The day is celebrated annually to bring visibility and awareness about the importance of conserving wetlands. This year’s celebration was proceeded by the national wetland week from 26th- 31st January 2019, during which illegal wetland based activities were relocated in the districts of Gasabo, and Kicukiro districts.
The week was also characterized by sensitization outreach programs, discussions in schools on how to preserve wetlands, preventing erosion, disasters and other interventions that do ensure sustainable utilization of the catchment areas.
REMA Director General, Eng. Coletha Ruhamya said that when wetlands are well preserved they largely help in lessening disasters that emanate from the consequences of climate change.
“I am calling upon everyone to get involved in the preservation of our wetlands for the benefit of all. Celebrating the World Wetland Day is a great opportunity for Rwanda to consolidate the achievements made in environmental conservation and protection especially in the sustainable use of restoration of degraded ones,” she said.
In Rwanda, there are 935 wetlands, which cover over 10.6% on the country’s land. They play a big role in the daily life of Rwandans.
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