Lake Cyohoha North also known as Lake Cyohoha is located in Bugesera District, in the Eastern Province of Rwanda.[1]

Lake Cyohoha North
Satellite view of Lake Cyohoha North
Coordinates2°14′20″S 30°06′43″E / 2.239°S 30.112°E / -2.239; 30.112
Basin countries Rwanda
Max. length10.44 km (6.49 mi)
Surface area
0.56 km2 (0.22 sq mi)
Surface elevation
1,344 m (4,409 ft)
Location
Map
Interactive map of Lake Cyohoha North

Geography

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Lake Cyohoha North is situated north of Lake Cyohoha South (Lake Cohoha). Water flows into the lake from the Murago Wetlands and flows westward into the Akanyaru River.[2][3][4]

However, the water surface of Lake Cyohoha North has decreased considerably, so that it has been practically dry since the beginning of 2000. The remaining water surface is 0.56 km².[5][6] Previously, during floods, it was 12 km². The shallow lake was 12 km long and about 1 km wide.[2][7]

Flora and fauna

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Invasive plant species found in the lake include hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum), curled pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) and the star lotus (Nymphaea nouchali). Water hyacinth has also posed significant environmental challenges in the lake, impacting fishing activities and water quantity.[8][dead link][9]

The fish fauna includes tilapia, African sharptooth catfish and African lungfish.

Environmental restoration

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Between 2014 and 2018, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) implemented a water hyacinth removal project that targeted 126 hectares of the lake during its first phase. This restoration effort was part of broader initiatives to address invasive aquatic plants that were suffocating freshwater ecosystems across Rwanda.[10]

The lake has been subject to transboundary cooperation projects with Burundi focused on lake restoration and climate resilience, recognising its cross-border ecological significance.[11]

Recent water quality assessment studies have been conducted to evaluate the environmental health of the lake and other wetlands in eastern Rwanda.[12]

See also

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References

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  1. "Lac Cyohoha Nord lake, Eastern Province, Rwanda". rw.geoview.info. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
  2. 1 2 Hughes, R. H.; Hughes, J. S. (1992). A Directory of African Wetlands (PDF). IUCN. pp. 199–210. ISBN 2-88032-949-3. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
  3. "Burundi : sécurité alimentaire et réconciliation – DW – 01/01/2012". dw.com (in French). Retrieved 6 April 2026.
  4. "Lac Cohoha". africafantastic.bi. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
  5. Vanden Bossche, J.P.; Bernacsek, G.M. (1990). "Rwanda". Source book for the inland fishery resources of Africa: 1. CIFA Technical Paper. Vol. 18. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization. ISBN 92-5-102983-0. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
  6. "Akanyaru Catchment (NAKN)". Rwanda Water Portal. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
  7. "Lac Cyohoha Nord (Cyohohanord Lac) Carte (Plan), Photos et la meteo - (Rwanda): lac - Latitude:-2.24444 and Longitude:30.1283". fr.getamap.net. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
  8. "Effectiveness and Sustainability of Aquatic Invasive Plants Management in Lake Cyohoha North" (PDF). Rwanda Environment Management Authority. December 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
  9. "Rwanda launches project to rid its freshwater lakes of suffocating weed". Earth Island Journal. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
  10. "Rwanda launches project to rid its freshwater lakes of suffocating weed". Earth Island Journal. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
  11. "Lake Cyohoha North Case Study" (PDF). Global Water Partnership. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
  12. "Measurement of Eastern Rwanda's Wetlands to Assess the Water Quality Case of Lake Cyohoha North". ResearchGate. 2024. Retrieved 6 April 2026.