This represents the law authorising the ratification of the international treaty on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture signed in Rome on 3rd November 2001

The Prime Minister’s order determines the mission, functions, organizational structure, and summary of job positions of the ministry of agriculture and animal resources. The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources
shall have the mission of ensuring national food security, drive agriculture export and diversification for benefit of farmers and the country. It shall prioritise development of modern, efficient and competitive agriculture and livestock sector. The ministry is tasked with coordinating all policies, programs, and activities geared towards agricultural development.

The law governs the manufacturing, importing, distribution, use, storage, sale and disposal and burial of agrochemicals for the protection of human and animal health and the environment. This is in a bid to avoid injury and contamination which may result from their use. It addresses the need for appropriating licensing prior to the use of agrochemicals.

The Prime Minister’s order determines the list of chemicals and pollutants prohibited in the country. The prohibitions surrounds the sale, purchase, import, export, transit, storage, and piling of chemicals and pollutants listed

The ministerial order determines the powers and responsibilities of an Inspector of agrochemicals. It clearly lays out the powers and responsibilities, and repeals all prior provisions contrary to the ones contained in the order.

The law determines the organization, mission, and functioning of the the Rwanda environment management authority (REMA). REMA shall enjoy legal personality, and financial and administrative autonomy. The authority is charged with harmonising all activities related to the environment, play supervisory roles, and ensure the integration of environmental activities in the national development programs of the government.

The ministerial order grants the power to investigate to specific members of staff of the Rwanda environment management authority (REMA). The investigative power revolves around crimes provided for under the Organic Law of 2005 determining the modalities of protection, conservation and promotion of the environment in Rwanda and other related laws.

The ministerial order by the Prime Minister establishes the Kigali special economic zone (KSEZ). The KSEZ shall consist of both a free trade zone area, and a non free trade zone area. The KSEZ is established to promote a conducive environment suitable for trades in agro industry, tourism, construction, financial, technology, and other economic development activities.

The ministerial order determines the list of wild animal species prominent in the law for damages caused by animals inside the national park or other protected areas. “All disputes arising from implementation of this order shall be resolved through amicable settlement. Failure to which, they shall be referred to Rwandan competent courts”.

The ministerial order determines the format, and content of the register containing all information related to plant breeders’ rights. It also determines the conditions to be met to ensure access to the information contained therein.

The law is pursuant to a number of national and international protocols and ratifications on climate change. It determines modalities for preservation of
air quality and prevention of air pollution in Rwanda. The Law applies to all measures aimed at the preservation of air quality as well as all elements or activities likely to affect air quality or pollute the atmosphere. The law fails to cover air pollutants arising from; military operations and drills, use of radioactive substances, fire fighting operations, and natural disaters.

The ministerial order determines the mission, functions, organizational structure, and job positions of the Ministry of disaster management and refugee affairs (MIDMAR). The ministry shall take charge of all affairs relating to disaster management and refugee affairs. It shall also see to the development of an holistic refugee policy that caters to both national and international refugess, in line with national laws and international ratifications.

The ministerial order serves to modify the 2001 order surrounding the rates of renting and selling of state owned lands. It repeals all prior orders contrary to the ones specified.

The ministerial order determines the requirements for granting the license to sell and purchase mineral substances in the country. The order stipulates that; “Except for holders of an official mining licence a copy of which is held by the Ministry of commerce, any individual or entity wishing to deal in minerals shall apply to the Minister in charge of commerce for a licence to open a mineral trading post, specifying types of minerals he intends to sell”.

The order determines the structure and contents of the aquaculture and fishing concession contract.

The Order determines the list of works, projects and activities that have to carry out environment impact assessment before being granted prior authorization. The environment management authority reserves the right to request an environmental impact assessment from projects or works not listed therein.

The decree determines the town planning and construction regulations in Rwanda. The town planning code determines the activities prohibited in the; floodplain areas and marshes; water sources, water bodies and their watersheds; steep slopes, ridges and peaks; natural forests and reforestation areas; and zones of seismic and volcanic risk. The order also addresses principles or urban infrsatructure, potable water, sanitation and management of rainwater, energy supply, and waste management, among others.

The order determines the organization and functioning of the Committee for the evaluation, approval and registration of plant varieties and their removal from the list. The order is in application of the provisions of the relevant articles of law 05 of 2016 governing seeds and plant varieties in Rwanda.

The scope of the law includes; “towns and agglomerations with at least ten thousand (10,000) inhabitants spread over an area of at least twenty square kilometers (20 sq km) and occupied by at least residential houses, infrastructure, administrative buildings and buildings designed for socio- economic activities; areas occupied by socio-economic and administrative infrastructure within a radius of two kilometers (2km) around such infrastructure if such areas are classified as economic zone by competent organs; and areas classified as economically attractive by competent organs”. It subdivides urban areas into cities, municpalities, and agglomerations.

The law authorises the accession of Rwanda to the Africa rice center