Rema moves to streamline climate change mitigation

Rwanda Environment Management Authority (Rema) has launched a fresh bid to promote green growth and mitigate climate change effects by 2030. It will involve costing of government strategic activities. The costing study was undertaken by consultants under the support of African Development Bank (AfDB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Rwanda Environment Management Authority (Rema) has launched a fresh bid to promote green growth and mitigate climate change effects by 2030.

It will involve costing of government strategic activities. The costing study was undertaken by consultants under the support of African Development Bank (AfDB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The study aimed at implementing the Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy (GGCRS) approved by the Government in 2011.

Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Dr Rose Mukankomeje, the Director General of Rema, said the costing exercise had began with; Energy, Agriculture, and Integrated Water Resources programmes.

"This study will help us know the financial budget to allocate to climate change mitigation strategies. Then after discussion, we will submit the business plan to the government for consideration,” Mukankomeje said.

She said the concerned institutions were urged to carry out Environment Impact Assessment. Reports from the assessment indicate that agriculture is mainly rain fed, making it more vulnerable to climate change.

The report called for expanding irrigation, land and water husbandry activities and mainstreaming agro ecology, as well as the strengthening of the national post harvest.

The report further suggested that Rwanda should consider promoting sustainable agriculture practices by 2030.Findings from the Integrated Water Resources management indicated that there is need for a national water master plan.

In energy, the costs were based on combinations of hydro, geothermal and solar power to replace peat and methane gas.

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