New charcoal burning method to reduce threats to environment

The Ministry of Natural Resources plans to introduce an environmentally friendly way of burning charcoal that will help mitigate air pollution and deforestation. The method was developed by Nots Development Entrepreneurs, a Netherlands-based global NGO.The method, dubbed ‘Nots Blue Charcoal,’ will be adopted with effect from December.This was revealed during a Tuesday workshop in Kigali that ran under the theme, “Innovative and sustainable charcoal production methods in Rwanda.” The director of forestry management in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Dismas Bakundukize, said the benefits of the new method will help in environmental conservation as it involves use of little firewood.Bart Hartman, the Nots Development Entrepreneurs chief representative, said the method is effective and that it would lead to efficient charcoal production.“This method involves reforestation, where the indigenous fast-growing trees will be grown to provide a sustainable feed stock of charcoal production and stopping charcoal-driven deforestation,” he said.The method only needs a simple construction using locally available materials to make kiln, where the dried woods are put and covered on top.He said this reduces emission of 75 per cent in green house gases. The new method, developed in collaboration with Wageningeni University in the Netherlands, has been tested in Mali.“We wanted to see whether the method can be implemented in Rwanda and be sustainable by 2025. And also to know whether it meets the needs of Rwanda if implemented successfully,” Hartman said.The Food and Agriculture Organisation’s latest information estimates annual charcoal production in Rwanda at 48,000 tonnes.Sabin Murerehe, a charcoal burner, said the method will help them reduce the rate at which trees are felled without replanting. “The way I burn charcoal is also different from others’ because I use a modern method where I use half dried logs but this was after training i had in Nyamagabe District; it has helped me achieve my target,” Murerehe said.

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New charcoal burning method to reduce threats to environment