The effectiveness of the application of international environmental conventions in Rwanda

Abstract

Environmental protection remains a major concern. It concerns developing countries as well as industrialized countries, because environmental damage knows no borders and spares no country. In this perspective, the state of Rwanda has ratified several important treaties, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, climate change, desertification, and several protocols, which demonstrates its commitment to the effective protection of the environment. Still, the effectiveness of the implementation of the international environmental law (IEL) continues to be criticized. This research paper assesses the effectiveness of environmental law and regulation vis-a-vis Rwandan international engagement in the area of environmental protection. This study utilizes an analytical research design, principally a qualitative technique grounded in doctrinal legal research. Hence, main legislations, which are closely related to the field of environmental law, were qualitatively analyzed. Data was gathered through the collection of national legislation, orders, and regulations passed by Rwanda and ratified international treaties in the area of environment protection; policy documents and official reports from prominent government organizations; academic texts; and peer-reviewed publications. Overall, the study illustrates that the international community has adopted a series of legislative measures to combat the threat of environmental degradation. In this context, Rwanda has ratified the relevant international legal frameworks and, in order to implement these conventions, has enacted laws and regulations and created institutions dedicated to environmental protection. The study concludes that, in order for the application of environmental conventions in Rwanda to be effective, an adaptation of environmental laws as well as the adoption and adjustment of administrative and legislative measures are necessary in order to better meet current challenges.