Nyakinama, March-30-2012

Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) in collaboration with Rwanda Defense Force (RDF), with the support of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) conducted three-day training workshop to the military officers on environmental security assessment. About 50 participants from different departments of the Rwanda Defense Forces including Active Forces and Reserve Forces attended the training.The training took place from 26^th to 29^th March 2012, in the Rwanda Military Academy at Nyakinama, in Musanze District, Northern Province.

Facilitated by experts in Environmental Security Assessment from the Foundation for Environmental Security and Sustainability (FESS), the training targeted to equip military officers with increased knowledge of best practices of environmental management, tools for early warning of environmental conditions that may increase human vulnerabilities; and mechanisms to help identify, prevent, and resolve problems linked to the environment and natural resource management that may pose threats to stability and human security.

The participants were awarded certificates of completion.

In her remarks, the Director General of REMA, Dr. Rose MUKANKOMEJE, appreciated the collaboration between REMA and RDF and indicated RDF has always been of a great help whenever needed especially in case of intervening where environmental degradation occurs.

The Acting Commandant of the Rwanda Military Academy, Colonel MUPENZI, commended the idea of choosing the Academy as the training venue, while The Deputy Chief of Staff Reserve Forces, Major General Jerome NGENDAHIMANA, highlighted the role of environmental protection in ensuring security. He indicated that there is no security when the environment is not protected and that the sustainable development is only reached when there is security and well managed environment. He further reiterated the continued commitment of RDF in protecting the environment.

While officially closing the workshop, Hon. Stanislas KAMANZI, the Minister of Natural Resources expressed his confidence that the RDF’s capacity has been strengthened for their usual relief and rescue roles as the first to be called upon in cases of negative and sudden environmental changes. He also extended his thanks to the RDF leadership for their strong and close cooperation in this capacity strengthening exercise but also for the continued partnership in the national endeavor of a green and climate resilient economy.