Hyacinthe Niyitegeka: How a water scientist’s experience of Loss and Damage in Rwanda became her mandate to fight for the vulnerable on the frontlines

Growing up in Eastern Rwanda, where water scarcity often disrupted livelihoods, our very own Hyacinthe Niyitegeka, the beating heart of the L&DC, saw firsthand how the climate crisis affects communities least responsible for it.

Those early experiences motivated her to become a water scientist, but it was her introduction to the concept of Loss and Damage that became a turning point in her career. From youth-led initiatives in Rwanda to active participation in international climate negotiations, her journey highlights both the urgency and the possibility of driving meaningful change in the fight for climate justice.

In the interview below, Hyacinthe shares how she found her way into climate negotiations, the challenges she has faced, the barriers faced by women in climate leadership and the urgent need to bring more young people—especially women and girls from the Global South—into the field of science and policy on Loss and Damage.

As the second Africa Climate Summit goes underway in Addis Ababa, the issue of Loss and Damage is set to play a defining role in shaping Africa’s climate agenda. Hyacinthe’s story speaks directly to this moment: she has witnessed how climate impacts devastate communities and in her different roles as technical expert, project co-lead, water scientist and climate negotiator, she continues to advocate for solutions that place frontline communities and the people within them—especially women and youth from the Global South—at the centre of climate policy.

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• What motivated you to pursue a career to become a water scientist working on loss and damage?

My motivation to pursue a career as a water scientist working on Loss and Damage is rooted in a deep awareness of the disproportionate effects of climate change on vulnerable communities, including my community, in the Eastern part of Rwanda. Growing up, I witnessed how water scarcity could severely disrupt livelihoods. These experiences helped me see that water is more than just a resource, it’s essential for people’s wellbeing.

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During my academic journey, earning a Bachelor's degree in water and environmental engineering from the University of Rwanda and later doing water management with a specialisation in water and wastewater technologies at Addis Ababa University, I became increasingly aware of how water scarcity is worsened by  climate change. I learned more about how climate change is an issue in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa, and other developing countries who are both least responsible and most affected by it. I also learned how many water bodies, including lakes and rivers, are shrinking because of climate change; a heartbreaking reality, considering how vital water is to life.

In 2020, I was introduced to the concept of addressing "loss and damage" which turned out to be a pivotal moment in my career. I learned that loss and damage goes beyond mitigation and adaptation (terms I was already familiar with). That same year, I joined the Loss and Damage Collaboration (L&DC), a vibrant global network of amazing experts committed to work together to ensure developing countries, and communities within them, have the support they need to address climate induced loss and damage. Through this team, I had the privilege of connecting with Erin Roberts, the founder of the L&DC, who introduced me to the New Generation Programme, a programme that was then part of L&DC and is now under the Climate Leadership Initiative, also founded by Erin. I started working in the Loss and Damage sector then, now serving as a Coordinator for the L&DC.

• How did you become a climate negotiator?

My journey to becoming a climate negotiator began when I joined the New Generation programme; through which I engaged with wonderful young climate leaders from various developing countries who were part of the first cohort of this life changing programme. Together we participated in in-depth learning on climate diplomacy and policy, including key topics on Loss and Damage. Each fellow was paired with a mentor and this experience profoundly deepened my interest and commitment. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for climate negotiations, especially within the thematic area of Loss and Damage.. That spark has guided my path ever since.

Towards the end of 2020, I had the opportunity to support the Chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group. Bhutan was chairing the group at the time. This was a role that further deepened my interest in the topic of Loss and Damage. I was tasked with amplifying the voices and priorities of LDCs in the lead up to the 26th Conference of Parties (COP 26) in Glasgow, Scotland. The role also made me understand better what the loss and damage realities of developing countries are and how hard they are working to address it.

In order to attend COP 26, I needed to first be on a Party badge. I had the privilege of joining the Rwanda delegation, through the amazing team I was part of at the time under a youth-led Rwandan civil society organisation called The Green Protector. I’m incredibly grateful to Rwanda for believing in youth like me and giving us a seat at the table, to represent our country. Being part of my country’s delegation was both humbling and energising. I was surrounded by fellow young negotiators who were deeply passionate and had already participated in previous COPs. Their experience and drive added fuel to my own passion and helped me find my voice in the negotiation space.

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At COP 26, the discussions around Loss and Damage were reaching a critical point. Being there, in the negotiation rooms, I witnessed how discussions were so intense in rooms, seeing brave negotiators from developing countries speaking for their countries and groups their countries are part of, was so encouraging. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be part of that process, not just observing, but actively shaping it.

