In the hills of Kinyinya, Rwanda, the land tells a story of erosion, pollution, and a community whose agricultural roots are being challenged by environmental decline. But thanks to Herve Himbaza and the Earth Care Alliance, that story is starting to change.
With the support of Season of Solutions, Herve launched a campaign to heal the land and empower the people who depend on it. The goal was to teach sustainable land management, introduce terracing to fight soil erosion, and foster long-term environmental stewardship. Through a powerful mix of education, action, and collaboration, that vision began to take root.
The team hosted land management workshops that brought together more than 100 community members, including 20 local students and regional “climate heroes.” Workshops provided practical training on waste and land management. Community discussions helped residents see the connection between their daily choices and the broader climate crisis. Through these events, climate action became something local, tangible, and possible.
To turn knowledge into action, Earth Care Alliance installed five public trash bins, strategically placed in high-traffic areas to reduce pollution and encourage responsible waste disposal. They also distributed 15 fruit trees—a gift to the land and a symbol of resilience and regeneration.
As Herve reflected:
“The SoS process has changed us and our community in a number of ways. The flexibility and support provided to young leaders by the program to solve real environmental challenges in their local context is one of its best qualities. SoS makes young people the true owners of climate action—empowering us while building leadership, teamwork, and project management skills. It’s an excellent avenue for creating lasting change.”
This wasn’t just a campaign. It was a training ground for climate leaders.
By encouraging youth ownership and community responsibility, Earth Care Alliance has planted the seeds of a greener future—literally and figuratively. Students are now taking these lessons back to their homes and schools. Local leaders are more engaged. The network of climate champions is stronger. And perhaps most importantly, the people of Kinyinya now see themselves as stewards of the land they call home.