By Sharon Kantengwa

Today, countries across the globe celebrate World Environment Day, an occasion that has grown in importance and is observed internationally to raise awareness about our environment and climate change. In Rwanda, the day was marked on Friday as part of National Environment Week, which promotes environmental stewardship by reducing resource use, land and forest degradation and pollution while improving quality of life.

Over the last week, a range of conservation activities have taken place, including a special Umuganda, public lectures and a campaign on the use of environmentally friendly bags. On 3 June, a walk from Kacyiru to the Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre in Remera highlighted the importance of clean air and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our cars and trucks. Rwanda also launched its biennial State of the Environment Report, which focused on the role of agriculture in sustainable development.