The Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), held discussions with leaders from all districts of Rwanda and the City of Kigali on strategies to address climate change, mainly through supporting environmental protection projects.
The meeting, held on March 12, 2025, brought together district mayors from across Rwanda and officials from the City of Kigali. They discussed practical measures to tackle the impacts of climate change over the next five years.
Organized by the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with various institutions, the meeting was attended by Vice Mayors in charge of economic development in all districts, as well as Executive Secretaries of the provinces and the City of Kigali.
REMA confirmed its commitment to provide financial support to districts that present concrete and impactful projects designed to help communities adapt to climate change.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Ms. Béatrice Cyiza, urged district leaders to share ideas that will contribute to Rwanda’s climate goals, stressing that local actions must align with global strategies.
She said: “Let us put citizens at the center of everything we do, especially in today’s rapidly changing world where climate change does not wait for us to act. Let’s educate our people and support them.”
The Deputy Director General of REMA, Mr. Faustin Munyazikwiye, emphasized the importance of district leaders in implementing climate initiatives since they are closest to the communities.
He said: “There is no good project that fails because of money. If you identify a problem, define it clearly, and propose a well-discussed solution, the funding will follow. But if you only start by thinking about money, no one will provide it.”
Under its new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Rwanda has committed to two main priorities:
- Fighting floods and landslides in the Western and Northern Provinces.
- Combating drought in the Eastern and Southern Provinces through irrigation programs.
Over the next 10 years, Rwanda aims to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 38%. This ambitious plan, estimated to cost USD 11 billion, will focus both on reducing climate risks and implementing measures to prevent further environmental damage.
