The 29th March World Environment Day — KWITA IZINA Ceremony “Press Conference”

Monday 29th 2010 the Ministry of Environment and Land Mr Stanislas KAMANZI has held a press conference a press conference on WED-KWITA IZINA where 28 Media were presented. He was accompanied by Dr Rose MUKANKOMEJE the Director General of REMA and Mr John GARA the CEO of RDB.

Minister Kamanzi announced that our country is enthusiastic and honored to host the World Environment Day (WED) which is commemorated every year on 5th June. He reminded the history of the WED, it was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. The UN dedicated this day to appreciate and celebrate the benefits, roles and resources that come with raising global awareness of the environment. It is the foremost vehicle through which worldwide awareness of the environment is stimulated.

Rwanda has for the last consecutive 16years been dedicating a National Environmental Week which normally begins from 31st May to 5th June on annual basis. During the Week, that starts with the community work commonly known as ‘Umuganda’ to announce activities that mark the week, all districts of the country carry out environmental restoration activities while guided by the international theme for WED. 2010 will be the 38th year Rwanda celebrates WED and the 17th time Rwanda commemorates the National Environment Week. Celebration of this day is an opportunity to generate political, economic and social attention and prompt action.

In line with celebration to mark the WED, Rwanda is thus privileged to host internationally WED in conjunction with the celebration of the annual Kwita Izina Ceremony (which means giving names to baby gorillas) under the theme “Many Species, One Planet, One Future”

Kwita Izina, the uniquely Rwandan event, was introduced in 2005 with the aim of creating awareness for the conservation of the endangered mountain Gorillas, which is line with this year’s theme of WED.

28th May-04 June will be a special which will be marked by WED-KWITA IZINA activities, are planned in the Agenda this week community activities “UMUGANDA”, a International Conference on Biodiversity, Cycling tour and Soccer in line of raising awareness on WED-KWITA and the benefits that come from protecting environment and Natural resources.

Then will come 05th June the Day of celebrating WED-KWITA IZINA, as cited above 05th is the World Environment Day. Thousands of international, regional and local visitors are expected in this ceremony in this ceremony which will take place at the foot of Virunga Mountains in Kinigi.

The Press Conference was also marked by Questions from Journalists, answers were provided on security of guests, accommodation, special activities…

The guests of honor of the Press Conference asked Rwandan House Media to become more involved in this activity and help the Rwandans to take the present opportunity to show a positive image of our country.