Let us unite to protect our precious forests
Jun 09, 2009
EDITOR—According to the new FAO report (2009) on the state of the world’s forests, the forestry sector in Uganda contributes 4% to GDP and employs some 4,000 people. But Uganda, with beautiful policies on forestry, is still one of the highly deforeste
EDITOR—According to the new FAO report (2009) on the state of the world’s forests, the forestry sector in Uganda contributes 4% to GDP and employs some 4,000 people. But Uganda, with beautiful policies on forestry, is still one of the highly deforested countries in Africa! The implementation of some of these policies, has been lax.
For example, there is the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act (2003) that calls for establishment of a tree fund to be managed by the minister. there is also the Forestry Policy (2001) that needs revision to incorporate issues on Reducing Emissions form Degradation and Deforestation (REDD) to address issues of climate change and carbon credits.
This also ensures better management of both plantation and natural forests, sustainable land management, desertification and tenure. Unless policy implementation is emphasised, we shall continue lamenting the high rate of deforestation experienced in our beautiful country.
It is only through stringent consultations and implementation of these policies that the forestry sector in Uganda will become vibrant and thus employ more people and increase its contribution to the country’s GDP.
The gap between civil society and academia should be narrowed for informed decision making and proper planning. Let us unite to protect Uganda’s forests.
Robert Bakiika
Environmental Management for Livelihood Improvement
For example, there is the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act (2003) that calls for establishment of a tree fund to be managed by the minister. there is also the Forestry Policy (2001) that needs revision to incorporate issues on Reducing Emissions form Degradation and Deforestation (REDD) to address issues of climate change and carbon credits.
This also ensures better management of both plantation and natural forests, sustainable land management, desertification and tenure. Unless policy implementation is emphasised, we shall continue lamenting the high rate of deforestation experienced in our beautiful country.
It is only through stringent consultations and implementation of these policies that the forestry sector in Uganda will become vibrant and thus employ more people and increase its contribution to the country’s GDP.
The gap between civil society and academia should be narrowed for informed decision making and proper planning. Let us unite to protect Uganda’s forests.
Robert Bakiika
Environmental Management for Livelihood Improvement