KIGALI - Rwandans have been urged to fully embrace and be part of the World Environment Day (WED) celebration and Kwita Izina ceremony slated to take place on June 5.
Rwanda is this years’ global host of the environment day celebrations.

Speaking at a town hall meeting, yesterday, on the preparations of the two events, that will be jointly marked, the Minister of Environment and Lands, Stanislas Kamanzi said that all Rwandans should be proud that their country has been chosen to be a global host of the event.

He pointed out that hosting the event is not only a sign of confidence in Rwanda, but also a sign of recognition for what the country has been doing to conserve the environment.

Kamanzi, together with the Director General of Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), Rose Mukankomeje, and the Director of Tourism and Conservation at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rica Rwigamba, called upon Rwandans to show up in large numbers and be part of the activities.

Kamanzi, among other things, underscored Rwanda’s commitment to pursue a ‘green’ development path, highlighting the country’s commitment to the Copenhagen Climate change deal and cutting down any emissions into the environment.

"As Rwandans we should be proud of the achievements we have registered in environment conservation,” Mukankomeje said. "The whole world has recognised our efforts and that is why we have been chosen to host the global event.”

According to Rwigamba, preparations for the 6th edition of Kwita Izina are still going on as planned despite the loss of 3 infants and 1 mother gorilla, last week, in the Karisimbi region.

It was confirmed by vets that the gorillas, which were part of a research group, died as a result of cold weather in the region.

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