ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA, represented by its National Coordinator, Ms Dancilla Mukakamari, joined other stakeholders and partners in commemorating World Environment Day 2026 and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) during a ceremony held on 5 June 2026 at the rehabilitated Gikondo Wetland in Kigali.
Organized jointly by the Ministry of Environment and REMA under the theme “A Global Call for Climate Action,” the event brought together government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, academia, youth and local communities to celebrate Rwanda’s environmental achievements while reflecting on future priorities in the face of growing climate challenges.
The celebration marked two decades of environmental stewardship by REMA and highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to ensuring that environmental protection and socio-economic development advance together. Over the years, the country has made remarkable progress through initiatives ranging from ecosystem restoration and sustainable landscape management to climate resilience and green growth. Rwanda’s environmental journey has demonstrated that investing in nature and strengthening resilience are essential foundations for sustainable development.
The event also provided an opportunity to recognize the contribution of partners and stakeholders who have supported environmental conservation and climate action over the past twenty years. Several institutions were honored during the ceremony, including national civil society organizations represented by the Rwanda Environmental NGOs Forum (RENGOF) and the Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN). This recognition reflected the importance of partnerships and collective action in advancing environmental sustainability.
As one of the local civil society organizations invited to the celebration, ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA was honored to take part in this important occasion and to join other actors committed to promoting sustainable natural resource management, environmental conservation and climate resilience. The invitation itself served as a recognition of the valuable role that civil society organizations continue to play in supporting Rwanda’s environmental agenda and fostering community-based solutions to environmental challenges.
Looking ahead, participants reaffirmed the need for stronger partnerships, increased climate action, greater investment in resilience and continued efforts to ensure that environmental sustainability remains at the heart of Rwanda’s development ambitions. As Rwanda celebrates twenty years of environmental stewardship, the message from stakeholders was clear: protecting the environment is a shared responsibility and an investment in the well-being of present and future generations.
ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA remains committed to working alongside communities, institutions and partners to contribute to a greener, more resilient and sustainable Rwanda.
