The Rwanda National Police (RNP) has called on the public to desist from activities that could potentially harm the environment, particularly through acts like illegal felling of trees.

On Tuesday, Police intercepted two people in Gatsibo District, Eastern Province, who had illegally harvested trees used in the manufacture of ornaments.

The suspects were stopped by a Police patrol at about 9pm and were found without documents authorising them to cut down the trees.

They are being held at Kabarore Police Station as investigations continue.

"It is in our interest to appreciate, respect and preserve the environment because we rely on it for survival. Those who are in the business of harvesting trees need to make sure that they do so sustainably by, first of all, getting permission,” Police spokesperson for Eastern Province Emmanuel Kayigi said.

"As Rwandans, we can all help prevent deforestation, pollution and other environmental problems by participating in programmes like Umuganda and tree planting.”

The government has heavily invested in forestation programmes across the country as a way of protecting the environment and reclaiming degraded forests.

The tree planting programme is also meant to address prolonged drought and soil erosion in the country.

The Rwanda National Police has planted trees on more than 300 hectares of land across the country.

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