Some civil society organisations (CSOs) in Rwanda have called on young people in the country to be the voices that ensure the protection of the environment.
Development Diaries reports that the CSOs, including Rwanda Climate Change Developmental Network (RCCDN) and Youth Climate Action Initiative, made the call in commemoration of the 2023 World Environmental Day.
World Environment Day, which is observed annually on 05 June, encourages awareness and action for the protection of the environment.
It is understood that the main environmental challenges facing Rwanda include soil degradation, deforestation, climate change, loss of biodiversity, and water pollution.
In 2019, Rwanda passed a law prohibiting the manufacturing, importation, use, and sale of single-use plastic items in the country.
The items include single-use plastic packaging materials for food and other products, plastic straws, plastic spoons and forks, plastic knives, plastic cups, dishes and balloons.
Plastics are blamed for taking up to thousands of years to decompose which results in contaminating soil, water and food as well as affecting different species.
During a Gala Night organised as part of activities to mark the day, the Youth Climate Action Initiative delivered a song that portrays the message of protecting the environment.
Via different drama plays, Youth Climate Action Initiative raised awareness by showcasing how beating plastic use could be a huge solution to eradicate land and air pollution, plus protecting the environment.
The Coordinator of RCCDN, Faustin Vuningoma, reiterated that more awareness campaigns are needed to educate Rwandans about the effects of plastics.
‘The youth demonstrated that they have potential to contribute to efforts to end plastic pollution. We call for more efforts to stop the use of single-use plastics and recycle those that are being used. Youth can play a big role’, New Times quoted him as saying.
In May 2023, Rwanda and Peru proposed a legally binding international treaty to reduce global plastic waste. The treaty aims to end plastic pollution by 2040.
