A total of 58 Police officers on Thursday completed a two-day seminar aimed at equipping them with skills on environmental law. The training was organised by Rwanda National Police (RNP) in partnership with Rwanda Environment and Management Authority (REMA).The officers were drawn from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Public Relations and Community Policing (PR&CP) department and Police Stations commanders, intelligence officers and District Community Liaison Officers (DCLO) from Central and Western Provinces. During the two-day seminar held in Rubavu District, the officers covered various areas of the environment, including sustainable development, environmental policy and regulations in Rwanda, state of environment and challenges and the environmental organic law.They also discussed ways of protecting wetlands, rivers, lakes and biodiversity, fight against use and selling of polythene bags and other prohibited products and the role of the police in the process.180 police officers have so far benefited from the course. The Deputy Director of REMA, Engineer Colette Ruhamya, commended the good partnership between the environmental body and Police, particularly in conserving the environment.“There is no doubt that if this cooperation continues, we shall be able to fight and prevent environmental crimes in the country and thus make our nation attractive, not only to Rwandans, but also to foreigners,” said Ruhamya.She noted that the environment has always been under threat due to pressure caused by human activities.“Out of individual interests, people get involved in illegal activities of cutting forests without knowing that they are destroying the nation. The environment is great wealth and should be used for the common good. We therefore cannot allow to see people destroy it”.Currently, Rwanda’s forests cover a total surface area of 2,575 square kilometres, with about 1,146 square kilometres under natural forests.The Acting Commissioner for Public Relations and Community Policing, Supt Theos Badege, lauded REMA’s continuous support particularly in the area of capacity building.
