Born on 4th September 1972, Gaspard Rwanyiziri is a Senior Lecturer of Geographical and Environmental Sciences in the Department of Geography, School of Science, College of Science and Technology, and since 9th August 2011 up to now, Director of the Centre for Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing (CGIS) of University of Rwanda (UR).

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Curriculum Vitae
Gaspard Rwanyiziri, PhD
1. Contact Information
- Email: grwanyiziri@gmail.com or g.rwanyiziri@ur.ac.rw
- Phone: +250 7 88 68 14 38
- Physical Address: P.O. Box 212 Huye - Rwanda
- Office Location: University of Rwanda, Huye Campus, CGIS Room 8
- Web page: http://cgis.ur.ac.rw/content/dr-gaspard-rwanyiziri
2. Identification
- Nationality: Rwandese
- Status: Married
- Date of Birth: 4th
September 1972
- Place of Birth: Migendezo Cell, Cyinzuzi Sector, Rulindo District, Rwanda
- Languages: Kinyarwanda (Excellent), English (Excellent) & French (Excellent)
3. Profile
Gaspard Rwanyiziri is a Senior Lecturer of Geographical and Environmental Sciences in
the Department of Geography, School of Science, College of Science and Technology, and
since 9th August 2011 up to now, Director of the Centre for Geographic Information
Systems and Remote Sensing (CGIS) of University of Rwanda (UR). He holds a Bachelor’s
Degree in Physical and Human Geography from the former National University of Rwanda
(1995–1999), a Master’s Degree in Geography and Planning (specialization of Environment
and Development) from Michel Montaigne Bordeaux III University - France (2001-2002),
and a PhD Degree in Geography and Planning (specialization of Environment and
Development) from Pau University - France (2004–2009). His main research interests are
Environment and Natural Resources Management, Effects of Climate Change and
Variability on Agricultural Production and Food Security, GIS and its applications on the
above-mentioned topics. His current research projects are on "The Effects of Climate
Change and Variability on Wetland Agricultural Production and Food Security in
Rwanda", fully funded by University of Rwanda - Sweden Programme for Research,
Higher Education and Institutional Advancement, and ''The role of Community-Based
Organizations (CBOs) and Socio-Economic Benefits Sharing in Sustainable Protected
Areas Conservation and Management: A case of the Volcanoes National Park and

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Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Rwanda – Uganda)'', fully funded by the Regional
Network for Conservation Educators in the Albertine Rift (RNCEAR).
4. Academic Qualification
- October 2003 - September 2009: PhD in Geography and Planning (Specialization:
Environment and Development) at Pau University- France. Thesis Dissertation:
"Geopolitics of the Environment in Rwanda. For a Participative Governance of the
Protected Spaces". Suprvisor: Prof. André Etchelecou (http://web.univ-
pau.fr/RECHERCHE/SET/INTRANET/fiche_identite.php?user=etchelecou)
- October 2001 - October 2002: MA in Geography and Planning (Specialization in
Environment and Development) at Bordeaux III University - France. MA Dissertation:
"Populations and Protected Areas in East Africa (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and
Tanzania". Suprvisor: Prof. Georges Rossi, Bordeaux University
(https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georges_Rossi_(géographe)
- March 1995 – December 1999: BA in Human and Physical Geography at former National
University of Rwanda. Research topic: "Coffee Growing Crisis in Icyanya Peasantry. A
Study of Economical Geography. Suprvisor: Mr. Gakinahe Gaju Charles.
- October 1986 – January 1991: Advanced Level in Primary Teaching Education at Save
Marists Brothers – Muhanga District.
- September 1991 – June 1993: Advanced Level in Primary Teaching Education at
Nyakabanda Teacher Training School – Muhanga District.
- September 1978 – June 1986: Primary Education at Remera Primary School, Cyinzuzi
Sector, Rulindo District.
5. Employment & Promotion
- 9th August 2011 – to date: Director of the Centre for Geographic Information Systems and
Remote Sensing (www.cgis.ur.ac.rw), College of Science and Technology (CST),
University of Rwanda (www.ur.ac.rw).
- 1st July 2010 - to date: Senior Lecturer of Geographical and Environmental Sciences,
Department of Geography, School of Science, College of Science and Technology,
University of Rwanda (UR).
- May 2010 – July 2011: Academic Secretary, Department of Geography, Faculty of
Science, National University of Rwanda (NUR).
- 1st April 2004 - 30th June 2010: Lecturer, Department of Geography, National University
of Rwanda (NUR).

