Bulambuli to get climate adaptation learning centre
Nov 09, 2015
BULAMBULI district is set to benefit from a pilot project of establishing climate change adaptation learning centre to reduce effects of climate change in Elgon region
By Oyet Okwera
BULAMBULI district is set to benefit from a pilot project of establishing climate change adaptation learning centre to reduce effects of climate change in Elgon region. This follows the 2011 mudslides which killed about 32 residents of Namwidisi village, Sisiyi and Buluganya sub-counties.
The district vice chairperson, Charles Wepukhulu said the climate learning centre will restore hope among farmers in the region. Wepukhulu advised residents in the district to embrace techniques that conserve the environment by planting more trees.
"There is need to teach the masses about the benefits of tree planting and let them know how vulnerable the region can be if tree depletion is not stopped," said Wephukhulu
He was addressing environmental rights stakeholders and residents in Bulambuli in a ceremony organized by the environmental conservation trust of Uganda (ECOTRUST) to encourage environmental conservation.
Wepukhulu advised environmentalists to strengthen partnership while embracing better methods of conserving the environment. This is because some individuals who work in isolation within the Elgon region have been feared by residents to have intention of grabbing their land.
He is optimistic that the climate learning centre will motivate the district environmental unit to increase awareness since information will be readily available.
Sarah Nachuha, programme manager for Ecotrust said there is need to motivate residents to encourage them to take centre stage in conserving the environment.
"This climate adaptation learning centre only offers information on better adaptation techniques and gives the weather forecast. The real issue lies in adopting better environmental conservation methods. I urge all residents to embrace tree planting and protect their catchment areas while engaging in agriculture," said Nachuha.
The farmers received an incentive of over sh12m courtesy of UNDP through Ecotrust to encourage them embrace climate change adaptation techniques.