2500 members of the Rwanda National Police yesterday took part in an exercise to create fire breakers within Akagera National Park.

The exercise meant to conserve the park, is part of the ongoing celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of the Police, and the beginning of the force’s environmental week.

Fire breakers are pathways that are created in a park to separate nature into several parts so that when there is a fire outbreak, it does not spread to all parts of the park.

Akagera National Park has quite often suffered fire outbreaks especially during dry spells. Fires are normally set by poachers. The fire normally leaves a path of destruction covering hundreds of kilometres.

"When environment is endangered general security is also threatened, this is why the Police considers environmental protection as part of its main objective,” said the Commissioner General of Police, Emmanuel Gasana.

"Through a combination of enforcement and education, we aim to prevent and reduce crime related to environmental damage.”

He said that the police certainly has a more prevalent and important role in safeguarding civilians and ecosystems but the success lies in the force’s partnership with the communities and its stakeholders.

Addressing those who took part in the exercise, the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Stanislas Kamanzi, said that most of the developing countries survive on their natural resources, and  pointed out that since Rwanda falls in that category, it needs to conserve its natural resources.

"Environmental conservation is listed among the key pillars of this country, that is why environmental issues are increasingly becoming important in our daily lives,” said Kamanzi.

"The National Police has been at the forefront in environmental protection, and today marks the seal of the partnerships with all stakeholders in environmental protection,” he said.

The National Police has set up an Environmental Crimes Unit whose main aim is to sensitize the public on environmental protection and conservation, said the Minister.

Also in attendance was the Program Manager of Disaster Planning and Preparedness at the U.S Africa Command (AFRICOM), Lorraine Rapp, who praised Rwanda for its efforts in environmental protection.

"Rwanda has shown interest in moving forward and dealing with issues related to environment. The creation of fire-breakers is one way of reducing costs that would be spend on a disaster in case it breaks out, and more impressing is the combined efforts used in this activity,” said Rapp.

Kenya’s National Disaster Operation Centre (NDOC) was also represented by its top officials at the function.

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Nelson Munyi from NDOC, "the Rwanda National Police is making strides in its departments including the disaster management although there is still room for improvement.”

Ends