The activity took place from May 26 to 27, 2022. GER Rwanda facilitated dialogues aimed at healing wounds, reconciling, and fostering a better future. These dialogues were attended by more than 45 young adults, boys and girls,
Image from Freepikdeforestation and the need for reforestation. Emphasis was placed on the powerful influence religious leaders hold within their communities. By championing environmental stewardship, they can inspire positive change. Uwacu Sylivie, a district representative, responded to the participants' thirst for knowledge by providing concrete examples. She illustrated how human activities have polluted rivers, thinned forests (causing fewer trees to absorb carbon dioxide), and disrupted weather patterns. This helped participants connect the dots and understand how environmental degradation directly impacts their lives. She emphasized the urgent need to tackle these issues. Pastor Rwagitinywa Tito, a GER advisor, focused on why religious institutions should prioritize environmental education. He stressed the importance of teaching followers not just the "why" of caring for the environment (God's creation), but also the "how." Equipping them with skills like planting trees allows them to put their knowledge into action and "make the world a better place," as he said. He highlighted that according to their faith, God entrusted humanity with the care of the Earth, and neglecting biodiversity is a failure to fulfill that responsibility.
Consultative Meeting with religious leaders on peace with all creations organized by GER- Rwanda 2024. Religious leaders, church elders, local leaders, and stakeholders in Bugesera district convened to explore their role in safeguarding biodiversity and the broader ecosystem. The gathering revealed a critical gap: while deeply committed to their faith's emphasis on caring for creation, participants identified a lack of the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively champion environmental stewardship within their communities. Innocent Musore, head of GER-Rwanda, urges religious leaders to join forces. He calls for advocating for nature, protecting diverse plant and animal life (biodiversity), and shifting mindsets towards a greener future. This, he argues, will ensure a peaceful coexistence for all living things. Collaboration between churches and religious figures, he believes, can spark a transformation, leading to a deeper understanding of God's will for the environment. The discussions tackled real-world issues: climate change disrupting weather patterns, peacebuilding efforts threatened by resource scarcity, and the stark contrast between
Image from Globalr