REMA advances its efforts to completely eliminate the use of plastic
As the world marks World Environment Day on June 5th each year, Rwanda has launched a dedicated Environment Week under the theme: “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally .”
This initiative, led by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), is accompanied by a nationwide campaign aimed at encouraging Rwandans to refrain from using non-biodegradable materials, particularly plastic.
Madam Beatha Akimpaye, REMA’s Director of Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, along with Mr. Patrick Umuhoza, REMA’s Multilateral environmental agreements, both reflected on Rwanda’s long-standing journey in fighting the use of non-degradable materials.
They noted that for over two decades, Rwanda has implemented various measures to ban plastic bags and other harmful plastic products, which have posed serious environmental challenges not only locally but also globally.
Madam Akimpaye stated: “Although the global journey to completely eliminate plastic use is still ongoing, Rwanda stands out as one of the leading countries in this fight.
A growing number of citizens now understand the importance of environmental protection, and awareness campaigns have significantly contributed to the reduction of plastic usage and the elimination of plastic bags in daily life.”
A report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlights that 80% of plastic waste ends up in water bodies including oceans, lakes, and rivers,while the remaining 20% is discarded on land, causing harm to biodiversity.
It is estimated that between 50 to 75 billion tons of plastic waste are present globally, and this pollution is linked to various health issues such as respiratory diseases, reproductive disorders, and infections transmitted through contaminated fluids.
In addition, the Rwandan government continues to invest in environmental conservation activities such as planting beneficial trees those that purify air, bear fruits, or prevent soil erosion.
There is also an ongoing campaign to promote the use of eco-friendly vehicles, particularly electric cars, which do not emit harmful gases into the atmosphere. All these efforts point to a clear and consistent national vision for preventing environmental degradation and ensuring a healthier, more sustainable future.
Environment Week serves as a reminder that protecting the environment is not the sole responsibility of the government,it is a shared duty of every citizen.
Avoiding the use of plastic and replacing it with eco-friendly alternatives is a vital step toward building a Rwanda that protects both human life and biodiversity.
