The forests are more precious than oil!
Sep 23, 2005
SIR — In the New Vision of September 19, it was reported that President Yoweri Museveni had directed that four forest reserves on Bugala islands of Kalangala district be given to BIDCO for palm oil production. If this is true, with due respect, we regard this move as very unfortunate because these
SIR — In the New Vision of September 19, it was reported that President Yoweri Museveni had directed that four forest reserves on Bugala islands of Kalangala district be given to BIDCO for palm oil production. If this is true, with due respect, we regard this move as very unfortunate because these forests comprise a unique ecosystem and biodiversity which, once destroyed, will be lost forever.
The forests of Buggala contain over 10 endemic tree species of conservation importance; which are found in no other forest in Uganda.
Because of the unique ecosystems and varied rich biodiversity in these islands, the potential for the ecotourism industry is picking momentum and is on an upward trend.
It is our conviction that there will be a negligible number of tourists that will be attracted to Ssese Islands to visit palm oil plantations as opposed to the current influx of tourists attracted by the rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem associated with tropical natural forests.
Our opinion is that instead of continuing to lose these forests which are a national natural heritage, other more environmentally acceptable alternatives of producing vegetable oils should be explored.
We are well aware that there are still vast expanses of undeveloped but cultivatable land in Uganda, already zoned for agricultural purposes, which should be used for oil producing crops such as sunflower, simsim, soya, and ground nuts to produce millions of tons of vegetable oil. The natural forests should be left to perform their rightful ecological, environmental, aesthetical and other socio-economic roles.
It is our earnest request that the move to condemn more natural forests to extermination for palm oil production be retracted and instead have these other alternatives exploited.
Ambrose K. Kyaroki
President
Uganda Forestry Association
The forests of Buggala contain over 10 endemic tree species of conservation importance; which are found in no other forest in Uganda.
Because of the unique ecosystems and varied rich biodiversity in these islands, the potential for the ecotourism industry is picking momentum and is on an upward trend.
It is our conviction that there will be a negligible number of tourists that will be attracted to Ssese Islands to visit palm oil plantations as opposed to the current influx of tourists attracted by the rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem associated with tropical natural forests.
Our opinion is that instead of continuing to lose these forests which are a national natural heritage, other more environmentally acceptable alternatives of producing vegetable oils should be explored.
We are well aware that there are still vast expanses of undeveloped but cultivatable land in Uganda, already zoned for agricultural purposes, which should be used for oil producing crops such as sunflower, simsim, soya, and ground nuts to produce millions of tons of vegetable oil. The natural forests should be left to perform their rightful ecological, environmental, aesthetical and other socio-economic roles.
It is our earnest request that the move to condemn more natural forests to extermination for palm oil production be retracted and instead have these other alternatives exploited.
Ambrose K. Kyaroki
President
Uganda Forestry Association