[01] Vincent Mwine Rubimbura, Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda. [02] Clemence Idukunda, Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda. [03] Justin Nsanzabaganwa, Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda. [04] Elisabeth Yambabariye, Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda. [05] Lamek Nahayo, Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda. [06] Abias Maniragaba, Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda.

In Rwanda, regardless of human activities continuously degrading the environmental quality, some protection policies like buffer zone, car freed day, and reduction of charcoal use are implemented. This research analyzed the impact of human behavior change on environmental protection. The authors used a structured questionnaire among 100 respondents selected from households of Nyarugenge district in Kigali city of Rwanda. The results by 26 and 24 percent of respondents indicated that population growth and lack of environmental protection engagement and ownership are key drivers to poor human behavior. Consequently, this leads to degradation of wetland ecosystem services (31%), pollution of air, land and soil quality (27%), and decrease in forest cover listed by 20 percent. Some polices like promotion of environmental protection education and community engagement (34%), polluter pay principle (24%) and car free day (20%) are initiated. These led to enhanced environmental protection awareness and engagement among people. There is also reduction of pollutants, increase of forest cover and increased hygiene, and wetland restoration. The results of this study are indicators that human behavior change, its engagement and involvement can contribute to sustainable protection of environment. Thus, it is recommended that much policies concentrate in changing people’s behavior and developing its interest in environmental protection awareness and participation.

Community Behavior, Environmental Degradation, Environmental Protection

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