Following the recent passing of the Environment Protection Act, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) has extended its environment conservation sensitization program to Rwandan artists. “This training is all about environment mainstreaming geared at environment modification,” Rachael Tushabe, REMA’s Environment Mainstreaming Officer said after the workshop that took place at Kimisagara Youth Centre. The artists are grouped in a forum called Forum de Jeunne Artiste au Rwanda (FOJAR). She further revealed that it was the artists who approached them for training on environmental protection.Juma Nsenzimana, REMA’s Environmental Education Officer, lauded the artists noting that it was a positive initiative that would help in including components of the environment in their art pieces. Nsenzimana added that artists reach out to a large part of the population when passing their messages. “Look at comedians for example, one receives the message while laughing, at the end of the day, the point is taken home. Artists can play a big role. I wish other artists can emulate this first group,” Nsenzimana said. The leader of the artists association who attended the workshop, Jean Marie Vianney Ngabonziza, underscored that art is the bridge of all sectors noting that it reaches a big number of the population without limit. “Art cuts across all government’s policy and so can help in disseminating information easily to the public,” he said in an interview. He added that the artists who attended the workshop had initially composed government policy related art pieces from drama to songs. The organic Law N° 04/2005 of 08/04/2005, determines the modalities of protection, conservation and promotion of the environment in Rwanda which went into force April 8, 2005.The law sets out the general legal framework for environment protection and management in Rwanda. It also constitutes environment as a one of the priority concerns of the Government. Ends
