The director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), yesterday, acknowledged Rwanda’s exemplary policies to protect the environment, citing the ban on plastic bags as one initiative that other Africa countries should follow.

Owing to the dynamism of the economy, new investments have been increasing. And, coupled with the favourable business environment and policies, Rwanda is now an ideal destination for investors in all the sectors

The environment is a cross-cutting area that is in one way or another linked to all the other sectors. To ensure sustainable growth, it is important that new investments do not compromise the environment.

While it is not the Governments wish to frustrate investment, environmental protection is akey component for the well-being of the Rwandan people. Article 3 of the new organic law on the environment stipulates that every person has the right to live under a safe and clean environment.

There have been attempts to carry out economic activities on wetlands and parks, yet these are sites that need to stay in their natural state for as long as possible. 

If Rwanda is to achieve its vision of becoming a green country, the policies on environmental protection, however strict they may be, should be respected.

Indeed, the country’s environmental policies offer an ideal opportunity to generate revenue. Tourists today prefer destinations that give value to ecosystems, and Rwanda is one country that has made the environment a matter of priority.

Ends