conservation policies

AKAMANZI Claire

Nowadays, the conservation of natural resources is the main concern of Rwanda. This concern is expressed through a series of legal texts relating to the environment, the protection of wetlands etc. Rwanda has also signed and ratified several international conventions which reinforce the national efforts to protect the biodiversity and the environment. In spite of the difficult period after the 1994 genocide, collaboration with the security forces (army, police and courts) contributed to the protection of our protected area resources.

In order to reduce the conflicts with local populations living near the protected areas, strict laws on protected areas will be implemented and supported by community conservation approach.

Currently a draft wildlife policy is at an advanced stage of approval in Cabinet and a draft wildlife law is under development.

To reduce conflicts and reinforce community involvement in conservation, a law on compensation for wildlife damages was drafted and this completes different mechanisms to ensure good neighborhood at the park population interface.

Emphasis will be put on the improvement of the infrastructures and equipment communication especially, regular training of guards and trackers’ teams and the improvement of patrol reports.

Source:  RDB