Local NGO steps up conservation awareness

A local conservation firm Association pour la Conservation de la Nature au Rwanda (ACNR), will enhance environmental education in an effort to improve the conservation of ecosystems to improve the livelihoods of local communities.A strategic plan announced on Saturday during ACNR‘s annual General Assembly indicates more research will be done in part to contribute to the conservation action for Rwanda’s biodiversity. “A sound environmental education and awareness raising programme is developed and will be implemented …,” the NGO’s Executive Director, Serge J Nsengimana said at the meeting.The plan also states that they want to ensure that all Rwandans understand and are involved in the conservation of natural ecosystems for the benefits of current and future generations. “The Goal of ACNR by 2015 is the integrity, health and productivity of Rwanda’s biodiversity and ecosystems are sustained through integrated and participatory conservation,” said Nsengimana, highlighting funding among their main challenges.Meanwhile, the same meeting also elected several commissioners and a five-member Executive Committee headed by Telesphore Ngoga. Ngoga replaces Emanuel Hakizimana who had held the position for the last one year. Stressing the importance of biodiversity conservation, Ngoga called for collective responsibility to implementing the organisation’s strategy. Rehabilitation of Nyabarongo wetland and numerous conservation and research projects were cited among their achievements.The ACNR was set up in 1992 to promote biodiversity conservation and its sustainable use in Rwanda.

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Local NGO steps up conservation awareness