ARCHITECTURAL CONTRIBUTION TO ECO-FRIENDLY PARK DESIGN AND WETLAND CONSERVATION IN MUSANZE: A CASE OF MPENGE WETLAND

The Mpenge Eco-friendly Park and Wetland Conservation Project is proposed in Musanze District, Northern Province of Rwanda, a region recognized for its tourism potential and ecologically valuable wetland systems that provide critical environmental services, including water regulation, biodiversity conservation and agriculture support. In recent decades, rapid urbanization has contributed to a significant decline in wetland coverage, with more than 20% lost over the past two decades, posing serious ecological and socio-environmental challenges. This study investigates the role of architectural design in the development of eco-friendly parks that address recreational needs while actively contributing to wetland conservation and ecological restoration.

Using a design-based research approach supported by site analysis, ecological assessment and sustainable architectural principles, the proposed park integrates strategies such as permeable surface systems, rainwater harvesting and native vegetation restoration to enhance environmental performance and ecological resilience. The project prioritizes multifunctional architectural spaces, including eco-friendly parks that address recreational needs while actively contributing to wetland conservation and ecological restoration. The project also prioritizes multifunctional architectural spaces, including eco-restaurants, pavilions and flower gardens designed to promote environmental education, social interaction and community wellbeing while minimizing ecological disturbance.

The project aims to achieve a 10% increase in local biodiversity within five years and is projected to attract over 50,000 visitors annually, strengthening eco-tourism and local economic development in Musanze. Community participation is embedded through conservation initiatives such as monthly Umuganda activities focused on wetland restoration, tree planting and environmental stewardship. The findings demonstrate that architectural interventions, when strategically integrated with ecological restoration frameworks, can serve as effective tools for wetland preservation and sustainable urban development. The Mpenge Eco-Friendly Park positions Musanze as a replicable model for eco-friendly urban parks that balances environmental protection community engagement and socio-economic sustainability in Rwanda and similar contexts.