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- 1st June 2000 – 31st March 2004: Assistant Lecturer, Department of Geography, former
National University of Rwanda (NUR).
6. Current Courses/Modules Taught in both Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs
- Environment and Sustainable Development: MA Program in Development Studies,
College of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Rwanda (since June 2012).
- Environmental Governance: MSc Program in Geo-information Science for Environment
and Sustainable Development, School of Science, College of Science and Technology,
University of Rwanda (since July 2013).
- Community Conservation: MSc Program in Biodiversity Conservation and Natural
Resources Management, School of Science, College of Science and Technology,
University of Rwanda (since July 2011).
- Research Project for Environmental Management: 3rd
Year Environmental
Management Option, Department of Geography, School of Science, College of Science and
Technology, University of Rwanda (since January 2012).
- Geographical Thoughts and Approaches to Science: 2nd
Year, Department of
Geography, School of Science, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda
(since September 2008).
- Introduction to Physical Geography – Component of Climatology: 1st
Year,
Department of Geography, School of Science, College of Science and Technology,
University of Rwanda (since January 2013).
7. Awards for Research Grants
- November 2014 – June 2017: Effects of Climate Change and Variability on Wetland
Agricultural Production and Food Security in Rwanda. Case Study of Rulindo, Kamonyi
and Bugesera Districts (under UR-Sweden Cooperation funding); Role: Principal
investigator.
- April 2014 – December 2016: The role of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and
Socio-Economic Benefits Sharing in Sustainable Protected Areas Conservation and
Management: A case of the Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National
Park (Rwanda – Uganda): Role: Principal investigator.
- February 2012 – March 2014: Trade-Offs and Synergies in Managing Wetlands
Resources for Improved Food Security and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Lake

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Victoria Basin (under ViCres/IUCEA funding) (PI: Prof. Mnason Tweheyo, Makerere
University/Uganda); Role: Principal investigator on University of Rwanda side.
- February 2012 – March 2015: Promoting Spatial Thinking in Natural Resources
Management through Community Mapping: The Case of Urban and Rural Secondary
Schools of Rwanda (under Innovation for Education/DFID)(PI: Prof. Tony Vodacek,
Rochester Institute of Technology/USA); Role: Principal investigator on University of
Rwanda side.
8. Research Projects Coordination
- July 2013 – June 2018: Team Leader of GIS Subprogram, UR Sweden Programme for
Research, Higher Education and Institutional Advancement
- January 2011 – December 2016: Coordinator, Cooperation Agreement in the Field of
Geographic Information Systems between University of Rwanda and ESRI Deutschland
Group GmhH
- January 2011 – December 2013: Coordinator, Cooperation Agreement in the Field of
Geographic Information Systems between University of Rwanda and ESRI Deutschland
Group GmhH
9. Publications
9.1 Published (or to be published)
- Rwanyiziri G., Tuyishimire J. and Havugimana E. (2016). Enjeux socio-économiques
du tourisme pratiqué dans les aires protégées d’Afrique Orientale: L’expérience du
Rwanda. Revue Canadienne de Géographie Tropicale (under review)
- Rwanyiziri G. and Kaplin B. (2015). Local Participation in the Governance of Protected
Areas: The Rwandan Experience. Journal of Eastern African Studies (under review)
- Tuyishimire J, Nsengiyumva P. and Rwanyiziri G. (2015). Spatial Modelling of
Common Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinifurthii) Ecological Niche in the
Western Part of Rwanda, Using Remote Sensing and Global Environmental Data.
African Journal of Ecology (under review)
- Rwanyiziri G. and Rugema J. (2013). Climate Change Effects on Food Security in
Rwanda: Case Study of Wetland Rice Production in Bugesera District. Rwanda Journal,
Series E: Agricultural Sciences Vol. 1 No. 1, 2013, pp. 33 -51 [ISSN 2305-2678 (Print);
ISSN 2305-5944 (Online) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/rj.v1i1.3E]
- Rwanyiziri G. (2013). Climate. In Ben Yahmed, D. & Houstin, N. (Ed.), Africa Atlases.
Rwanda, Paris: Les Éditions du Jaguar, pp. 82-83, ISBN: 978-2-86950-483-7

