{"id":52448,"date":"2024-12-31T09:34:11","date_gmt":"2024-12-31T09:34:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/rwanda-s-climate-action-and-sustainability-milestones-in-2024\/"},"modified":"2025-01-01T13:55:55","modified_gmt":"2025-01-01T13:55:55","slug":"rwanda-s-climate-action-and-sustainability-milestones-in-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/rwanda-s-climate-action-and-sustainability-milestones-in-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Rwanda\u2019s climate action and sustainability milestones in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

The year was marked by several high-profile initiatives, collaborations, and projects aimed at tackling climate challenges and advancing the nation’s goals of reducing emissions, conserving biodiversity, and fostering sustainable urban development. <\/p>\n

From groundbreaking climate talks with Germany to cutting-edge waste management projects, Rwanda\u2019s environmental journey in 2024 highlighted both local and global engagement. <\/p>\n

This round-up brings together the key milestones, offering a comprehensive view of how the country continued its pursuit of a green, sustainable future.<\/p>\n

{{Rwanda and Germany launch quarterly Kigali climate talks<\/p>\n

}}
\nOne of the most significant developments in Rwanda\u2019s environmental sector in 2024 was the launch of the Kigali Climate Talks in May. <\/p>\n

This quarterly series, a collaboration between Rwanda and Germany, was inaugurated by Rwanda’s then Minister of Environment, Dr. Jeanne d\u2019Arc Mujawamariya, and German Ambassador Heike Uta Dettmann. <\/p>\n

The talks aimed to foster dialogue on climate change, sustainability, and joint action.
\nThe first session focused on Rwanda\u2019s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, with discussions centred on the financial, technical, and capacity-building reforms needed to achieve Rwanda’s climate goals. <\/p>\n

\"This<\/figure>\n

Dr. Mujawamariya reaffirmed Rwanda’s strong commitment to global climate targets and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the private sector, youth, and international partners in realizing the nation’s vision of carbon neutrality by 2050. <\/p>\n

The talks will continue to provide a platform for actionable solutions, deepening the Rwanda-Germany climate partnership.<\/p>\n

{{Rwanda inaugurates first municipal waste valorization facilities<\/p>\n

}}
\nIn June, Rwanda took another significant step towards environmental sustainability with the inauguration of its first municipal waste valorization facilities at the Nduba dumpsite. <\/p>\n

This initiative, part of the ‘Waste to Resources Project,’ aims to revolutionize the country’s approach to waste management by transforming waste into valuable resources. <\/p>\n

\"The<\/figure>\n

Funded by Luxembourg\u2019s Ministry of Environment and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the project includes a waste sorting facility capable of processing 100 tons of waste daily, and a bio-waste treatment plant that turns organic waste into fertilizers. <\/p>\n

Over the past few years, Rwanda has also implemented household waste sorting programs, awareness campaigns, and reverse vending machines in Kigali to promote recycling. <\/p>\n

The waste valorization project not only helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 15,000 tons annually but also creates green jobs, advancing Rwanda\u2019s vision of a zero-waste circular economy by 2035.<\/p>\n

{{Rwanda, Sweden forge climate cooperation
\n}}<\/p>\n

In September, Rwanda strengthened its international climate partnerships by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sweden. <\/p>\n

This agreement focused on implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which allows countries to collaborate on carbon markets and trade carbon credits to achieve more significant emissions reductions. <\/p>\n

\"The<\/figure>\n

Rwanda\u2019s Ministry of Environment and the Swedish Energy Agency will work together on capacity building, technical analysis, and the development of work plans to advance both countries’ climate goals.<\/p>\n

The collaboration is a testament to Rwanda’s growing role in global climate leadership and Sweden’s commitment to supporting emission reduction efforts in Africa. <\/p>\n

Environment Minister Dr. Valentine Uwamariya emphasized that the partnership would help Rwanda meet its NDCs while fostering sustainable development.<\/p>\n

{{Green Climate Fund approves $28 million for Kigali\u2019s green city initiative
\n}}<\/p>\n

Rwanda’s urban sustainability efforts received a boost in October with the announcement of a $28 million grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). <\/p>\n

The grant will support the Green City Kigali project, which aims to transform Kigali into a model of sustainable urbanization with climate-resilient infrastructure. <\/p>\n

\"The<\/figure>\n

As Kigali grows rapidly, nearly 77% of its population lives in informal settlements vulnerable to climate risks such as flooding and landslides. <\/p>\n

The Green City initiative seeks to upgrade these settlements, incorporating sustainable solutions to improve climate resilience. <\/p>\n

Over the next five years, the project will position Kigali as a regional leader in climate-conscious urban planning, reducing emissions and improving living conditions for residents.
\nRwanda unveils AI-powered \u2018interspecies money\u2019 for gorilla conservation<\/p>\n

