The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and the Ministry of Environment have initiated the deployment of drones in the fight against environmental crimes.
“The drones will help to respond to and control activities that damage our environment, including land degradation, water pollution, and illegal logging in protected areas,” said Minister for Environment Jean d’Arc Mujawamariya.
She stated that reports have identified prevalent degrading activities, including illegal mining, communities encroaching on protected areas like parks, riverbanks, and instances of water pollution.
The minister emphasized that the collaboration with RIB will draw lessons from the already successful partnership between Rwanda National Police and Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA). This will involve the establishment of collaborative teams, alongside security forces at the district level and other relevant institutions, to implement effective measures aimed at mitigating environmental degradation.
Rwanda has established a comprehensive Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy, accompanied by an ambitious climate action plan that aims to achieve a 38 percent reduction in emissions by 2030.
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The investigative focus will encompass a range of environmentally degrading activities, including land degradation, water pollution, and the illicit practice of logging, particularly within protected areas.
