Nature fund to fight environmental degradation

WWF board chairperson Philip Idro (left) receives instruments of work from Hon.  Mary Kitutu after the launch of the WWF Uganda advisory board at Lake Victoria Serena Resort .Photo by Denis Dibele

The new World Wide Fund for nature (WWF) advisory board has been tasked with addressing issues on environmental degradation and encroachment as a way of mitigating climate change in Uganda. WWF is an independent organisation that seeks to conserve the environment.

Speaking during the launch of the fund, the state minister for environment, Mary Kitutu said the board should deal with wetlands, forest and water resource management.

Kitutu also implored the population living in the protected areas to improve on the forest and wetland covers from 10% to 18% and 8% to 12% respectively.

WWF Uganda country director, David Duli, pledged to work with people living in the protected areas where WWF is operating.

Duli said the people living around protected areas need to be sensitised on the dangers of encroaching on the environment.

The incoming advisory board chairman, Philip Idro, promised to work with stakeholders in conversation of environment.

He said awareness of the situation on encroachment was key on the agenda and working towards getting a solution to the existing problem.

"As the board we have accepted to work with the team based on nobleness of the cause that includes sensitising the population on destroying the environment and encroachment," added Idro.

The western part of Uganda has the highest numbers of biodiversity and the most delicate at the same time and that is where the focus of WWF is aimed at.

WWF supports conservation efforts that include working with government agencies  to engage in natural resources management.