Rwanda believes that a new international agreement on climate change, with a concrete action plan, will go a long way in addressing the threat of climate change, the Ministry of Natural Resources has said.

In a statement issued yesterday, ahead of the 21st Conference of Parties in Paris (COP21) due in December, the government urged  developed countries to help developing countries in climate change mitigation efforts.  

"The country is calling on developed nations to do more to reduce emissions as well as ensure better financing for climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts in developing nations,” reads part of the statement.

In Paris, Rwanda will join other climate vulnerable countries to advocate for increased mitigation ambitions to limit global average temperature increases to below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

 In a recent preparatory meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, Rwanda’s delegate to the One Young World Forum in Bangkok, Isabelle Kamariza, said with 80 per cent of the population dependent on agriculture, Rwanda is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and has suffered its portion in recent years due to an increase in droughts and floods.

The ministry stated that the mountainous East African country with a variable climate, is at risk of increased weather extremes such as floods and droughts.

 The Minister for Natural Resources, Dr Vincent Biruta, noted that the country would also advocate for an agreement that includes provisions for financial and technological support to enable climate vulnerable countries to deal with the loss and damage associated with climate change.

"We will also share our experience in implementing innovative environment conservation programmes and work with international partners to mobilise resources.  Our ultimate objective is to reach an agreement that prevents the worst impacts of climate change and that supports countries like Rwanda to respond and adapt to a warming planet,” Biruta said.

Rwanda’s efforts to climate change mitigation have not gone unnoticed by climate change activists, in the recent past.

Kamaliza noted that through the monthly community service, Umuganda, government pioneered programmes such as banning plastic bags and establishment of green villages across the country, Rwanda is doing well in addressing climate change.

Rwanda’s commitment to addressing climate change has also been demonstrated in establishment of a national fund for the environment and climate change that finances climate resilience projects and leverages private sector investments across the country. 

The work of the fund, believed to be one of the largest of its kind in Africa, will be presented at climate forums in Paris to share experiences and attract additional financing needed for local action, according to the statement.

Minister Biruta added that Rwanda—as a party to the UN convention on climate change—expects the Paris summit to come up with a new agreement that enables all countries to combat climate change effectively and accelerates the transition towards low-carbon societies and economies.

"Rwanda hopes that the new global agreement to be adopted at the Paris Climate Summit will be binding on all nations and reaffirm the obligations of developed countries to provide the climate finance and technological support needed for climate vulnerable countries to adapt.”