KAMPALA, Uganda – In a landmark effort to protect Uganda’s dwindling forests, the government has launched a groundbreaking partnership with the European Union, Denmark, FAO Uganda, and Italy. The EU-Uganda Forest Partnership aims to restore the country’s forest cover, promote sustainable forest management, and support local communities.
The partnership, launched on the International Day of Forests, brings together key stakeholders to address the pressing issue of deforestation, which has seen Uganda’s forest cover decline from 24% in 1990 to just 11% today.
At the International Resource Centre in Kampala, a gathering of esteemed guests, including Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment, H.E. Jan Sadek, Ambassador of the European Union to Uganda, H.E. Signe Winding Albjerg, Ambassador of Denmark to Uganda, and Mr. Antonio Querido, Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), converged to solidify their commitment to this noble cause.
Dr. Okot Okidi emphasized the significance of forests in national development, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. “Forests are a critical component of our ecosystem, providing livelihoods for millions of people, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of climate change,” he said.
“We are committed to restoring our forest cover to 24% by 2040, and this partnership is a crucial step towards achieving that goal.”
H.E. Jan Sadek reiterated the European Union’s dedication to sustainable natural resource management, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to preserve Uganda’s forests.
“The European Union has been a global leader in advocating for sustainable natural resource management, and we are committed to partnering with nations like Uganda to bring these standards to life,” he said.
He noted that the EU will dedicate 35% of its external action funding to climate action, including forestry, and double its external funding for biodiversity over the next six years.
“We believe that no one can tackle the challenges of forestry alone, and we will continue to work with stakeholders to preserve the vital services that forests provide.”
He added that, “Our work resonates beyond Uganda, as preserving our forests and natural resources is crucial to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Let’s renew our commitment to preserving Uganda’s natural heritage, ensuring that our actions lead to tangible outcomes that benefit not just this generation but generations to come. Together, we can create a resilient, prosperous, and sustainable future.
H.E. Signe Winding Albjerg highlighted Denmark’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s efforts to develop a sustainable and equitable forest sector.
“The EU-Uganda Forest Partnership is a game-changer for Uganda’s forest sector,” she said. “We are committed to supporting Uganda’s efforts to develop a sustainable and equitable forest sector that benefits all stakeholders.”
According to her, the country hosts unique vegetation and animal species found nowhere else. However, this is threatened by the devastating rate of deforestation, which has severe consequences, including soil erosion and biodiversity loss.
“The continued pressure on natural resources, especially forests, remains a significant challenge for development. It impacts not only biodiversity but also economic growth and poverty reduction. We’re committed to addressing these challenges through this program and our other initiatives, such as the Uganda Refugee Resilience Program. We’re confident that, together, we can promote sustainable development in Uganda and make a lasting impact.
Our contribution will focus on innovative forest financing, and we look forward to collaborating with all partners to achieve our goals. Enhanced coordination and collaboration will be key to our success.”
Mr. Antonio Querido, Country Representative of the FAO, commended the government of Uganda for its commitment to restoring the country’s forest cover.
“The FAO has been working closely with the government of Uganda to support the development of the forest sector. We are proud to be part of this partnership and look forward to continuing our work together to promote sustainable forest management and support local communities.”
“For the last 20 years, with the support of the EU and other partners, Uganda has planted a substantial amount of areas that were not covered with timber,” he continued. “Our estimates indicate that between 150,000 to 200,000 hectares are now under plantation.”
But despite the progress made, Mr. Querido says that there was still much work to be done. “We are now at a really important moment because over the year, we have to create a critical mass when it comes to resources for us to address all the challenges when it comes to this abundant raw material that we now have in Uganda,” he said.
The partnership has set ambitious targets, including the restoration of 400,000 hectares of degraded forest, the creation of 150,000 new jobs, and a reduction in deforestation by 20,000 hectares annually. The initiative will focus on four key areas: improving governance and sustainable forest management, developing forest and tree-based value chains, conserving and restoring natural forests, and strengthening community participation and benefit-sharing.
The EU-Uganda Forest Partnership has received a significant boost from the European Union, which has committed €40 million to support the initiative. The Danish government has also pledged its support, with a focus on innovative forest financing.
As Uganda embarks on this ambitious journey, the EU-Uganda Forest Partnership serves as a beacon of hope for the country’s forests and the communities that depend on them. The partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration and the unwavering commitment to preserving the natural beauty and resources of Uganda for generations to come.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Okot Okidi urged all stakeholders to work together to achieve the partnership’s ambitious targets. “We must work together to protect our forests, support local communities, and promote sustainable development,” he said. “The EU-Uganda Forest Partnership is a critical step towards achieving our goals, and we look forward to continuing our work together.”
