The impact of regulations, legal and institutional framework on management and protection of green spaces in Kigali city, Rwanda: case of Kacyiru Sector, Gasabo District

Abstract

Urban green spaces (UGS) have to be well managed and protected by legal and institutional framework. In Kigali City, UGS have experienced dramatic losses and damages due to rapid urban population growth, poor urban planning, degradation and poor consideration of environment. The legal and institutional framework helps to achieve the safeguard and sustainable management of trees, forests, wetlands, and gardens in Kigali City. This study under the title “The Impact of Regulations, Legal and Institutional Framework on Management and Protection of Green Spaces in Kigali City, Rwanda: case of Kacyiru Sector in Gasabo District” aimed at determining and analysing the policies, regulations, legal and institutional framework, their implementation, their impacts, constraints, and possible solutions to enhance and enforce their relevance and effectiveness on UGS in Kigali City. It was hypothesised that the good implementation, enforcement and enhancement of regulations and laws can increase and improve the management and protection of UGS in Kigali City. The researcher used documentary and descriptive research design with analytical focus and he used both qualitative and quantitative approaches in data analysis and interpretation. Secondary data were used through documentation review, and primary data were collected through interviews with officers in charge of greening and urban green spaces in Kigali City. The questionnaire was addressed to local community in Kacyiru Sector with sample size of 156 people. The findings of the study revealed that poor environment consideration, poor monitoring and follow up, lack of participatory approach and budget, corruption, and illegal usage of UGS etc. are challenges in implementation of related legal framework. However they revealed that the increase of UGS, UGS mainstreaming, kitchen gardens, and buildings removal in wetlands etc. are among the positive impacts of legal framework on UGS in Kacyiru Sector. The findings suggested that public awareness, participatory approach, budget and compensation, implementation of Kigali City Master Plan (KCMP), legal review and update, and fair planning and monitoring etc. are possible solutions enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of legal and institutional framework in improving, preserving and maintaining UGS in Kacyiru Sector.