KIGALI, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Tuesday launched a nationwide awareness campaign on the dangers of plastic pollution to humans, farm animals, aquatic lives and the environment.
The Beat Plastic Pollution campaign, which will run until Saturday, focuses on raising awareness on the dangers of plastic pollution as well as engaging the private sector to invest in alternatives like disposable plastics that are friendly to the environment.
The campaign kicked off in the capital city, Kigali, with a policy conference on strategies to address plastic waste in Rwanda, where participants deliberated key issues on strategy and policy solutions to combat the use of plastics and the business opportunities in the reduction, re-use and recycling of plastics.
The campaign aims to ensure that Rwandans become aware of the dangers of plastic disposal to their health through a wide range of education and sensitization campaigns, Minister of Environment of Rwanda Vicent Biruta said at the conference.
"Countries all over the world are taking measures to beat plastic pollution. Rwanda is a pioneer in these efforts and we will continue to work with stakeholders, including development partners and businesses, to come up with a sustainable solution," Biruta said.
He noted that the government is taking tough actions about plastics and its pollution to promote environmental awareness and find credible solutions to eradicate plastic waste.
In 2008, Rwanda passed a law that banned importation and use of polythene bags, where it also provides heavy penalties for possessing or smuggling them into Rwanda.
As part of the national environment week, the campaign includes countrywide inspection of illegal use of plastic bags, community work to ensure safe disposal of plastics, and exhibition on plastic recycling, according to Rwanda Environment Authority.