In November, Rwanda launched an innovative conservation initiative, “Interspecies Money,” aimed at supporting gorilla conservation in Volcanoes National Park. <\/p>\n

This AI-powered platform allows tourists to make real-time, symbolic contributions to conservation efforts through digital wallets. <\/p>\n

The funds directly support vital activities such as hiring park rangers and protecting gorilla habitats. <\/p>\n

The platform also provides income-generating opportunities for local communities, such as wildlife photography and conservation reporting.<\/p>\n

{{Kigali to phase out petrol-powered motorbikes
\n}}<\/p>\n

Rwanda\u2019s push for clean mobility took a significant step forward in November with the announcement of a plan to phase out petrol-powered motorcycles in Kigali by January 2025. <\/p>\n

The policy requires all new entrants into the motorcycle taxi business to use electric motorcycles, while existing petrol-powered bikes can continue operating for the time being.
\nThis transition is part of Rwanda’s broader environmental strategy, aimed at reducing air pollution and improving air quality in urban areas.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/figure>\n

The country is already investing in the infrastructure needed to support electric vehicles, such as battery swapping stations. <\/p>\n

The move reflects Rwanda\u2019s commitment to sustainable transport solutions, and it is expected to reduce carbon emissions while improving air quality in Kigali.<\/p>\n

{{Rwanda leads global call for a treaty to end plastic pollution
\n}}<\/p>\n

Rwanda continued to play a leadership role in global environmental advocacy in November 2024, when it called for a legally binding treaty to address plastic pollution at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5). <\/p>\n

As Co-Chair of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, Rwanda urged nations to adopt a treaty that addresses the entire lifecycle of plastic pollution and promotes sustainable alternatives. <\/p>\n

\"During<\/figure>\n

The country also advocated for a Multilateral Fund to help developing nations meet the treaty\u2019s obligations, highlighting the disproportionate impact of plastic pollution on vulnerable communities. <\/p>\n

Rwanda\u2019s call for a global treaty reflects its long-standing commitment to reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment.<\/p>\n

{{Rwanda\u2019s call for global action on climate change at COP29
\n}}<\/p>\n

At the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in November, Rwanda joined global leaders in calling for urgent action to combat climate change. <\/p>\n

Minister Uwamariya stressed the severe impacts of climate change on Rwanda\u2019s economy, noting that the country is already experiencing extreme weather events such as floods and droughts. <\/p>\n

\"COP29<\/figure>\n

Rwanda\u2019s commitment to reducing emissions by 38% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 was reaffirmed, and the country called for a more equitable climate finance framework to support developing nations. <\/p>\n

Rwanda also urged high-emitting countries to accelerate emissions reductions and strengthen efforts to build a low-carbon future for all.<\/p>\n

{{Rwandan ranger Claver Ntoyinkima honoured for conservation leadership
\n}}<\/p>\n

In late November, Claver Ntoyinkima, a Senior Ranger Guide at Nyungwe National Park, was awarded the prestigious Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award for his outstanding contributions to primate and bird conservation in Rwanda. <\/p>\n

\"51-year-old<\/figure>\n

Ntoyinkima’s dedication to protecting Rwanda’s biodiversity has earned him international recognition. <\/p>\n

His work includes anti-poaching patrols, primate habituation, and guiding scientific research, as well as founding conservation clubs for local youth. <\/p>\n

His award was presented by Prince William at the 2024 Tusk Conservation Awards in London, where he was celebrated for his tireless commitment to wildlife and community conservation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In 2024, Rwanda made remarkable strides in its environmental efforts, positioning itself among leaders in climate action, conservation, and sustainability. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":2000079553,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[75],"byline":[160],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-52448","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-environment","tag-homenews","byline-theophile-niyitegeka"],"bylines":[{"id":160,"name":"Th\u00e9ophile Niyitegeka","slug":"theophile-niyitegeka","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":3}],"contributors":[{"id":160,"name":"Th\u00e9ophile Niyitegeka","slug":"theophile-niyitegeka","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":3}],"featured_image":{"id":2000079553,"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/csm_climate_talks_007663e7d4.jpg","alt":"","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","width":0,"height":0,"sizes":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/csm_climate_talks_007663e7d4.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"medium":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/csm_climate_talks_007663e7d4.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"medium_large":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/csm_climate_talks_007663e7d4.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"large":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/csm_climate_talks_007663e7d4.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"full":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/csm_climate_talks_007663e7d4.jpg","width":0,"height":0}}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52448","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/131"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52448"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52448\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2000079553"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52448"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52448"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52448"},{"taxonomy":"byline","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/byline?post=52448"},{"taxonomy":"hashtag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hashtag?post=52448"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}