Uganda is set to join the rest of the World to commemorate the International World Environment Day in Sironko District on 5th June 2024. Under the theme “Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience.”
According to Hon Sam M Cheptoris the Minister for Water and Environment stated this theme aligns with Uganda’s efforts to address the three major planetary crises; climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution
“The theme is in line with the Government’s Ten-Year Plan of Action for Restoration of the Environment and Natural Resources in Uganda (2021-2031), the National Vision 2024 and the National Development Plan”
“I call upon all Ugandans to continue these strategies and even add more sustainable land management interventions including use of organic manure like biochar, setting up rainwater harvesting tanks and check dams to capture and store rainwater for dry periods, continue tree planting especially of native species in farmlands, stabilization of slopes and protection of riverbanks and Lakeshores to prevent sedimentation and land degradation”. he revealed.
World Environment Day, established in 1972 during the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm and observed annually since 1974, is a day for member states to reflect on and reaffirm their commitment to environmental protection and sustainable management.
The Minister also highlighted several current environmental initiatives in Uganda
Reforestation Planting native trees in deforested areas to restore forest cover, improve carbon sequestration, and enhance biodiversity. The Forest cover loss in Uganda has been reversed from 9.5% in 2015 to 13.3% today.
Agroforestry: Uganda continues to promote Integration of trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes to improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, and increase biodiversity.
Wetland Restoration: Rehabilitating degraded wetlands to improve water filtration, increase biodiversity, and buffer against floods and droughts remains our top priority. Evictions, prosecution and fining of wetland degraders in addition to requiring them to restore through restoration orders will continue. Enforcement operations continue nationally. With these efforts, our wetland cover has appreciated from 8.9% in 2019 to now 9.3% of national land surface.
Terracing: To promote constructing of steps on slopes to reduce soil erosion and runoff, making hillside farming sustainable in areas like Kigezi, Elgon, Rwenzori.
Managed Grazing: The government continues to promote rotational grazing systems to prevent overgrazing and allow vegetation to recover, improving soil health and carbon storage.
Mulching, Cover cropping and Crop Rotation: Uganda is encouragesing communities to cover soil with organic materials, cover crops and rotate crops to conserve moisture, improve soil fertility, reduce weed growth, and prevent erosion.
Biodiversity conservation: Uganda has recovered most of the wildlife populations that almost went into extinction. Elephants, Kobs, Hippos, Buffaloes, Zebras among others, are all increasing. These play a significant role in ecosystem and economic health of our country.
“I call upon all Ugandans to continue these strategies and even add more sustainable land management interventions including use of organic manure like biochar, setting up rainwater harvesting tanks and check dams to capture and store rainwater for dry periods, continue tree planting especially of native species in farmlands, stabilization of slopes and protection of riverbanks and Lakeshores to prevent sedimentation and land degradation” The Minister concluded.
