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Kinyarwanda
Rwanda National Police (RNP) has called upon the public to desist from activities that could potentially harm the environment, particularly through acts like unauthorized deforestation for commercial purposes.
The message stems from an event on February 10 when Police intercepted two suspects in Gatsibo District, Eastern Province, who had illegally harvested trees which are used in the manufacture of ornaments.
The two individuals, Flodouard Bakundukiza and François Habimana were stopped by a Police patrol team – and around 9pm in the night – and were found without documents authorizing them to conduct tree harvesting.
They are currently held at Kabarole Police Station as investigations continue.
“It is in our best interest to appreciate, respect and preserve the environment because we rely on it for survival. Those who are in the commerce of harvesting trees need to make sure that they do so sustainably by first of all, getting the required documents authorizing them to do so,” Police spokesperson for Eastern Province Inspector of Police (IP), Emmanuel Kayigi said.
“As Rwandans, we can all help prevent deforestation, pollution and other environmental problems by participating in programs like Umuganda and planting trees.”
The government has heavily invested in forestation programs across the country as a way of protecting the environment and reclaim degraded forests. The tree planting program is also meant to address prolonged drought and soil erosion in the country.
The Rwanda National Police itself has planted trees on more than 300 hectares of land.
Article 416 of the penal code says that any person who illegally burns a forest, cuts trees or who causes others to do so or kills animals in protected areas and national parks, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of six months to two years and a fine between Rwf300,000 and Rwf2 million.
In 2012, RNP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) to join efforts to preserve the environment while enforcing the organic law on environment.
