KIGALI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), in partnership with the City of Kigali authorities, on Monday launched a campaign aimed at involving hundreds of youth in active wetland restoration in the capital of Kigali.

Under the Youth Engagement in the Restoration of Wetlands initiative, young people will be involved in the restoration of five wetlands in the city, including Gikondo, Rwampara, Rugenge-Rwintare, Kibumba and Nyabugogo, the REMA said in a statement.

The 300 youth volunteers will conduct sensitization on rehabilitation works, raising awareness of the importance of wetland conservation among young people, wetland users, and neighbors, it said.

"Youth involvement in wetland conservation is important because wetlands act as buffers against extreme weather events such as flooding," Pacifique Basabotse, a young volunteer, told Xinhua.

Some of Rwanda's wetlands face pressure from inappropriate forms of agriculture, soil erosion, illegal mining, illegal infrastructure, and pollutants from industrial wastewater discharge.

The REMA said the declining capacity for wetlands to provide critical ecosystem services has resulted in increased flooding and attendant damage to infrastructure, lives, reduced productivity, and silting of water bodies. Enditem

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