IMCG Field Excursion and Assembly Meeting East Africa
12 – 23 August 2026

Lead Organizations: Ecofinder International and Michael Succow Foundation

In collaboration with: Greifswald Mire Centre, Peat4People Project, Wetlands International and other partners in Uganda, Rwanda and East Africa.

Introduction

The 2026 IMCG Field Excursion and Assembly is scheduled for 12^th-23^rd August 2026 in East Africa covering the peatlands of Rwanda and Uganda. The aim will be to illuminate the critical peatlands of East Africa and ongoing conservation work. This will be imperative in exchange of East Africa Peatlands knowledge and associated efforts of conservation, restoration and wise use of peatlands. The excursion will cover peatlands in Rwanda and Uganda covering the Kagera, Lake Victoria, River Nile and Albertyine Rift Landscapes.

Akanyaru peatlands in Rwanda-Burundi (credit: Samer Elshehawi)

Overlooking Akanyaru peatland complex and Gisagara Peat-fired power plant in Rwanda from Burundi (credit: Samer Elshehawi)

Rugezi peatland in northern Rwanda (credit: Greta Schmidt)

Objectives of the visit:

1. To exchange knowledge between peatland conservationists in East Africa and the international peatland community.
2. To provide opportunities for showcasing and networking on East Africa peatlands conservation between peatlands researchers and conservationists in East Africa and elsewhere.
3. To raise the political profile of the peatlands in East Africa and by extension Africa to help improve prospects for conservation.

Indicative Field Excursion Plan

Dates	Place	Activity / Goal
Wednesday August 12 2026	Kigali - RW	Arrival of participants
Thursday August 13 2026	Kigali - RW	Visit Akanyaru-Nyaburungu Riverine peatland systems (incl. courtesy visit Bugesera District
Friday August 14 2026	Byumba - RW	Visit RWCA site near Kigali Umubumsambi village and head to Byumba
Saturday August 15 2026	Byumba - RW	Visit Rugezi
Sunday August 16 2026	Byumba – Kabale	Border crossing and vehicle operators switch
Monday August 17 2026	Kabale - UG	Visit Kabale and Nyamuliro peatlands
Tuesday August 18 2026	Kabale - UG	Visit Bushenyi peatlands + drive to Masaka
Wednesday August 19 2026	Masaka - UG	Visit to P4P demo site in Nabajjuzi
Thursday August 20 2026	Kampala - UG	Drive to Kampala with a stop at large scale rice plots and Mabamba Bay
Friday August 21 2026	Kampala – UG	Visit Exeter Eddy tower in Mpologoma / alternative peatlands in Kampala-Munyunyo floating mat gardens
Saturday August 22 2026	Kampala - UG	Symposium + General Assembly (departure begin midnight flights)
Sunday August 23 2026	Entebbe - UG	Departure of remaining participants

Estimated Cost of this trip per person is Euro1620 including transfers, accommodation and meals (based on attendance of 35 people, so this is approximate)

Interested in attending? Next steps:

Please note your interest for this trip by replying by email to leonard(dot)akwany(at)mespom(dot)eu and cc samer(dot)elshehawi(at)succow-stiftung(dot)de no later than 31^stMarch 2026.
Further information, including deposit requirements and confirming your place will be provided shortly after the closing date for noting interest.
Note: There may be opportunities to sponsor participants from East Africa and the global south. Please indicate your request for financial support when expressing interest.