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- Rwanyiziri G. (2013). Fauna and Flora. In Ben Yahmed, D. & Houstin, N. (Ed.), Africa
Atlases. Rwanda, Paris: Les Éditions du Jaguar, pp. 84-85, ISBN: 978-2-86950-483-7
- Rwanyiziri G. (2013). Environment and Biodiversity. In Ben Yahmed, D. & Houstin,
N. (Ed.), Africa Atlases. Rwanda, Paris: Les Éditions du Jaguar, pp. 86-87, ISBN: 978-2-
86950-483-7
- Rwanyiziri G., 2008. Protected Areas under Pressure from Demographic Expansion and
Poverty. The Case of the Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). International Journal of
Sustainable Development, Vol. 1, n°4, 2008, pp. 17-28 (Published by Pan-African Book
Company) (in French).
9.2 Unpublished Reports
- Rwanyiziri G, Uwayezu, E. 2014. Inventory on Available Spatial Data, Data Sharing
Habits, and Knowledge Base on Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) Development in
Rwanda. Huye/Kigali: SKAT International. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3823.0001
- Nduwamungu, J. et al., 2012. Forest Cover Mapping of Rwanda using High-resolution
Aerial Photographs. A project by the Geographic Information Systems & Remote
Sensing Research and Training Center of the National University of Rwanda (CGIS –
NUR) for the “Programme d’Appui à la Reforestation (PAREF NL)”/Rwanda Natural
Resources Authority (RNRA).
- Rwanyiziri G, Uwayezu, E. 2012. Assessment on the Current Status of Policies on Use
of EO Data in Land Degradation Mitigation (LDM) and Natural Habitat Conservation
(NHC) in Rwanda. Huye/Nairobi: AMESD IGAD. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3298.7125
- Nsengimana, H. and Rwanyiziri, G., 2011. Rwanda Environmental Research Strategy.
Kigali/Butare: REMA/NUR-CB (in English).
- Rwanyiziri G., 2007. Guide for community conservation as regards nature
conservation in Rwanda. Butare-Kigali, ORTPN, 54p. (French & English).
- Rwanyiziri, G., Kayijamahe, E., Lasry, F., Schilling, M., 2005. Akagera National Park.
Zoning Plan. Butare, ORTPN/DED/CGIS-NUR. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3790.2321
- Rwanyiziri, G., Kayijamahe, E., 2004. Volcanoes National Park. Zoning Plan. Butare-
Kigali, ORTPN/IGCP/CGIS-NUR, 135p. (A document worked out by CGIS-NUR for
IGCP/ORTPN). DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3397.0168
10. Conference Organization
- May – August 2016: Member of the Organizing Committee of the Second Annual
Research and Innovation Week in Science & Technology (ARIST) (Kigali, 23 – 26
August 2016)

