SUMMARY

The need for information

Rwanda’s economy and the livelihoods of the citizens are depen- dent on natural resources such as land, minerals, water, plants and animals. These natural resources are under increasing pres- sure from unsustainable use, resulting in environmental degra- dation (REMA 2009).

The circle of the interdependence between people and the envi- ronment is well known. The scale of future changes, their impact on Rwanda’s development and the feedback from these changes in human behaviour cannot be forecast without adequate infor- mation. Scientists, regulators and the private sector need reliable observations and data if they are to contribute towards the sus- tainable development of Rwanda’s economy.

At present, environmental data collection is largely sectoral with each institution focused on meeting specific needs. This sectoral approach to data management does not lend itself to contempo- rary decision-making. Specifically, the sustainable development approach adopted by Rwanda requires a more integrated meth- odology. Since environmental management is multidisciplinary by nature, cooperation across institutions and districts is neces- sary. Scientists working in different disciplines and at different levels need to access, comprehend and be able to use data col- lected and distributed by scientists from various disciplines.

In recognition of the above challenges, REMA wishes to estab- lish the Rwanda Environment Information Network (REIN) to facilitate the capture, sharing and analysis of data in a way that is suited to multiple applications and integrated analysis. As a start- ing point to establishing the REIN, an assessment to survey the

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national capacity for information management was undertaken. This report contains the findings of this survey and provides a number of recommendations for consideration in setting up this network.

Policy and institutional framework

The existing institutional and policy framework informs the structure for environmental data management, data flows and reporting. The Constitution of Rwanda (2003) provides for the right to information and also entitles every citizen to a healthy and satisfying environment. The Organic Law No. 04/2005 on protection, conservation and preservation of the environment indicates that every person has the right to information on the state of the environment and the right to take part in the deci- sion-making strategies aimed at protecting the environment. In addition, the Access to Information Bill (2009) obliges public officials to release information to the public.

Data availability

A number of institutions are involved in the management of envi- ronmental information in Rwanda. On the overall, there is a sec- toral approach to data collection and management with specific institutions having the mandate for particular types of data. There are substantive data holdings in the different institutions. How- ever, there are also data gaps. Many of these data gaps have been identified in key government development strategies, and mea- sures are underway to address them. Access to data is generally unrestricted with most information being given out free of charge.