Kigali, 31 January, 2020 - Rwanda celebrated World Wetlands Day on 31 January, 2020 with conference aimed to showcase studies conducted on wetlands biodiversity in Rwanda and debate on relocation of illegal activities in wetlands in Rwanda and rehabilitation measures. This day is widely celebrated on 2nd February each year. This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2nd February 1971, in the Iranian City of Ramsar.

This year’s theme is “Wetlands and Biodiversity”. This theme aims to draw attention on wetland biodiversity, its status, why it matters and promote actions to reverse its loss.

This celebration was preceded by the “National Wetlands Week” which runs from 25^th up to 31^st January. The week mainly focused on activities aimed at raising awareness on the vital role of wetlands for people and planet. These activities included joint inspections on rehabilitation of recent vacated wetland sites, Public Lectures on wetlands degradation in Rwanda with the loss of biodiversity and necessary actions to stop this loss as well as TV/radio programmes .

Celebrating the day, Minister of Environment, Jeanne D’ arc Mujawamariya highlighted the value of wetlands.

“Wetlands are commonly referred to as nature's kidneys, because they have the same functions as kidneys in our body therefore we have to protect Wetlands the way we protect our daily life”

“Wetland biodiversity contributes to ecosystem resilience; clean water; water supply; storm protection; carbon storage; health & well-being; tourism and recreation and jobs creation. Protecting Wetlands is a key contribution to the development of our Nation” Added Minister.

Rwanda has 935 marshlands covering 10.6 percent of the Rwandan surface area as per the 2017 Prime Minister’s Order drawing up a list of swamp lands, their characteristics and boundaries and determining modalities of their use, development and management. Wetlands have been facing pressure linked to poor agriculture methods, extraction of sand and fabrication of construction bricks, operating as base for farms, industries, garages and warehouses, and using them as dumping sites among others.

In the bid to wisely use of our wetlands, Government of Rwanda has put in place regulatory framework including Prime Minister’s Order N°006/03 of 30/01/2017 drawing up a list of wetlands and their management. Indeed, the law N°48/2018 of 13/08/2018 on Environment especially its articles N° 42, 47, 48, 49 and 60 show activities prohibited in wetlands and their related administrative fines.

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