Laura Rurangwa is a strong advocate for environmental protection in Rwanda. Teen Times hooks up with her and told us about her role in environmental protection.

Excerpts:

Why are you so much into the environment?
The environment is something that man needs to protect if the human race is to survive. Tomorrow will be a tough time if man does not sustain the environment.

What is environment?

Environment is anything that surrounds man. It could be trees, grass, animals and even fellow people.

What are the consequences of environmental degradation?

The hazards are so many. Just imagine a situation where the o-zone layer has been destroyed! This layer protects us from direct sunlight! Without it, it means that the sun will directly hit us—actually burn us alive; the rest is left to your imagination.

Do you see industrialization as a factor hindering environmental protection?

If the industrialization is carried out in consideration of the environment, then its fine. Industries have to be environment sensitive! They have to purify all their waste before disposing it off to the environment.

What are you doing to protect the environment?

Sensitisation is the key. I move around telling people about the value of the environment and the best way to conserve it. I have also attended several international programmes around the world encouraging people from different parts of the world to conserve nature.

Any final words for the youth out there?

The environment is so beautiful! For millions of years, it has helped man to live a wonderful life. Why then destroy it? It’s our duty to protect it so that our future generations, can see what nature is!

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