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- March – November 2015: Chair of the Local Organizing Committee of the International
Conference on Geospatial Technologies for Sustainable Urban and Rural Development -
GeotechRwanda2015 - https://www.geotechrwanda2015.com
- July – August 2015: Member of the Organizing Committee of the First Annual
Research and Innovation Week in Science & Technology (ARIST) (Kigali, 25 – 28
August 2015)
- August – November 2012: Member of the Local Organizing Committee of the 5th
NUR
International Scientific Research Conference (ISRC).
11. Conference Attendance (with Oral Presentations)
- Rwanyiziri G., Mutabazi A., Hategekimana S, Munyeshyaka J.-D., 2016.
Understanding the Vulnerability to Climate Change Effects in East Africa. Case Study
of Rice Farmers in Bugesera District, Rwanda. In Symposium on Climate Change
Adaptation in Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 21-23 February 2016.
- Rwanyiziri G., 2014. Community-based Tourism around Protected Areas of Rwanda.
Case Study of Kinigi and Nyange Community Walk Activities around Volcanoes
National Park (VNP), Musanze District. In "Understanding Oneself and the Others:
New Domestic and International Tourism Practices and the Promotion of Heritage and
Tourism in East Africa"(a symposium organized by French Institute for Research in
Africa (IFRA-Nairobi) in collaboration with Nairobi National Museum.
- Rwanyiziri G. and J. Rugema, 2012. Climate Change Effects on Food Security in
Rwanda: Case Study of Wetland Rice Production in Bugesera District. In the 5th
International Scientific Research Conference, 5th
to 7th
December 2012, National
University of Rwanda.
- Rwanyiziri G., 2011. Minor Natural and Cultural Heritage Sites in East Africa. Case
study of Buhanga and Cyamudongo Sites in Rwanda. In Minor Natural and Cultural
Heritage Sites in East Africa, French Institute of Research in Africa (IFRA), Nairobi,
17-18 January, 2011 (Oral Presentation).
12.Professional Trainings/Workshops/Meetings
- 21st
- 23rd
July 2013: "The 2016 Eastern Africa Land Administration Network -
EALAN Annual General Assembly and Conference", Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (a
conference organized by EALAN).
- 27th
June – 1st
July 2016: "ESRI International User Conference", San Diego-
California, USA (a conference organized by ESRI USA).

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- 5th
– 12th
May 2016: "University of Rwanda – Sweden Program Annual Planning
Meeting", Gothenburg, Sweden (a meeting organized by UR – Sweden Program for
Research, Higher Education, Institutional Advancement).
- 24th
– 28th
January 2015: "Inception Workshop on strengthening the regional
EALAN network to build capacity in Land Administration and Land Governance
in the Great Lakes Region – NICHE/GLR/262", RCMRD – Nairobi, Kenya (a
conference organized by EALAN).
- 1st
– 10th
May 2015: "University of Rwanda – Sweden Program Annual Planning
Meeting", Uppsala, Sweden (a meeting organized by UR – Sweden Program for
Research, Higher Education, Institutional Advancement).
- 12th
– 16th
May 2014: "University of Rwanda – Sweden Program Annual Planning
Meeting", Linkoping, Sweden (a meeting organized by UR – Sweden Program for
Research, Higher Education, Institutional Advancement).
- 28th
– 30th
May 2014: “CAAST-Net Plus Regional Workshop on Climate Change”,
Sports View Hotel, Kigali
- 10th
– 14th
March 2014: "Household Economy Analysis (HEA) for Food Security
Analysis" (a training organized by USAID -FEWS NET in Musanze District, Rwanda)
(certificate).
- 30th
September – 11th
October 2013: "Project and Programme Management", Arusha,
Tanzania (a course conducted by MDF - ESA Training & Consultancy in
Arusha)(certificate).
- 7th
- 9th
August 2013: "Social Sciences Research Methods", Bujumbura, Burundi (a
workshop organized by RCEAR in collaboration with University of Burundi/Biology
Department)(certificate).
- 8th
- 12th
July 2013: "ESRI International User Conference", San Diego-California,
USA (a conference organized by ESRI USA).
- 15th
- 17th
May 2013: "Illegal Timber Trade in Greater Virunga", Lake View Hotel-
Entebbe, Uganda (a workshop organized by Greater Virunga Transboundary
Cooperation, GVTC).
- 9th
- 19th
December 2012: "Use of Geographic Technologies for Climate Change,
Food Security, and Agriculture, and of Professional Development of Fellow and
Mentors", RCMRD-Nairobi (a workshop organized by NASA-AAG under My
Community, our Earth SERVIR East Africa)(certificate).
- 3rd - 7th December 2012: “Use of Geographic Technologies for Planning and
Sustainable Development”, CGIS-NUR (a training workshop organized by EIS-Africa
and AAG) (certificate).

