Lake Kivu is one of Rwanda’s most hidden treasures located in one of the highest populated areas in the Great lakes region with about two million people and the population keeps growing at a very fast rate. It is one of the smallest yet the third deepest of the African great lakes. Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest local source of fish providing more than 20000 tons of fish through the year. The fish industry supports over half a million people in Rwanda and the DRC. The major threat to lake Kivu is the ever increasing population, agricultural increase causing deforestation, climate change and the increasing urbanization among others.
Lake Kivu was formed as a result of the Volcanic eruption many years’ back and sits at the highest altitude. The lake is at Rwanda’s border with DR Congo and the largest part of it is in Rwanda.
Lake Kivu harbors over 28 species of fish, about 142 plant species, 80 bird species, about five species of amphibians, 6 mammals, 6 reptiles and close to 52 invertebrate species. Several water bird species and snakes some of which are considered endangered are also found in this area.
The ever increasing fishing pressure and deforestation especially on the side of Rwanda are a great threat to the lake. 3 Tilapia fish species were introduced a few years back were introduced but did not do well probably because of the shallow waters. The increasing population on the shores of lake Kivu may soon or later be pollute the fresh water of this lake. The increasing engagement in farming and deforestation by the people around this area is also a threat to the lake.
Some of the major activities include a boat ride to the nearby Napoleon Island and Amahoro Island, visit Kibuye genocide church in a cultural visit to watch the historical brightly color-stained windows at this hill above Lake Kivu.
