This Law prohibits the manufacturing, importation, use and sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items.

The document provides guidelines on procedures and conditions for eligibility to grant exceptional permission to manufacture, use, imprort or sell single-use plastic items or pack goods in single -use plastics.

This law prohibits the manufacturing, usage, importation and sale of polythene bags in Rwanda.

This document provides guidea and principles for future urbanization.

The National Cooling Strategy (NCS) provides context and identifies priority interventions to optimally address Rwanda’s growing needs for space conditioning and refrigeration (jointly referred to as “cooling”), in keeping with Rwanda’s green growth pathway.

The strategic plan on the environment sub-sector is the 5 year push to highlight the necessary key priorities and resources crucial to achieving the objectives and targets for the environment contained in the vision 2020 and the economic development and poverty reduction strategy (EDPRS). It serves to institutionalise the strategy of the Environment and Natural Resources (ENRSSP). Its objectives are; pollution control and management, effective service delivery and environmental governance, integration of environmental principles in the core national policies, protection from effects of climate change, and to foster productive functioning of ecosystems.

The El Nino 2015 Preparedness Plan represents all efforts at effective preparation and response plan for disasters associated with the El Nino effect. It emphasizes the readiness of the Government, communities and other different stakeholders for Disaster Risk Management activities. This plan presents the institutional roles, responsibilities, authorities and key processes crucial to mounting a coordinated, coherent and consistent management of El Nino 2015 related issues.

The policy notes the various efforts charged at uplifting environmental conditions over the years. It however also notes the continued deterioration of the environment as a result of high population density, erosion, deforestation, various pollution forms, and the lack of a coordinated framework (political, legal, and institutional) arising from the unrest of 1994. This policy seeks to bridge the gap by providing principles and objectives to guide activities towards making the environment safer.

This highlights the national strategy for climate change and low carbon development.It recognises the vulnerable state of the country as regards effects of climate change, due to to its reliance on rain for agricultural activities. The strategies contained in this document are charged towards mainstreaming climate resilience and low carbon development into the national plans of Rwanda; the vision 2020, and the economic development and poverty reduction strategy (EDPRS). It has a 2050 vision to achieve development in the country with low carbon emission and independence from oil for power generation.

The country’s commitment to engaging in the international process of developing a climate change agreement. Five guiding pillars drives the implementation of the strategy; “Institutional Arrangements; Finance; Capacity Building and Knowledge Management; Technology, Innovation and Infrastructure; and Integrated Planning and Data Management”.

The Presidential order ratifies the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, adopted in Paris on December 12, 2015. The ministers of natural resources, and foreign affairs and cooperation are tasked with implemtation.

The law governs all activities relating to petroleum exploration and production in Rwanda. It states clearly that all rights of ownership and control on all lands in Rwanda are vested in the states, without recourse to any form of personal ownership. It also stipulates that all exploration and production of petroleum shall be subject to licenses provided for under this law.

The Law governs the use, management, and regulation of ionising radiations and related activities. This represents efforts at ensuring protection of people, biodiversity and the environment the negative effects from exposure to radiations. The law applies to; the management of radioactive waste resulting from civilian applications, and the regulation of the use of ionising radiations, ranging from production, to use, handling and management. It makes provisions for offences and penalties, licensing regime, inspection procedures, import and export of ionising radiation sources, surveillance, and regulations for radiation protection.

The ministerial instructions relating to the modalities of burning wastes, gabbage, and other objects. It expressly states that “Garbage, waste or any other object disposal by open air burning is prohibited, except when allowed under these instructions. Burning of biodegradable garbage, waste or any other object is also prohibited”. It highlights exceptions to prohibitions, and incineration requirements.

The ministerial order on air pollutants emission chiefly determines the requirements relating to air pollutants emission, and the necessary administrative sanctions for violations of provisions of the law governing the preservation of air quality and prevention of air pollution in Rwanda. The order covers all motorised means of transport; motorcycles, vehicles, motorboats, and machines using petroleum produts as source of energy. It also relates to all permitted activities failing to comply with emission standards.

The ministerial order establishes modalitites guiding inspection of companies and activities polluting the environment. It states that, officers competent to investigate environmental crimes shall conduct an inspection aimed at protecting the environment as provided for in articles contained therein.

The Law repeals the Law of 2010 establishing Rwanda Energy, Water and Sanitation Authority (EWSA) and determining its responsibilities, organization and functioning. The law transfers all responsibilities, properties (movable and immovable), claims, and debts to; the energy company, and the water and sanitation company.

The law determines the organization, mission, and functioning of the the Rwanda environment management authority (REMA). REMA shall enjoy legal personality, and financial and administrative autonomy. The authority is charged with harmonising all activities related to the environment, play supervisory roles, and ensure the integration of environmental activities in the national development programs of the government.

The ministerial order grants the power to investigate to specific members of staff of the Rwanda environment management authority (REMA). The investigative power revolves around crimes provided for under the Organic Law of 2005 determining the modalities of protection, conservation and promotion of the environment in Rwanda and other related laws.

The law is pursuant to a number of national and international protocols and ratifications on climate change. It determines modalities for preservation of
air quality and prevention of air pollution in Rwanda. The Law applies to all measures aimed at the preservation of air quality as well as all elements or activities likely to affect air quality or pollute the atmosphere. The law fails to cover air pollutants arising from; military operations and drills, use of radioactive substances, fire fighting operations, and natural disaters.