Kigali, 13 December 2024, The Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Environment and the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB), has launched the Inter-Sectoral Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) for Water Resources Management. 

This landmark event brought together key players from the public sector, private businesses, civil society organizations, and development partners to address critical water security issues and foster sustainable water resources management in Rwanda.

The MSP represents a crucial step in implementing the Prime Minister Order N°031/03 of November 30, 2022, which governs the National Water Consultative Committee (NWCC). The NWCC consists of a high-level Policy Consultative Committee and the MSP, focusing on technical coordination, strategic planning, and collaborative action to tackle Rwanda's water resource challenges.

The key objectives of the MSP include support Rwanda in achieving water security for economic growth and development, promote dialogue among stakeholders to co-design solutions for pressing water-related challenge, enhance coordination and joint planning across public, private, and civil society sectors, and pilot innovative interventions, such as the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) initiative.

The operationalization of the MSP was developed with the support of the 2030 Water Resources Group (2030 WRG), a global partnership hosted by the World Bank Group.

The Launch of MSP marked the historical Signing of Partnership Framework between Rwanda Water Resources Board, Rwanda Mountain Tea Ltd, ARCOS Network, and IUCN for PES Pilot at Giciye Catchment.

Beatrice Cyiza, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, expressed her optimism emphasizing the role of MSP in advancing Rwanda's water security efforts.

"The launch of this platform marks a new chapter in Rwanda's commitment to water security and sustainability. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, we are building a foundation for collaboration, innovation, and practical solutions to our water challenges. This is a collective victory for Rwanda's development agenda,” she stated.

Dr. Emmanuel Rukundo, Director General of the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB), highlighted the transformative potential of innovative partnerships in addressing water challenges during the launch of the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) pilot project.

"Through initiatives like the Payment for Ecosystem Services pilot, we are not only addressing water security but also creating economic and environmental benefits for communities. This partnership framework is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together.” He noted

With growing pressure on water resources from population growth, urbanization, and climate change, Rwanda’s approach to water security is critical for its sustainable development. The MSP provides a neutral partnership space to address complex water challenges through collaborative action and knowledge sharing.

The MSP would comprises of members of the Heads of Public institutions namely: Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB), that chairs the MSP; WASAC Group; Rwanda Energy Group (REG); Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA); Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB); Rwanda Transport Development Authority (RTDA); Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA); National Land Authority (NLA); Rwanda Meteorology Agency (RMA); Senior representative of MINEMA CEO of Private Sector Federation (PSF); and the Executive Secretary of the Forum of Non-Governmental Organizations on environment (RENGONF).