The Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Environment, and the Government of Zambia, through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, have signed a memorandum of understanding in the field of strengthening environmental governance.
The new partnership was signed on the sidelines of Stockholm+50, an international gathering to build momentum for sustainable development.
The agreement will foster cooperation as well as the sharing of experience, lessons learnt and inspiring practices. Through the partnership, Zambia and Rwanda will develop and implement mutually beneficial projects in the field of environmental and natural resources management.
Under the memorandum of understanding, the areas of cooperation include:
· Environmental Laws and Regulations
· Staff Cooperation
· Climate Change
· Green Economy and the Circular Economy
· Meteorology
· Biosafety
· Forestry, Forest Management, Nature Based Solutions and Biodiversity
· Development of climate change, environmental and natural resources regulations, guidelines and procedures
· Research and Development
The two countries will also strengthen staff skills and knowledge in the areas of cooperation through national and institutional capacity building.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Dr Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya expressed Rwanda’s commitment to work together with Zambia to realise the potential of the partnership.
“We are very pleased to sign this agreement and strengthen the partnership between our two countries. This is a continuation of the good work done by our respective Heads of State, and I am confident the work we embark on together will benefit Zambia, Rwanda, and the continent at large.”
Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu, Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Zambia, said that the partnership will strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
“This is a foundation we can build on. When we form partnerships, we become stronger. When we are together, we become stronger. We believe in Rwanda’s leadership because you have done well and we want to learn from you. We look forward to hosting you in Zambia to share our experience and to visiting Rwanda as well,” he said.(End)