Rubavu, July 26, 2012

The Director General of Rwanda Environment Management Authority, Dr. Rose Mukankomeje had a dialogue on Thursday 26 July 2012 with Rwandan marine forces on training in Rubavu, Western Province on the laws and policies governing environment management and protection in Rwanda. The discussions also elaborated on their role in the protection of water resources given that the marine forces are in a better position to monitor all the activities conducted in water and fragile ecosystem area.

The marine forces were briefed on the Organic law N°04/2005 determining the modalities of protection, conservation and promotion of environment in Rwanda, the law on land use and the law on water resources management.

The DG of REMA reminded the security forces on their role in protecting rivers and lakes as well as fragile ecosystems in general including fighting illegal fishing with which use illegal fishing nets, fighting any attempt to drop waste into the water as well as providing information to regulatory institutions in case of environmental damages.

Major Richard KARASIRA mentioned that marine forces needed knowledge on environmental laws and policies for a better collaboration with other stakeholders in the management of water resources. This is due to different activities encountered along the lake requiring effective monitoring such as fishing, business developments like hotels, tourist buildings as well as different use of the lake by the residents

The participants pledged to effectively utilize the skills got from the presentation by REMA in monitoring all the activities on Lake Kivu for the sake of environmental safety and sustainable use of natural resources in accordance with the laws.