Exploring the ecological implications of landscaping practices on ecosystem and biodiversity restoration: Case study of the RICA Campus, Bugesera

Abstract

The global loss of biodiversity has raised concerns, especially in developing countries where the effects are severe. Biodiversity restoration, using multidisciplinary approaches, is crucial to counteract this loss. Ecological restoration now includes strategies like Green Infrastructure (GI), promoting sustainable human well-being and ecosystem services. The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) demonstrates this commitment by integrating native species into its landscape plan to restore its central campus ecosystem. This study analyzes the outcomes of RICA's restoration efforts, inventorying woody plants over two meters tall to compute diversity indices. It compares the establishment of replanted woody plants in the campus ecosystem by measuring DBH and BA and assesses foliage arthropods from four abundant tree species using the beating method. Arthopods were sorted, identified, counted, and analyzed for distribution, abundance, and diversity across the campus and forest ecosystems. Data were analyzed using various package of RStudio, with statistical comparisons made using the student t-test. The inventory recorded 41 woody plant species from 23 families in the RICA forest, with Sapindaceae being the most abundant. Four endemic species—Abutilon angulatum, Blighia unijugata, Erythrina abyssinica, and Ziziphus mucronata—were identified.The diversity assessment showed high species diversity (Simpson index of 0.9) and a moderately even distribution (Pielou’s evenness index of 0.73). There were no significant differences in DBH and BA between the natural forest and Rica campus ecosystems. Foliage arthropod assessment showed high representation of insects, also represented by Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Hymenoptera. Insect abundance was similar between ecosystems, though diversity indices indicated higher insect diversity in the natural forest. These findings provide a baseline for conservation planning and management, highlighting the successful establishment of restored woody species and effective landscape practices on campus. Long-term monitoring is needed for sustainable ecosystem management.