REMA is a government agency with a broad responsibility, including the coordination and monitoring of national environmental policy and related laws. As stated in the National Development Vision 2020, REMA is crucial in realizing the national aim of sustainable development. Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) was established by the Rwandan government to coordinate, supervise, and regulate environmental management for sustainable development in the country. In response to the alarming rate of environmental destruction caused by population pressure, serious erosion, pressure on natural resources, massive deforestation, pollution in its various forms, etc.
In order to accomplish its goals, REMA must collaborate with and utilize all three levels of government, as well as the commercial sector and civil organizations. If REMA is to improve the quality of service it provides to its constituents, its organizational structure must permit operational links at various tiers. The REMA framework should be adaptable enough to meet national, regional, and global difficulties. When designing REMA’s framework, it is crucial to give careful thought to the two categories of environmental management tasks listed below:
- Environmental management in different sectors: Agricultural, hydrological, mining, forestal, waste management, and other resources.
- Environmental management functions are coordinated and integrated with regard to cross-cutting issues
REMA reserves the legal mandate for national environmental protection, conservation, promotion, and overall management, including advisory to the government on all matters pertaining to the environment and climate change.
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Responsibility of REMA
With the goal of bettering the lives of the Rwandan people, they must advocate for and implement policies that will conserve the country’s environment and natural resources. While also fostering a decentralized government. All facets of Rwandan society recognize the need of preserving the environment and making efficient use of natural resources to further the country’s goals of sustainable growth.
REMA’s essential duties are as follows, as outlined in Law N° 63/2013 of 27/08/2013 establishing the mission, organization, and operation of Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA):
Putting the government’s environmental policies into action
The purpose of this committee is to provide advice to the government on matters of environmental policy, strategy, and legislation, including the execution of international conventions pertaining to the environment.
Provide thorough inspection
An in-depth assessment of environmental management is to be performed at least once every two years in order to compile a report on the state of the environment in Rwanda.
To implement safeguards against climate change and strategies to deal with its effects
It is the purpose of this organization to conduct studies, research, investigations, and other appropriate actions in the field of environment and to publish the results.
During the planning and execution of development projects, environmental rules must be strictly enforced by closely monitoring and evaluating compliance with these laws.
To aid in natural resource management and environmental conservation by offering guidance and technical assistance to those in need
With the goal of lowering the likelihood of environmental deterioration, educational materials related to environmental management and protection rules and legislation will be drafted, published, and disseminated.
Brief Synopsis of Rwanda’s biodiversity
Rwanda is home to a great variety of plant and animal life because of its varied ecosystems, which include everything from humid montane forests to savannahs, lakes, rivers, and wetlands. The loss of species, declines in population size, and damage to ecosystems are all consequences of the many threats that the country’s biodiversity faces. Rwanda’s development strategy highlights the vital role that biodiversity and natural resources play in sustaining the country’s economy and people’s standard of living. As well as in supplying essential ecosystem services including water, soil erosion, flood management, and climate change mitigation.
To keep an eye on and manage all environmental research projects, including impact assessment, environmental audit, strategic environmental assessment, and more. For certain investigations, REMA may delegate written authority to any other individual they deem competent to evaluate and approve.
