Wetlands management and conservation in Rwanda. Case study: Gikondo Wetland
Date
2011-06-21
Authors
Mbabazi, Scholastica Shumbusho
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Abstract
Wetland management and conservation is a process that has been applied to
numerous degrading wetlands in both developed and developing countries. The
Ramsar Convention was the first intergovernmental organization that was
established to raise wetland awareness around the world. Wetland awareness has
been implemented through policy implementations, government collaborations and
public education on the values and functions of wetlands. However, economic
development has out weighed wetland benefits thus leading to wetland utilization
and exploitation. This has led to the over utilization of these resources resulting in
wetland loss and degradation. Rwanda recognized the value wetlands provide
especially for a developing economy, thus the management and conservation of
Gikondo wetland. This case study, Gikondo wetland, represents the classic example
of conservation versus development in a struggling developing country. The study
examines the process of relocating an entire industrial area to make way for the
conservation of the wetland including the policy processes. The study revealed that
the relocation of the industrial area will lead to the conservation of Gikondo wetland
thus leading to overall environmental and social sustainability of the country. The
management and conservation of Gikondo wetland builds upon a growing body of
literature on economic development versus environmental sustainability in developing countries.