Policy Briefs – Rwanda

Policy Implications and recommendations for the future:

1) Revise existing plastics-related laws or regulations to encompass the management of all plastics, covering the entire life cycle from manufacturing to disposal.

2) Conduct regular communication activities related to plastics management and governance through tailored communication products and channels aimed at specific audiences including mass media campaigns (broadcast and online), sponsored articles in news publications, email updates for stakeholders, podcasts and other audio media, You Tube, interactive platforms and webinars, representation at cultural events and community-based awareness campaigns

3) Systematically record data on enforcement of plastics-related laws and regulations

4) Provide training in plastics recycling and how to build a circular economy

5) Provide more incentives to mount innovative projects which contribute to the management or reduction of plastic waste.


Conclusion

The enviromobile

In Rwanda important advances have been made in building laws, policies and infrastructure for plastics governance. Crucially, enforcement of these laws is facilitated by REMA’s collaboration with a Rwanda National Police unit specifically tasked with assisting in enforcement of environmental laws. Rwanda’s coupling of plastics-related policies and legal instruments and institutions entrusted with their implementation is a powerful one, albeit limited by a lack of data on enforcement and the fact that current policies and legal frameworks do not cover all plastics.

Stakeholders are able to utilise a number of communication channels to sensitise the public to the perils of plastic pollution, as well as to existing laws, regulations and policies that govern plastics management. Platforms also exist that enable multiple stakeholder groups to collaborate in a mutually supportive way. Nonetheless, additional community outreach activities are needed to enhance communication with the public, promoting awareness of existing instruments and enhancing implementation of incoming policies and laws.

In recent years Rwanda has begun taking plastics management, waste recycling and the need for a circular economy extremely seriously, but remains hampered by a lack of both technical know-how and funding. There is also a need to ensure that financial resources and legal incentives are available to support and encourage both education for sustainable working and living and investment in plastics recycling, cleaner production and the circular economy.


This post is based on research conducted by Dr Aime Tsinda and Dr Marie Rose Turamwishimiye at The University of Rwanda. The full policy brief can be downloaded via the Governing Plastics Network’s media page.