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- 17th
July – 10th
September 2010: ˝Education Programme on Climate Change and
Biodiversity Conservation in Albertine Rift˝, Institute of Resources
Assessment/University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (Sponsored by Pan-African START
and International START) (Certificate).
- 22th February – 5th March 2010: "Competing Claims on Natural Resources.
Professional Qualities for Managing Conflict in NRM towards Sustainable
Development", Wageningen/Netherlands, Wageningen UR Centre for Development
Innovation (Certificate).
- 23rd
November – 6th
December 2009: Training on “Wetlands Rapid Assessment
Procedure and Biodiversity Inventories of Lake Kivu Islands”, Butare and Lake Kivu
islands, UNESCO/NUR (Certificate).
- 17th
November 2009: Workshop for the “Establishment of the MAB National
Committee and Programme in Rwanda”, Kigali, Ninzi Hotel, REMA/RNCU.
- 5th
– 16th
October 2009: "Use of Low cost Earth Observation Data in Environment and
Climate Monitoring Applications", CGIS-NUR/ITC, Butare, Rwanda Certificate).
- 7th
– 17th
August 2008: Bergen Summer Research School “Global Development
Challenges: Rich and Poor Countries: Global History Matters”. University of Bergen,
Bergen/Norway (Certificate).
- 3rd
January – 31st
March 2006: Short course in “Geo-Information for Biodiversity
Conservation”, International Institute for Geo-information Science and Earth
Observation (ITC/Netherlands) (Certificate).
- 4th
– 8th
August 2003: Workshop on Ecotourism in Protected Areas of Sub-Saharan
Africa, Kigali, Novotel Hotel (Certificate).
13. PhD, MSc/MA Research Supervision
v Academic Year 2015 – 2016
ü Kayijamahe Birasa Charles: "Modelling Forest Fire Risk Using Remote Sensing
and GIS", MSc Thesis in Geo-information Science for Environment and
Sustainable Development at University of Rwanda, Main Supervisor.
ü Munyeshyaka Jean Damascene: "Understanding Socio-economic Vulnerability
of Smallhoder Farmers to Climate Variability Effects in Rwanda: Case Study of
Rubuvu and Nyaburiba Rice Farmers in Bugesera District", MSc Thesis in Geo-
information Science for Environment and Sustainable Development at University
of Rwanda, Main Supervisor.
ü Ntaganira Jean Bosco: "Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Green Spaces in
Rwanda: The Case of Kigali City", MSc Thesis in Geo-information Science for

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Environment and Sustainable Development at University of Rwanda, Main
Supervisor.
ü Uwiragiye Anatole: "Impacts of Climate Change and Variability on Agricultural
Production in Rwanda: Case Study of Maize Production in Bahimba and
Bishenyi Wetlands", MA Thesis in Development Studies at University of
Rwanda, Main Supervisor.
ü Michel Niyonsenga: "Assessing Farmers’ Challenges towards Safety Measures
on Pesticide Use in Rwanda. Case Study of Vegatable Growers in Kamonyi
District", MA Thesis in Development Studies at University of Rwanda, Main
Supervisor.
ü Akanyana Sharon: "Assessing Knowlege and Skills of Smallholder Farmers on
the Effects of Chemical Fertilizers on Local Environment in Rwanda. Case Study
of COVEMABA Cooperative Members in Rulindo District", MA Thesis in
Development Studies at University of Rwanda, Main Supervisor.
v Academic Year 2014 – 2015
ü Ndikubwimana Jean Baptiste: "Analyzing the Conflict related to Natural
Resources Management in Rwanda: Case Study of the Protected Area of
Akagesera National Park in the Eastern Province" PhD Program in Human
Rights at University of Nairobi, Co-supervisor.
ü Nyiransabimana Aloysie: "Socio-economic and Environmental Impacts of
Mining Sector on Local Livelihoods in Rwanda. A Case Study of Karenge Sector
in Rwamagana District", MA Thesis in Development Studies at University of
Rwanda, Main Supervisor.
ü Ngandahayo Venant: "Assessment of Major Challenges faced by Local
Government Authorities in Implementing Villagisation Policy in Rwanda: Case
Study of Kimonyi and Kinigi Sectors in Musanze District", MA Thesis in
Development Studies at University of Rwanda, Main Supervisor.
ü Ndayiragije Bertin: "Urbanization Process as a Major Factor of Rural
Transformation in Rwanda: The Case of Kibeho Centre in Nyaruguru District",
MA Thesis in Development Studies at University of Rwanda, Main Supervisor.
v Academic Year 2013 – 2014
ü Uwamariya Olive: "The Socio-economic Impact of Rural Electrification in
Rwanda: Case Study of Kibeho Sector in Nyaruguru District", MA Thesis in
Development Studies at University of Rwanda, Main Supervisor.