• Do you have examples where you had to break the glass ceiling within your work on loss and damage, for you or for others?

While I wouldn’t describe my journey in the Loss and Damage space as breaking the glass ceiling, I do recognise the barriers that many young people from developing countries face when trying to engage meaningfully in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change  (UNFCCC) processes. I’ve been fortunate to come from a country that actively empowers youth and women, which has opened doors for me and other Rwandan young people that others like us may struggle to access.

My participation in the New Generation programme also gave me essential insights into the Loss and Damage negotiations. My involvement with the L&DC allowed me to learn deeply and contribute meaningfully to discussions on this critical issue. Working alongside passionate experts through the L&DC has been invaluable. Together, we’ve worked to amplify the voices of frontline communities and advocate for the urgent needs of developing countries.

Since my first COP at COP 26, I’ve witnessed a significant evolution of Loss and Damage discussions under and outside the UNFCCC, though, while progress has been made, much remains to be done. This evolution reflects the tireless efforts of individuals who challenge the system and push for meaningful change. Being surrounded by such inspiring and passionate people has helped me find my voice and advocate with confidence.

• Despite significant contributions by women in science, they remain underrepresented in many fields, particularly in climate research and policy. What structural barriers do you think still need to be addressed to ensure greater gender equity in scientific leadership and Loss and Damage decision-making?

One of the key structural barriers to gender equity in scientific leadership, and Loss and Damage decision-making particularly, is the lack of inclusive institutional frameworks that support women’s participation at all levels. Many women, especially from the Global South, face limited access to funding, mentorship and leadership opportunities, which restricts their ability to influence climate policy and relevant decision making. In some countries, cultural norms further limit women’s ability to engage meaningfully in spaces like the UNFCCC process. To address these barriers, we need targeted policies that promote gender-responsive leadership, invest in capacity-building for women scientists and negotiators and ensure that climate institutions actively include diverse voices in shaping solutions for Loss and Damage. Fortunately, there are initiatives that empower women from vulnerable developing countries and I’ve had the privilege of being part of some and engaging with many others. These efforts are making a real difference, but we need even more. If people continue to support and expand such work, we can drive lasting, positive change for gender equity in climate leadership.

Furthermore, women must be meaningfully included in all discussions at local, national and regional levels that feed into global climate negotiations under the UNFCCC. For example, the upcoming second Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa presents a vital opportunity to shape Africa’s climate agenda and strengthen regional leadership. As part of this momentum, it is essential that women’s voices are present, not only at high-level events, but also in the early stages where strategies are developed and priorities are set. This is especially important in areas like Loss and Damage, where lived experience and local knowledge are key to designing fair and effective solutions.

• What challenges have you faced working on loss and damage and how have you overcome them?

One of the main challenges I faced was understanding the long and complex history of Loss and Damage discussions and the decisions made over the years. As someone new to the process, it was overwhelming and took a lot of time and effort to read, learn and make sense of everything. What helped me overcome this was being surrounded by experts who were always willing to explain and support me whenever I had questions and I still reach out to them when I need guidance.

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Another challenge was building the confidence to believe that I could engage meaningfully, just like others and contribute to real change. Over time, through mentorship and continuous learning particularly through the New Generation Programme, which regularly holds coaching sessions on how to build confidence, among other topics, I’ve  become more confident  in my role and in the impact I can make in the negotiations process.

• From your perspective, what can be done to attract more women and girls to pursue scientific careers focused on loss and damage?

As the impacts of loss and damage continue to escalate, displacing communities, threatening livelihoods and deepening inequalities, the need for diverse voices and perspectives in climate science becomes increasingly urgent.

Women and girls must be actively engaged in local, national and regional discussions that shape their countries’ and regions’ positions ahead of UNFCCC negotiations. One key opportunity is the upcoming second Africa Climate Summit  which must meaningfully include African women and girls in the process of preparing for COP 30. It is also essential that Loss and Damage is reflected in these discussions, as it remains a critical issue for the continent and the communities within it.

Women and girls bring unique insights, especially those living on the frontlines of the climate crisis, whose lived experiences are vital to shaping effective and just solutions. Attracting more women and girls to scientific careers focused on Loss and Damage begins with visibility, mentorship and inclusive education.

Finally, we must challenge the cultural and structural barriers that discourage women from entering science, whether it's gender bias, lack of resources or societal expectations. When women and girls are empowered to see themselves as changemakers, they not only pursue these careers, they transform them.