Ugandan NGOs join IUCN ranks

Jan 17, 2005

UGANDA’s lobbying power in the conservation fraternity has increased after two NGOs became members of the World Conservation Union (IUCN).

By Gerald Tenywa

UGANDA’s lobbying power in the conservation fraternity has increased after two NGOs became members of the World Conservation Union (IUCN).

IUCN is a global conservation body made up of government agencies and non-governmental organisations.

Alex Muhwezi, IUCN country head, said Nature Uganda and The Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda (ECOTRUST) had joined the largest global conservation body.

Achilles Byaruhanga, head of Nature Uganda, said their application was approved last year.
“It is a great pleasure to inform you that the committee recommends admission to IUCN of your organisation,” said Regula Haller, the membership administer of IUCN.

“This is to inform you that the membership Committee of the IUCN Council at its 32nd meeting on 28 September, considered the application by Nature Uganda for membership of the union.”

Byaruhanga said they also took part in the recently concluded World Conservation Congress that was held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Muhwezi said IUCN assists members to build capacity to effectively engage in conservation programmes.

“ECOTRUST is now able to link with high level partners in conservation because IUCN operates at highest global level, works with UN agencies and programmes, International Conventions and Treaties.”

and interacts with lead conservation and development agencies,'' said Joy Tukahirwa who heads ECOTRUST.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});