KIGALI - As a result of the Rwanda’s efforts towards embracing a green economy, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) yesterday announced Rwanda as the host nation of the 2010 World Environment Day (WED).

The day is celebrated annually on June 5, and this year’s theme will be— ‘Many Species. One Planet. One Future’ where more countries are reminded to focus on the human benefits associated with the world’s wealth of species and ecosystems.

According to a statement from UNEP, President Paul Kagame is quoted as welcoming Rwanda’s selection to host the global event.

"We are honoured to host World Environment Day on behalf of both the African and the whole international community, and we look forward to organizing a truly global celebration of the diversity of life on our planet,” the Presidents is quoted in the statement as saying.

"The environment, from the country’s biological diversity to developing modern and sustainable businesses, is at the heart of our vision for the future of Rwanda.”

The new development comes after Rwanda has spearheaded efforts to protect and conserve the environment through various commitments like imposing a ban on polythene bags, the nationwide environmental clean-up campaigns (Umuganda) and the development of a conservation corridor for chimpanzees.

According to Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director and UN Under-Secretary-General, this day has become a dynamic and global grass roots expression of humanity’s desire to realize meaningful and positive environmental change.

"Rwanda is an African nation that, despite big challenges, is seizing the multiple opportunities possible from Green Economic policies,” Steiner said.

He added; "The pairing of Rwanda with WED in 2010 is thus a compelling and inspiring alliance—underlining that all economies, rich and poor and North and South have real and tangible opportunities to shape a more sustainable development path: One that develops new business models based on intelligent management of the natural world and high tech clean and renewable businesses.”

A total of 17,291 species are known to be threatened with extinction – from obscure plants and insects to well-known birds and mammals.

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