'Guardians in the Sky': Rwanda to use drones to fight environmental crimes
Source: Sputniknews 18.9.2023
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rwanda was one of the first countries in Africa to use drones in its healthcare sector, specifically to deliver blood and essential medicines to rural hospitals. Now, the country is expanding the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to other spheres, including environmental protection.
The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and the Ministry of Environment have officially launched the use of drones in the fight against environmental crimes to monitor, detect and collect evidence that will be used to prosecute perpetrators.
The drones will gather information, conduct preventive inspections and assist in the investigation of environmental crimes, illegal acts that directly harm the environment.
The launching ceremony, during which a drone named "Inganji I" was handed over to RIB, was attended by Rwanda's Minister for Environment Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya, UNDP Resident Representative in Rwanda, Maxwell Gomera, and other officials.
"The drones will help to respond to and control activities that damage our environment including land degradation, water pollution, and illegal logging in protected areas," the minister said.
According to the minister, common degrading activities include illegal mining, communities encroaching on protected areas, especially parks, riverbanks, and water pollution, as well as wildfires.
Maxwell Gomera, for his part, stressed the importance of the drones, saying that they will help Rwanda "to rewrite our legacy for future generations, from exploitation to preservation."
"A groundbreaking day as we launch drones equipped with cutting-edge tech to fight environmental crimes. These aren't just flying cameras; they're guardians in the sky, protecting our land and people from the risks of illegal activities," the UN official said.
In particular, environmental experts recommend a thorough investigation into why Nyabarongo, a major river in Rwanda, continues to be polluted despite the government's active investment in its conservation and protection.
While soil erosion is currently the main cause of pollution in the Nyabarongo River, mining activities also contribute to the process. Last year, at least five mining companies, five clay mining and four sand mining activities were found to be polluting the environment in several districts across the country.
The drones will inspect and help investigate environmental crimes, as there is a limited number of environmental inspectors in the country, the officials elaborated. Among other things, they will focus on investigating and preventing forest fires and wetland encroachment.
Over the past three years, wildfires have devastated nearly 1,000 hectares of forest, according to a report by the Ministry of Emergency Management.
The drones are also expected to support the country's efforts to protect the environment as Rwanda strives to achieve its vision of being carbon neutral by 2050. The East African nation has a long-term green growth and climate resilience strategy, as well as a climate action plan to reduce emissions by 38% by 2030.
