NORTHERN PROVINCE GICUMBI — Residents of Burera and Gicumbi districts should jealously protect Rugezi water catchments because it’s their main source of water.“This swamp is not only important for Agriculture but it is also the source of water consumed by residents of the two districts,” said Ildephonse Butera, the vice mayor in charge of economic development.He was opening two-day seminar on Integrated Management of critical Ecosystems (IMCE) organized by the Ministry of Lands, Forestry, Environment and Mines at Byumba Eglise Episcopal du Rwanda reception hall this Tuesday.In attendance were executive secretaries, representatives of farmer’s cooperatives and non governmental organisations from both districts.During the two days, the participants would among other lessons learn the importance of protecting wetlands, to fight soil erosion through construction of terraces, formation of farmer’s cooperatives and the laws governing wetlands.The seminar is being conducted by Prof. Pontien Ndabaneze of Kigali Institute of Education, Dr.Paul Odedraogo of IMCE, and Dr. Gaspard Bikwenu of the Nile Basin Initiative.Ends
