Red medal for Pearl of Africa: Uganda leads world in biodiversity conservation

________________

OPINION

By Bashir Hangi

Uganda has once again shown the world that conservation is not just a duty, it is a national identity. At the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress, Uganda received the prestigious Red NBSAP Medal for being the best globally in mainstreaming the Global Biodiversity Framework and for outstanding commitment to evidence-based species recovery through the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).

The award, received on October 10, 2025, by Uganda’s Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Zaake Kibedi, represents more than international recognition. It is a tribute to the tireless efforts of government institutions, scientists, and communities working daily to preserve Uganda’s natural heritage.

This global accolade affirms Uganda’s leadership in integrating biodiversity into national planning. The NBSAP II (2015–2025) has ensured that conservation is not a side activity but a development principle. From policy formulation to field implementation, biodiversity considerations are now embedded in agriculture, energy, tourism, and infrastructure.

The success that earned Uganda this honour stems from collaboration among institutions mandated to conserve nature. Under the policy guidance of the Ministry of Water and Environment and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, agencies such as the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), National Forestry Authority (NFA), and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) have coordinated actions to protect species, ecosystems, and the services they provide. Together, these institutions form the backbone of Uganda’s conservation success.

Uganda’s leadership also extends to the global stage. The country co-chaired negotiations for the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal, Canada, in December 2022, an agreement to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. This further affirms Uganda’s reputation as a policy and conservation leader.

UWA has implemented programmes that combine science, community involvement, and strong law enforcement to secure species and habitats. Mountain gorilla populations have increased, rhinos are being reintroduced into their historical range, and elephants have rebounded across protected areas. These achievements show that evidence-based conservation yields measurable results.

Uganda’s leadership is also evident in ecosystem protection. Regional data from 2024 show that Uganda retains the largest wetland cover in East Africa—13.9% of total land area—despite pressures from agriculture and urbanisation. While this reflects a modest decline from 15% in 1995, it remains far higher than Kenya (2.5%), Rwanda (9.5%), Tanzania (8%), and Burundi (10%). This demonstrates Uganda’s deliberate commitment to safeguarding wetlands and other habitats that support wildlife, regulate water systems, and sustain livelihoods.

The award also celebrates the role of communities living around protected areas. Their cooperation has made conservation possible. Through UWA’s Revenue Sharing Programme, 20% of park gate collections are returned to local governments for schools, health centres, and water facilities. This builds goodwill and turns conservation into a source of development.

The wildlife compensation scheme for human–wildlife conflict losses and the work of Problem Animal Control Units have reduced tension between people and wildlife. When communities see tangible benefits and protection, they become partners—not adversaries—in conservation.

Uganda’s conservation strength lies in data, partnerships, and shared vision. Ecological monitoring, species censuses, and habitat restoration guide interventions and shape policy. NEMA’s environmental systems, NFA’s reforestation data, and UWA’s wildlife monitoring provide a shared evidence base for national decision-making.

Working with partners such as the Wildlife Conservation Society, WWF, and the Jane Goodall Institute, these agencies ensure that conservation is rooted in science and collaboration. The result has been reduced poaching, recovery of endangered species, and improved ecosystem connectivity. Uganda’s commitment to the No Net Loss—and ideally a Net Gain—of biodiversity is a measurable national goal anchored in planning and reporting systems.

While this recognition is cause for celebration, it also reminds us that the journey continues. Climate change, habitat loss, and illegal wildlife trade still threaten biodiversity. The answer lies in scaling up what already works—community engagement, sustainable financing, and technology-driven conservation.

UWA, continues to strengthen enforcement, expand community initiatives, and invest in research and conservation education. These priorities safeguard livelihoods and the ecological systems on which our economy depends.

The Red NBSAP Medal is a symbol of what can be achieved when a nation believes in its natural heritage. It is a collective victory for the Government of Uganda, communities, researchers, and the private sector. It demonstrates that when we act together, conservation and development advance hand in hand.

As Uganda Wildlife Authority, we are proud to be part of this united effort. Our message to every Ugandan remains simple and powerful: protecting nature protects us all.

The writer is Asst. Commissioner – Communications, Uganda Wildlife Authority