date. The number of institutions that collect their own data is quite high – at 70.6 per cent. Figure 4 shows the main sources of data for institutions. MINELA - an institution which is responsible for a number of natural re- sources sectors - is currently carrying out a data inventory of information contained in sectors and parastatals such as the National Forest Authority and REMA (Byansi 2009). A data gaps analysis will then be undertaken.

Sources of data or information in institutions Primary research

Routine data collection

Acquired from other organisations

Public domain Mixture Other

020406080100% Figure 4: Sources of data or information in institutions

Then there is the issue of lack of data consolidation (the process of combin- ing data from various sources into a centralized system). This is especially with regard to data obtained from projects. Ideally, projects are designed to support existing programmes and should fit within the programme-based monitoring and evaluation framework. As such, data collection should fit smoothly into the existing processes that support programmes. However, sometimes the reality is different. In institutions such as REMA, which coordinates or implements many projects there are challenges in making these data fit into the existing information systems so as to remain useful at various levels. Where such challenges exist, merging time series data- sets to support scenario modelling or trend analysis becomes difficult.

The issue of environmental indicators is one which requires urgent atten- tion in Rwanda. Environmental indicators are simple numerical values that help track what is happening in the environment. They can be de- veloped and used at different levels – from local to national - and provide a logical and efficient way to track the state of the environment. Environ- mental indicators have gained currency since it is impractical to record every possible variable in our multifaceted environment.

MINELA has developed a set of about 71 general and 22 environmental indicators that are geared towards obtaining information to feed into the EDPRS (Byansi 2009). The MINELA framework of desired natural re- sources indicators covers environment, forestry, water, mining, and land. REMA has also developed a set of environmental indicators but these are yet to be opera- tionalised. REMA thus urgently needs to update and operationalise the existing set of environmental indica- tors to ensure that the data required for tracking envi- ronmental change is collected. In addition, there must be an effort to harmonize the two sets of indicators to ensure coherence in national environmental data man- agement. Box 2 provides more information on these indicators.

A significant component in the development of indi- cators is the articulation of a core dataset. The core dataset provides a list of key indicators which are con- sidered critical for most institutions in environmental reporting. It underpins the reporting system on trends and developments in the environmental sector and as such is critical for most types of environmental work.

There is evidence of work towards a definitive core dataset in the environmental sector. Indeed the work of MINELA and REMA is to be cited. However the lack of an industry standard from which to develop a suitable model may have led to delays in operationalising a core dataset. Because of this, the core datasets which have been developed have been done according to the stand- ards set by the various institutions. The REIN should move towards identifying a comprehensive core dataset that would effectively support work across the environ- mental sector. To this end, collaboration with the Rwan- da Devinfo national database for the management of Rwanda’s monitoring information is also called for. It is planned for this database to contain standard indicators such as those defined by the Vision 2020 and the Mil- lennium Development Goals, together with other spe- cific indicators defined in the sector strategies’ monitor- ing and evaluation frameworks (GOR 2007).

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