The Institute of National Museums of Rwanda (INMR) has opened an environment museum in Karongi District in Western Province as part of plans to boost tourism.

The Rwf1.5-billion museum is scheduled to open to the public on Thursday.

Taking advantage of the proximity of the beauty of Lake Kivu, the museum has a roofed garden with traditional medicinal plants, a large conference room and an auditorium.

Speaking at the launch last week, Alphonse B. Umulisa, the director-general of INMR, said the facility will be the only environmental museum in Africa.

"It is educational and attractive. It encourages Rwandans to learn how to protect plants rather than cutting them for firewood only,” Umulisa said.

Learning platform

Noting that the museum will educate visitors on how they can cope with their environment, Umulisa said it shows the cultural use of traditional medicinal plants.

"All medicinal plants are within our communities, but people might not know how to use them; this is their chance to tour and learn how to use them,” he said.

The museum will also showcase different forms of energy produced in the area, the role played by energy in the changing environment and its impact.

Karongi  mayor Bernard Kayumba said the museum will boost tourism in the district.

"The museum is strategically located near Lake Kivu. It will no doubt attract tourists in the area,” Kayumba said.

Emile Mugisha, a resident and businessman, said the museum will provide jobs, especially for the youth and businessmen in the area.

"This is a wonderful initiative, it is a great opportunity, our town is going to develop and expand. Tourists visiting the museum will also be buying our stuff,” Mugisha said.

He added that residents will now have easy access to a learning platform to know more about historical aspects of the Rwandan culture.

Rwanda has six museums and about 80 historical sites. The income from museums has increased to Rwf20 million per month from Rwf500,000 per month in the last five years, according INMR.