Promoting environmental awareness through drama

With an aim to enhance awareness of environmental sustainability and help Rwandans understand their role in environment protection, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) is releasing a drama-film named “Isonga”. Isonga comprises a series of sketches tackling different aspects of sustainable development and environment protection. It aims to educate Rwandans on environmental sustainability in order to increase participation and ownership in conservation. According to a statement from REMA, two seasons of the Isonga drama-film have been produced so far. “The first season was produced in 2014 and broadcast on Rwanda Television. This season covered issues related to Rwanda’s fast growing population and its negative impact on the environment, resulting in unsustainable housing as well as natural resources scarcity which caused land-related conflicts in the past time. The season also showed some measures taken so far by the Government of Rwanda to solve land-related problems,” reads part of the statement. This year, REMA produced the 2nd season of this film which comprises eight sketches relating to eight themes, including: sustainable development, green jobs creation, climate change, air pollution, clean energy use, sustainable mining, irrigation as a method to cope with climate change impacts in agriculture, biodiversity promotion and integrated water management. These sketches are combined with related talk-shows. Speaking about the screening of the Isonga II film, which is expected this Thursday evening, the Director General of REMA Dr. Rose Mukankomeje said, By presenting this film to stakeholders we want to share with them the messages conveyed in this film. We want to partner with them to help us raise awareness of the need to manage our country’s natural resources well. “Isonga intends to boost ownership and change attitudes towards environmental sustainability,”. Mukankomeje added. REMA has been using different communication tools such as radio and TV shows, articles published online and in different newspapers, newsletters, meetings and trainings organized across the country. The screening will take place at the main hall of Rwanda Revenue Authority in Kimihurura. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Promoting environmental awareness through drama