A forum which is in the framework of the project entitled “Stakeholders Engagement for Informed Decision-Making, Threats Mitigation and Sustainable Fresh Water Services Management in the Great Lakes Region of East and Central Africa” was today 21st February opened in Kigali.
Being implemented by ARCOS and its partners and with generous funding support from the MacArthur Foundation; a regional stakeholders forum serves as inception of the project and as a launching platform for the new MacArthur Great Lakes conservation strategy 2011-2020 which underpins the development and implementation of this project.
Bakundukize Dismas, the Deputy Director General of Forest Department said that the forum will also discuss the status of Key Biodiversity Areas in the Great Lakes Region and major drivers of change affecting them, and draw practical recommendations for action.
“I fully support the efforts of ARCOS and its partners for bringing together different stakeholders to strengthen the collaborative actions for sustainable use of freshwater in the great lakes Region and also for MacArthur for it invaluable efforts being put in conservation and sustainable development in the great lakes region.” Bakundukize said.
Elizabeth Chadri, Representative of MacArthur Foundation said that the forum was held in Rwanda due to its significant contribution to conservation activities adding that Conservation will benefit many people.
She added that MarcArthur Foundation has designated a strategy that will lead decision makers towards sustainable conservation activities.
“If we are talking about informed decision making now this is the beginning” Bakundukize was commenting on the designed strategy after its launches.
Leave a Reply