More effort is needed to protect the endangered species

Stanislas Kamanzi who is the minister for Natural Resources said that there is still a lot of effort that is still needed to preserve rare animal and plant species in the country. He said so during a briefing the media on this year’s World Environment Day and National Environment Week campaign that started over the weekend at the ministry headquarters in Kigali, although the environment day is celebrated on June 5 around the world. Among people who attended were the officials from the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA).

Kimanzi said theta the locals who live near parks like Akagera National Park In the past, used to hear lions roaring more so in the mornings and see cranes in many places which is rare today because of the  increased human activities like  farming and poaching which have scared way the animals while many of them have been killed. He also noted that there was a time when gorillas were on the verge of extinction but there is a combined effort to ensure that they keep increasing as they are the country’s major tourists attractions. Lions, elephants and other animals should be preserved for tourist purposes as well so he said.

Meanwhile Rose Mukankomeje who is the Director General of REMA cited Iboza riparia also known as Umuravumba in Kinyarwanda, among the plants that have been conserved for its medicinal use. This week Rwanda joins the rest of the world to mark the world environment day under the theme, Think, Eat, Save and all the week’s activities will be aimed at raising awareness on environment and climate change issues.

There is need for sensitization on water management, renewable and efficient energy, planting fruits and trees, adaptation to effects of climate change,  ensure safe waste management methods,  food processing, packaging and storage that is according to REMA.

Mukankomeje also said that at the end of the exercise, the best performers will be awarded as the best 2012-2013 environmental performers. Meanwhile, from other part of the world the day will be celebrated in Mongolia, Asia which is considered as one of the fastest growing economies in a green path and most vulnerable nation to global warming in the world.

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