Every year, Rwanda joins the rest of the world in celebrating the International Day of Forests, World Water Day, and World Meteorological Day. These three major global events all take place at the end of March and serve as a reminder of the importance of forests, water, weather, and climate in our daily lives.

The virtual event has brought together stakeholders from public and private institutions, academic institutions, NGOs, development partners, international organizations, and the media, among others.

In her remarks, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya, stated that these three days are celebrated together in recognition of their interconnections and interdependence, and this year from 21-26 March 2022 celebration will be marked by a series of activities across the country.

“The celebrations will be marked by a series of activities across the country and from stakeholders that include project activities, community works, and virtual sessions and media campaigns” Said Dr. Mujawamariya

Minister emphasized the importance of forests in our lives, saying that their contributions are indisputable to both humans and biodiversity.

“Forests provide shelter to people and habitat to biodiversity; are a source of food, medicine and clean water; and play a vital role in maintaining a stable global climate and environment. All of these elements taken together reinforce the message that forests are vital to the survival and wellbeing of mankind everywhere, all the seven billion of us,” She said.

Rwanda's forests also make a significant contribution to the country's economy in a variety of ways, including contributing 6% of the National GDP (NISR), generating employment, and serving as the foundation of the tourism industry, which generated $400 million USD in 2018.

“Forests generate jobs both casual and permanent and the biomass value chain employ many people and generate a lot of income” said Spridio Nshimiyimana, The acting Director General of RFA

"Forests and Sustainable Production and Consumption" is the theme of the 2022 International Day of Forests. World Water Day has been observed under the theme,"Groundwater - Making the Invisible Visible," with an emphasis on its global impact and the importance of collaboration in the sustainable management of this precious resource and the theme of World Meteorological 2022 Day is "Early Warning and Early Action."

Minister of Environment Dr. Mujawamariya Jeanne d'Arc and  the participants - Photo:Virtual