KARONGI- The Minister of Youth Culture and Sports, Protais Mitali, yesterday laid the foundation stone for the construction of the country’s first environmental museum in Karongi district.

The museum, estimated to cost Rfw1.1billion, is expected to be complete in the next eight months.

The Minister said that it was important to protect the environment while conserving the Rwandan culture.

"There are many important lessons to learn from the country’s culture and history, that’s why a museum such as this is necessary,” Mitali said.

He stressed that culture portrays a common national identity which reflects nationalism and patriotism.

Mitali acknowledged that some factors such as population growth and ignorance hinder the smooth execution of some environmental protection and conservation measures.

On a positive note, Mitali called on the public, especially the youth, to come up with initiatives aimed at reaping maximum benefits from the newly established museum.

The museum is strategically located on the shores of Lake Kivu and constitutes a conference hall, rest room and exhibition centre.

It will be harbour documentaries and symbols representing all the various sources of energy, both renewable and non renewable.

It will also contain photographs, interviews, drawings, graphs, works of art and audio-visual materials.

The Governor of the Western Province, Celestin Kabahizi, noted that the choice of establishing a museum in Karongi was justifiable.

"Given the hilly terrain and a succession of mountain ranges with a good part covered with natural and artificial forests, the museum will enable the district to tremendously improve the trade and tourism industry,” Kabahizi noted.

Alphonse Umulisa, the Director General of the National Institute of Museums of Rwanda. said that intense efforts are required to further improve museums because most of them are in poor condition.

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