variety of skills and activities, including environmental advocacy, event planning, project management, and outreach programs aimed at creating sustainable and equitable communities in Rwanda.
Contact Information :
• Office Location : Kamembe Sector, Rusizi District, Rwanda
• Managing Director : Mr. Séraphin MUNYANTORE
• Tel : +250788532211
• E-mail : fesd2021@gmail.com, info@fesd2018.org
• Website : www.fesd2018.org
• Facebook : FESD Organization
• Twitter : @fesd1978