Legal framework for environmental protection in Rwanda

Rwanda has made significant strides in developing a legal framework to protect the environment, promote sustainable land use, and ensure community participation. The country's commitment to environmental protection is evident in its comprehensive laws, policies, and institutional frameworks. Rwanda's legal framework for environmental protection is comprehensive. By integrating environmental considerations into national laws, policies, and institutional frameworks, Rwanda is ensuring a sustainable future for its citizens. Community participation is a key component of this framework, empowering citizens to contribute to environmental protection and sustainable land use.



National laws and regulations
1. The Constitution of Rwanda (2003, revised in 2015)

The Constitution of Rwanda recognizes the right to a clean and healthy environment. Article 22 guarantees every citizen the right to live in a healthy and balanced environment, and it mandates the state to take measures to safeguard the environment.

2. Organic Law on Environmental Protection and Management (2005) The Organic Law No. 04/2005 serves as the cornerstone of Rwanda's environmental legislation. It establishes principles for the protection, conservation, and sustainable use of the environment. The law mandates the creation of environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for any project that may significantly affect the environment.

3. Law No. 43/2013 on Land in Rwanda This law regulates land use and management in Rwanda. It emphasizes sustainable land use practices and ensures that land use planning integrates environmental considerations. The law also promotes public participation in land use planning and decision-making processes.

4. Law No. 48/2018 on Environment The Law No. 48/2018 revises and supplements the Organic Law on Environmental Protection and Management. It strengthens provisions related to environmental governance, pollution control, waste management, and biodiversity conservation. The law also improve public access to environmental information and participation in environmental decision making.

Institutional framework
1. Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA): REMA is the primary government body responsible for coordinating and overseeing environmental protection efforts in Rwanda. It implements environmental policies, conducts EIAs, monitors environmental compliance, and raises public awareness about environmental issues. Under supervision of the Ministry of environment, Presidential Order N° 033/01 Of 06/05/2022 Governing Rwanda Environment Management Authority, REMA reserves the legal mandate for national environmental protection, conservation, promotion and overall management, including advisory to the government on all matters pertinent to the environment and climate change.

2. Ministry of Environment: The Ministry of Environment develops and implements national policies, strategies, and programs related to environmental protection, climate change, and sustainable development. It works closely with REMA and other stakeholders to ensure effective environmental governance.

Policies and strategies
1. National Environment and Climate Change Policy (2019): This policy provides a strategic framework for addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development. It emphasizes the integration of climate change adaptation and mitigation into national planning and development processes.

2. Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy (2011): Rwanda's Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy outlines the country's vision for achieving a low-carbon and climate resilient economy by 2050. The strategy focuses on sustainable land use, renewable energy, water resource management, and green urbanization.

Community participation
Rwanda's legal framework emphasizes the importance of community participation in environmental protection and sustainable land use. The Organic Law on Environmental Protection and Management and the Law on Environment mandate public participation in EIAs and other environmental decision making processes. Various policies and strategies also promote the involvement of local communities in conservation and sustainable development projects. Also, in the Umuganda project, community participation is another important aspect of community participation in shaping the environment. Umuganda in Rwanda is a community work program that has significantly contributed to the country's development in infrastructure, environmental protection, and governance. Projects include building roads, health centers, classrooms, and housing, as well as environmental initiatives like tree planting and renewable energy construction. Umuganda improves social cohesion, community engagement, and dialogue between national leaders and the population, with high participation rates and increasing monetary value over the years and has promote environmental initiatives positively.