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ü Kabanda Robert: "Tourism as a Tool for Sustainable Development in Rwanda:
Case Study of Poverty Alleviation around Volcanoes National Park - VNP", MA
Thesis in Development Studies at University of Rwanda, Main Supervisor.
v Academic Year 2011 – 2012
ü Musana Abel: "Changes in Crop-raiding by Primates and Conservation
Implications: The Case of Mountain Goriallas (Gorilla berengei berengei) at
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda ", MSc Thesis in Biodiversity Conservation at
former National University of Rwanda, Co-Supervisor.
ü Ishimwe Yvonne: "Assessment of Integration of Indigenous People in
Conservation of Protected Areas in Rwanda: The Case of Batwa Community
Groups Around Volcanoes National Park (VNP) ", MSc Thesis in Biodiversity
Conservation at former National University of Rwanda, Main Supervisor.
ü Mukanyandwi Marie Claire: "Challenges and Opportunities in Managing Urban
Green Spaces in Kigali City, Rwanda ", MSc Thesis in Biodiversity
Conservation at former National University of Rwanda, Main Supervisor.
14.External Examination
January 2014: MSc Thesis of Mr. Vincent Kayigema "An Assessment of Girinka (One
Cow per Poor Family) Program and Poverty Alleviation in Rwanda". University of
Kwazulu-Natal, College of Agriculture, Engeneering and Science.
15. International Networking
- October 2010 – to date: Associate Researcher at Pau University - France
- March 2012 – to date: Research Collaborator with Makerere University - Uganda
- October 2011 – to date: Research Collaborator with Ardhi University - Tanzania
- October 2011 – to date: Research Collaborator with Lund University - Sweden
- March 2011 – to date: Research Collaborator with Royal Institute of Technology –
(KTH) - Sweden
- March 2012 – to date: Research Collaborator with Antioch University New England -
USA
14. Memberships
- January 2016 – to date: Member of Eastern Africa Land Administration Network
(EALAN)
- September 2015 – to date: Member of the Human Resource Capacity Building Cluster
of the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIPs).
- 2012 – To date: Member of Association of American Geographers (AAG)

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- 2012- To date: Member of Environmental Information System-Africa (EIS-Africa)
- June 2010 - To date: Member of the Regional Technical Committee - Greater Virunga
Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC), UR Representative
15. Research Interests
- Natural Resources Management (especially lands, wetlands and protected areas)
- Environment (built and unbuilt environment0
- Climate Change Effects on Agricultural Production and Food Security
- Various applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing
(RS)
16. Contact Persons
ü Dr. Emmanuel Havugimana, Head of Department of Geography, School of Science,
College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda (Phone: Email:
e.havugimana@ur.ac.rw or manuhavuga@gmail.com).
ü Dr. Denis Rugege, Senior Consultant for UNDP at Rwanda Environment Management
Authority – REMA (Email: denis.rugege@gmail.com or denis.rugege@undp.org).
ü Prof. Petter Pilesjo, Full Professor, Director of GIS Centre, Lund University, Sweden (E-
mail: petter.pilesjo@gis.lu.se).
17. Certification
I, the undersigned, certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, these data correctly describe
me, my qualifications and my experience.
Done at Huye, 31st
August 2016
(Sé)
Gaspard Rwanyiziri (PhD)