Investments and Environental Protection in Rwanda vis vis

Investments and Environental Protection in Rwanda vis à vis climate change Presentation by RDB

Content • Introduction • International instruments governing climate change. • Institutional & Legal Framework for Environmental Protection • Investment opportunities to fight climate change • Conclusion

Introduction • There is international consensus that climate change is a reality, as a global challenge. • Climate change is a global problem that requires common international concerted efforts to address the causes, adapt and build resilience. • Africa is the most vulnerable continent to the adverse impacts of climate change: ü its position on the globe, has a warm climate and is exposed to erratic rainfall, prevalence of poor soils and flood plains; ü most economies in Africa are dependent on sectors such as agriculture that are susceptible to climate variations; ü low adaptive capacity – high poverty levels, low capacities, conflicts etc……. .

Introduction (cnt’d) • ü ü Rwanda is experiencing: significant variations in precipitation patterns, higher temperatures, increased incidence of severe weather events, greater incidences of pests and diseases etc. Consequences: q decline in agricultural production that will imperil food security and exacerbate malnutrition, q negatively influencing economic growth and poverty reduction efforts, q endanger the livelihoods of people in the most vulnerable regions. Rwanda must engage with the international community to address the challenge posed by climate change

International instruments governing climate change • United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – Adopted in 1992 entered into force in 1994: “stabilize greenhouse concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. ” q The Kyoto Protocol – adopted in 1997 entered into force in 2007: ü An implementation Protocol under the Convention that establishes “legally binding obligations for developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions : first commitment period 2008 -2012 and second commitment period 2013 -2020. ” o The new Paris agreement adopted last year 2015 and all other previous agreements adopted by the Conference of the Parties since 1992 -20015. v All these agreements were established to tackle climate change while preserving environment

At local level: The Institutional and Legal Framework for protection of environment • The Rwandan Constitution of June 4, 2003 as amended to date, article 49 states that every citizen is entitled to a healthy and satisfying The Rwanda National Policy on environment, 2003: has an overall objective of improving the human well-being, the judicious utilization of natural resources and the protection and rational management of ecosystems for sustainable development • Rwanda Vision 2020: The vision 2020 of Rwanda gives strategic actions and inter alia institutes the principle of precaution to mitigate the negative effects caused to the environment by the socioeconomic activities • Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS): is a medium-term framework for achieving the country’s long term development aspirations as embodied in Rwanda’s Vision 2020, and the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) ü The Rwanda ‘s Organic Law determining the modalities for protection, conservation and promotion of environment in Rwanda •

• • • The Institutional and Legal Framework for protection of environment Ministerial order N° 003/2008 of 15/08/2008 relating to the requirements and procedure for environmental impact Assessment (EIA). Ministerial order N° 004/2008 of 15/08/2008 establishing the list of works, activities and projects that have to undertake an environment impact assessment. International legislative framework; • Conventions & Protocols to which Rwanda has subscribed: UNFCCC (UN Convention on climate change, Kyoto Protocol and now Paris agreement • • NATIONALLY: MINIRENA: Policy and Laws REMA: Regulatory Entity, Enforcement of Laws related to environment. RDB: Attract both Foreign and Local investment while ensuring economic development goes hand in hand with environment protection

Opportunities • RDB hosts the One Stop Center Division in charge of environmental impact assessment • As per Law all development projects prior the commencement must undergo EIA. • RDB is responsible to issue EIA CERTIFICATES for those projects • RDB ensures that projects that are cause of emissions of CO 2 ( CARBON DIOXIDE) are seriously mitigated

Opportunities (cnt’d) • The Climate Change Convention presents an opportunity of technology development and transfer as a pillar to mitigate climate change; • RDB while attracting investment ensures that all technology brought in the country are environmentally sound proved; • RDB also plays a role to invites foreign investor to invest in those technologies that can mitigate climate change • For local investors, RDB joins its efforts to those of MINIREMA, and REMA to take the advantage of financial opportunities offered by FONERWA to implement environmental friendly projects.

Opportunities (Cnt’d) • Projects: § RDB is negotiator in different projects and mostly projects in Energy Sector, Agriculture, ICT, Transport , etc…… § In all these sectors RDB ensures that the technology used is not contributing to emissions of carbon dioxide) and other Greenhouse gas emissions. § RDB participates in the preparation of CDM ( Clean Development Mechanisms) projects provided by Kyoto Protocol to reduce emissions of GHG (Greenhouse Gas ) in the atmosphere

Conclusion • Environment and climate change is a global challenge that needs global efforts to tackle it; • We need investments to develop our country, but we need to ensure that this goes towards sustainable development. • We need to avoid development of industries that contribute to global warming. • Invite investors that may bring us technologies which can help mitigate climate change, not those which have contributed to the global threat we are facing today. • We need to develop awareness campaigns such that environmental & climate change issues are fully attended to by all.

Thank you for your attention