On June 5, 2026, Rwanda celebrated World Environment Day at the restored Gikondo Wetland while marking the 20th anniversary of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA). What began two decades ago as an emerging priority in a post-genocide nation has evolved into a globally recognized model of environmental integration in development.
Dr. Fatmata Lovetta Sesay, Acting UN Resident Coordinator, highlighted REMA’s remarkable transformation: “In the early years, REMA was known as the institution that came to tell people, ‘You cannot do this.’ But Rwanda matured and shifted from ‘you cannot’ to ‘let us do it this way.’”
REMA Director General Kabera issued an urgent call on climate action:“The action should be now. Preparing to counter that before it even reaches us.”
Despite negligible global emissions, Rwanda faces severe climate risks. Kabera warned that inaction could cost 5–7% of economic output by 2050. Rwanda’s updated NDC 3.0 demands nearly $12 billion in investments, focusing heavily on adaptation.
Emilie Fernandes of Plan International Rwanda described climate change as “a child rights crisis,” noting its disproportionate impact on children and girls, while praising Rwanda’s climate-smart agriculture and green jobs initiatives.
Minister of Environment Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye emphasized data driven action, citing the new Automatic Upper Air Station in Huye and successful projects like Green Gicumbi and wetland restoration.“There is no better tool in our deliberate action than having accurate and reliable data,” she said.
As Rwanda looks ahead, the message remains clear. In the words of one leader:“We do all that we do not for the wetlands and not for the trees alone. We do what we do for the generations to come.”
Twenty years on, REMA has laid a strong foundation. The next chapter calls for bolder climate resilience, innovation, and partnerships to secure a greener future.
Naomi Irakoze Mugaragu.