Global Environment Facility CEO Praises Rwanda for Conservation and Climate Change Efforts

By Emmanuel Mutangana (info@topafricanews.com)

Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, the CEO of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), this week is visiting Rwanda to discuss conservation efforts and climate change adaptation strategies with government officials.

On Monday, 2nd September, 2024, Rodriguez met with the Minister of Environment, Minister of Finance, and other authorities to review ongoing projects and discuss future funding opportunities.

The GEF has been instrumental in supporting conservation efforts in Rwanda, particularly in the establishment and management of protected areas such as Volcano National Park, Akagera National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve, which REMA restored through the LAFREC project.

Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, the CEO of the Global Environment Facility (GEF)

GEF has also provided funds to support the restoration of five wetlands in the city of Kigali. These initiatives will continue to play an important role in the protection of biodiversity and to serve as drivers for economic growth through tourism and community-based conservation programs.

One of the key topics of discussion during Rodriguez’s visit is the impact of climate change on Rwanda, particularly in terms of drought and heat waves. Given that a significant portion of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods, the effects of climate change could have devastating consequences. Rodriguez expressed the GEF’s commitment to providing resources to help Rwanda mitigate and adapt to these challenges.

Additionally, Rodriguez praised Rwanda for its effective use of resources provided by international organizations. He highlighted Rwanda’s success in accessing and utilizing resources for environmental projects, citing it as a model for other countries. 

“We provide key important funding to Rwanda, but we are conscious that these resources are very limited based on their commitment to achieve progress,” Rodriguez said. “Rwanda puts many times more resources through their national budget than what we give them as international cooperation, which is a very good signal.” He added.

Rodriguez also commended Rwanda for its commitment to sustainability and its willingness to engage in dialogue with the central government on environmental issues. He emphasized the importance of political support from recipient countries like Rwanda in securing additional resources for climate adaptation.

“In terms of climate adaptation, the donor community is still far from being able to provide the agreed funding,” Rodriguez explained. “Adaptation is a high priority for developing countries like Rwanda, and we are working to provide donors with a trusted relationship to support climate adaptation efforts.”