The tree planting activity which was held during the monthly Umuganda community service where 10,000 agroforestry trees and 3000 fruit trees were planted in the community, preceded other 7,000 fruit trees that the company had distributed to the districts of Kicukiro and Nyarugenge the previous week.
The event was graced by distinguished government officials including the Minister of Trade and Industry, the Mayor of Rubavu District among other distinguished guests and dignitaries.
Community members were glad to participate in the event and also receive fruit trees to plant at home as a chance not only to help the environment, but to improve household nutrition, income and soil health.
The initiative is part of BRALIRWA's 'brew a better world' agenda to boost watershed protection, biodiversity and community livelihoods.
Speaking during the event, BRALIRWA's Corporate Affairs and Communications Director, Rosette Mutoni, reiterated the company's long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability.
'Each year, we proudly plant 20,000 trees across our water catchment areas in both Kigali and Rubavu. This initiative not only helps to restore and protect vital ecosystems but also demonstrates our dedication to nurturing the environment for the well-being of our communities and future generations.'
Last year in September, the company in partnership with Rubavu leadership engaged the community in clean-up activities along the shores of Lake Kivu under the theme 'make room for life' where they engaged in discussions on waste management and donated hygiene materials to facilitate waste collection.
The Mayor of Rubavu District, Prosper Mulindwa, appreciated the community members for their great participation in tree planting event and commended BRALIRWA for continuing to set an example of responsible corporate citizenship by showing that protecting our planet and supporting our people go hand in hand in building a sustainable future for Rwanda.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, who was the guest of honor in the umuganda 'community work' reminded all participants of the importance of conserving the environment, 'Every tree we plant today is a symbol of our faith in Rwanda's future, a future that is green, sustainable, and prosperous.'
'Environmental protection and industrial development are not opposing goals, they are complementary pillars of Rwanda's transformation. At the Ministry of Trade and Industry, we are committed to green industrialization, supporting factories that use clean technologies, promoting eco-friendly value chains, and encouraging businesses that grow while protecting nature,' he added.
The event was concluded with interactions between event participants and BRLAIRWA staff highlighting the importance of collaboration and joint efforts in promoting environmental sustainability.
IGIHE
