Environmentalists and Natural resources sector working groups have questioned the concept of ” sustainable development” and environment protection in general.
This was during the meeting September 26, at Lemigo Hotel.
The debate ensued during the session of the back word-looking Joint Sector Review for the Environment and natural resources sector which encompasses the Environment, Lands, Water Resources Management, Forestry and mines sub-sectors.
Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza of Rwanda Natural Resources Authority has urged participants to count on support and partnerships ensuring that the environment provides its due contribution towards sustainable national development.
However,Dr. Rose Mukankomeje of Rwanda Environment Management Authority has said until now the concept of sustainability of development is not clearly understood.
“….when we are talking about sustainable mining for example, we think in increasing productivity,….however, we are undermining land, agriculture sector,…. so the point is how we understand sustainability and how we implement sustainable development for future generations” Explains Mukankomeje.
She noted,“Natural resources are part of Environment. Guidelines have been developed but between developing and implementing there is another step. the challenge is mostly behaviour change”
“It is simple, we have degraded Gishwati and then we are putting money in rehabilitating it.”
Dr. Nkurunziza of RNRA, the concept of sustainable development is not the only challenge in this sector, but also there are other challenges including inadequate monitoring and evaluation of sector priorities and programs undermining financing of the sector and overall effectiveness of the sector to influence sustainable performance of productive and social sectors.
It is expected that the meeting will come up with solutions to issues affecting the sector’s progress.
Joachim Molander, Head of development cooperation in embassy of Sweden commended the progress in Land reform and and how Rwanda’s environment is managed though the country is mostly populated.
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