KIGALI SCIENCE FELLOW REQUEST

UNCLAS KIGALI 000443 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR AF/C DEPARTMENT FOR OES/STC SHIRLEY HART, JULIA ROTTIER SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KNNP PARM KN ECON IR RW SUBJECT: KIGALI SCIENCE FELLOW REQUEST REF: STATE 30914 ¶1. In response to reftel and previous communication between Assistant Secretary Claudia McMurray and Minister Romain Murenzi, the following details four possible workplans for a Science Fellow. ¶2. In Rwanda, the Science Fellow would work in Minister Murenzi's Office, in the Office of the Presidency. Post point of contact is Economic Officer Daniel Stoian, stoiandm@state.gov, 250-505-601 x3266. ¶3. BIO-FUELS: Rwanda's energy costs are the highest in the region and the unreliability of electricity continues to be one of the major development challenges. Exploitation of methane gas for energy has begun, but has been stalled by a lack of expertise, regulatory framework, and overall strategic plan. A Science Fellow would be able to guide the GOR through the technical aspects, economic aspects, policy issues, necessary regulatory framework, environmental impact analysis, and financing. ¶4. GEO-SCIENCES: Geothermal is rumored to hold commercial, albeit unexploited, potential in Rwanda. A Science Fellow would be able to assist the GOR in developing geologic field investigations, geophysical exploratory techniques, and activities that need to be funded and launched to enable the GOR to analyze and evaluate its geothermal energy reserve base potential. A Science Fellow would also be able to guide the GOR through the technical aspects, economic aspects, policy issues, regulatory framework, compliance with environmental regulatory platform, and financing. ¶5. ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATORY PLATFORM: Several governmental and donor organizations are working on regulations and legislation, and a Science Fellow would be able to coordinate the disparate efforts in a harmonized fashion. Assistance on code development, code implementation, and code enforcement is needed and would go a long way in ensuring that an environment is created that is both protective of business interests and environmental concerns. A Science Fellow would assist the GOR to set up their regulatory administrative bodies and to provide the needed training and sensitization. ¶6. WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT: As a predominantly agrarian society, Rwanda needs to properly develop, protect, and manage its water resources. An Embassy Science Fellow would be able to provide technical assistance to the GOR in developing a robust water resources program that will enable the government to focus on building capacity to better develop, manage, and plan for its population and its agrarian and industrial water supply needs. ARIETTI