NFA, Toyota Uganda to restore 30 hectares of forest reserve

National Forest Authority (NFA) has partnered with Toyota Uganda Limited to restore over 30 hectares of forest cover in the next five years. The project was launched at Mabira forest on Friday.

 Tina Achilla, a board member of NFA said during the launch that the government has renewed its commitment to secure the country's heritage by conserving forests and restoring degraded areas due to unsustainable human activities.

"This partnership comes at the right time when the government has renewed its commitment to secure Uganda's heritage by conserving our forests and restoring degraded areas due to unsustainable human activities among other interventions," she said.

Thomas Pelletier, the Managing director of Toyota Uganda Ltd waters a young tree

Achilla hailed private firms like Totoya Uganda for promoting environmental sustainability and supporting the government in reinstating the integrity of tropical rainforests in the country. 

Thomas Pelletier, the managing director of Totoya Uganda said that the company plans to restore over 30 hectares of forest in the five years across the country.

He said forests play a vital role in protecting biodiversity and water sources, mitigate climate change and provide various products and services for human use.

“Toyota Uganda Limited has achieved this with support from CFAO Solidarité, CFAO group’s in-house association created to support and contribute to sustainable development initiatives in countries where CFAO operates. Toyota Uganda is a subsidiary of CFAO Automotive, a division of the CFAO Group,” Pelletier said.

Pelletier said the company has decided to adapt its corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach to focus on relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the United Nations. 

“This is also in line with the Toyota commitment to attain carbon neutrality of its operations” he adds. 

“We are proud to partner with the National Forestry Authority on this project that will contribute towards the reforestation of Mabira Central Forest Reserve. Climate change is currently a global discussion and concern, and as a responsible citizen, through activities such as tree planting, we hope to create awareness about the importance of restoring forest cover starting with our employees and the communities where we operate.” 

Mabira forest range manager, Mugisha Jonan said the central forest reserve is one of the largest surviving natural forests covering an area of 306 square kilometres.