Bugala not a reserve!
Jan 01, 2007
SIR — I have keenly been following the developments and uproar generated by various people and groups in regard to the need to preserve forests to safeguard the environment in Africa.
SIR — I have keenly been following the developments and uproar generated by various people and groups in regard to the need to preserve forests to safeguard the environment in Africa.
This is indeed welcome and encouraged. However, we must ensure that we jointly promote a balanced and sustainable future through positive promotion of forestry, and in an ethical manner and not doing away with the fundamentals as to what is beneficial to the environment or international policies.
I have gone through reports on the said forests and it is apparent that the forests are not forest reserves. I can share excerpts from part of the report. The report reads that Bugala sector Forest reserve comprises secondary colonising forests, which are young (less than a
century).
Prior to its formation Ssese Islands comprised of banana plantation grasslands and very heavy settlements... Indeed even fuel
wood used to be collected by boats from what is now known as Mpigi, Masaka and Mukono districts...Between 1940 to 1948, the colonial government took advantage of lack of settlement and gazzetted much of
the crown land and public land into Central Forest Reserves while
leaving out the Mailo Land forests to their owners, by the time the tsetse flies were controlled ..., The NFTA of 2003 categorised management of all CFRs into an autonomous body.
Therefore, the management of all reserves in this management plan and management of other reserves in the country is by National Forestry Authority... Once you read the above, one will question what all the fuss is about. is there some other hidden agenda by those crying foul?
Further the replacement of the forest with oil palm trees which provides more dry matter is beneficial to the environment and to the local people as it in turn makes them sustainable without any negative impact on the
environment.
The Bugala forests, contrary to beliefs that are out there are not primary reserve forests nor unique. They are also not rare and endangered plant species habitats.
I encourage the development as it is in no way depleting the environment or going against international set rules but rather going a step ahead to work towards a sustainable development that enhances the
growth of natural resources.
that is a positive effect on the climate, the environment and the community around it.
We should not have a short-term view and that too with limited information. The forests are being replaced with palm trees which are even better and will restore the glory in a productive manner.
I hope that I have contributed positively to this discussion and may have given some food for thought to most of you as I have been noting your contributions to the discussions.
C. Mcfurry
colinmcfurry17@yahoo.co.uk
This is indeed welcome and encouraged. However, we must ensure that we jointly promote a balanced and sustainable future through positive promotion of forestry, and in an ethical manner and not doing away with the fundamentals as to what is beneficial to the environment or international policies.
I have gone through reports on the said forests and it is apparent that the forests are not forest reserves. I can share excerpts from part of the report. The report reads that Bugala sector Forest reserve comprises secondary colonising forests, which are young (less than a
century).
Prior to its formation Ssese Islands comprised of banana plantation grasslands and very heavy settlements... Indeed even fuel
wood used to be collected by boats from what is now known as Mpigi, Masaka and Mukono districts...Between 1940 to 1948, the colonial government took advantage of lack of settlement and gazzetted much of
the crown land and public land into Central Forest Reserves while
leaving out the Mailo Land forests to their owners, by the time the tsetse flies were controlled ..., The NFTA of 2003 categorised management of all CFRs into an autonomous body.
Therefore, the management of all reserves in this management plan and management of other reserves in the country is by National Forestry Authority... Once you read the above, one will question what all the fuss is about. is there some other hidden agenda by those crying foul?
Further the replacement of the forest with oil palm trees which provides more dry matter is beneficial to the environment and to the local people as it in turn makes them sustainable without any negative impact on the
environment.
The Bugala forests, contrary to beliefs that are out there are not primary reserve forests nor unique. They are also not rare and endangered plant species habitats.
I encourage the development as it is in no way depleting the environment or going against international set rules but rather going a step ahead to work towards a sustainable development that enhances the
growth of natural resources.
that is a positive effect on the climate, the environment and the community around it.
We should not have a short-term view and that too with limited information. The forests are being replaced with palm trees which are even better and will restore the glory in a productive manner.
I hope that I have contributed positively to this discussion and may have given some food for thought to most of you as I have been noting your contributions to the discussions.
C. Mcfurry
colinmcfurry17@yahoo.co.uk