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Environment in the context of national policies

Rwanda economy is primarily dependent on natural resources. Over 87% of Rwandans depend on subsistence agriculture for their livelihood whereas over 94% of the population uses fuel wood as the primary source of energy for both domestic and industrial uses. In the wake of increasing population pressure on the land and forest resources, biodiversity is increasingly under threat with adverse impacts on tourism as a national income generating strategy.    

Recognising the importance of environmental resources and their contribution to the national economy, the Government of Rwanda has put considerable efforts in ensuring that major national policies reflected in Vision 2020, the Strategy for Poverty Reduction (EDPRS), the Government Agenda and the decentralization and good governance programmes take into account protection of the environment as a priority.