Concorde Kubwimana is of the view that social and economic development mainly depends on how well the planet’s resources are managed. He also observes that climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts and floods. As an environmentalist and student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, he perceives these changes to have serious consequences for the ecosystem, food production, and access to water, among other issues. This was the main reason he established ‘Save Environment Initiative’, with the intention of building climate resilience in order to improve livelihoods as well as pursue sustainable development. Kubwimana and his team during one of his trainings His initiative, a youth led non-governmental organisation, intends to promote environmental measures to build climate resilience through activities that focus on agriculture, environmental education, water and waste management. Through this platform, he hopes to plant three million trees by 2030, create linkages for youth with different initiatives to build climate resilience, equip the next generation with skills in tackling climate change, and enhance food security through forestry and agroforestry. “Our aim is to promote environmental safety and sustainability for future generations and to mitigate effects of climate change,” he says. Kubwimana says he is doing this through tree planting and maintenance. He is also providing training for the youth and rural community in order to raise environmental awareness through schools across the country. Inspiration He says his idea was inspired by one of the President’s speeches, noting that the encouraging words he always has for the youth is what pushed him to do something for his country. “I had to think about what I could do from what I know that could change the society in which I live, and the country as whole, without waiting to attain a university degree,” he recalls. Kubwimana is the founder of Save Environment Initiative. Based on what he was acquainted with, he chose to focus on climate change since it is one of the pressing challenges for the world today. “Maintaining a safe environment will require addressing issues such as air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution and deforestation since they are the major issues affecting environment today,” Kubwimana notes. He, hence, believes that what needs to be done in order to deal with climate change is to invest in renewables and divert from fossil fuels. “Setting a price on carbon and protecting forests are all potent ways to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide and other gases trapping heat on the planet,” he adds. Achievements His initiative started last year but has since established a fruit seedling nursery of 100,000 different varieties (mangoes, oranges, citrons and avocadoes), and these seedlings will be distributed to different communities at the start of October this year. Kayitesi holding some of her handmade baskets. The young activist is proud that he now offers green jobs for the youth. He employs four permanent staff and also gives temporary jobs to over 10 workers handling different activities such as cultivating, nursery building, and et cetera. He has also managed to offer trainings in line with environment conservation. “On December 16 last year, in partnership with University of Lay Adventists of Kigali, SEI organised a training on environment and climate change to bridge the gap among its members. The training was offered by an officer from Rwanda Environment and Management Authority. We also established an Environment Defenders Club at UNILAK/Kigali campus.” He hopes to do more in terms of integrating environmental objectives with the community in order to maximise people’s wellbeing without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. “Through this initiative, I hope to continue addressing challenges with food security, planting more tress, and also establish over 20 environment clubs and have an organisation branch in each province by 2030.” You can reach Kubwimana for more information on 0788522689 or concordek@sei.org.rw
