On 3^rd June 2022, the Government of Rwanda and development partners celebrated the World Environment Day (WED) which is celebrated annually on 5^th June. This year’s WED was celebrated under the theme “Only One Earth” and was an opportunity to reflect on what Rwanda has achieved in Environment Protection.

“Only One Earth is a theme which says it all and doesn’t need any breaking down. If you have one thing, you really pay very much attention to it. You guard it jealously and this is what we are inviting all of us to do” said Juliet Kabera, Director General, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA).

Rwanda has a diversified natural ecosystem including forests, savannahs, farmlands and wetlands, just to mention a few of our natural ecosystems are the basis of human prosperity and support the economy as well as livelihoods.

According to development partners, this is a milestone achieved by Rwanda during the last decade.

“We recognize all partners from International and National Non-Governmental Organizations, Private Sector, Government Institutions as well as media for their unlimited support in the big achievements made by Rwanda during the last decade in environmental protection and restoration of our planet” said Rolande Pryce, Country Manager, World Bank.

Representatives from Government institutions, private sector, local and international non-governmental institutions and media were present at the celebration event.

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Patrick Karera reminded that environment and natural resource is a cross-cutting topic, adding that development partners play a big role in sustaining communities’ livelihoods and environment protection related activities.

“To the heads of agencies within our sector and different central government institutions here present, we thank you very much for continuing to mainstream the environment and climate change into your plans and actions” said Patrick Karera in his remarks.

The WED celebrations were preceded by a whole week of activities aimed at raising awareness on environmental sustainability, a week known as National Environment Week which stared on 28^th May 2022 with a National community Work across the country.

During the celebrations, development partners in the Environment sector interacted on the implementation of REMA’s strategic plan for 2022-2026.

View here more photos of the celebration of the World Environment Day.