KAMPALA, Uganda – In a landmark move to combat deforestation, Uganda has launched the EU-Uganda Forest Partnership, a collaborative initiative with the European Union, Denmark, FAO Uganda, and Italy.
The partnership, unveiled on the International Day of Forests, aims to restore Uganda’s forest cover, promote sustainable forest management, and support local communities.
Uganda’s forest cover has plummeted from 24% in 1990 to just 11% today, driven by deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion.
This partnership seeks to reverse this trend, with a target of restoring forest cover to 24% by 2040.
A Unified Commitment
The partnership was officially launched at the International Resource Centre in Kampala, with key stakeholders 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.
- Mr. Antonio Querido, Country Representative of the FAO.
Dr. Okot Okidi emphasized the critical role of forests in national development, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation.
“Forests provide livelihoods for millions, support biodiversity, and mitigate climate change. This partnership is a crucial step toward restoring our forest cover,” he said.
Ambitious Targets
The EU-Uganda Forest Partnership has set bold goals, including:
- Restoring 400,000 hectares of degraded forest.
- Creating 150,000 new jobs in the forest sector.
- Reducing 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.
- Strengthening community participation and benefit-sharing.
Financial Commitments
The European Union has committed €40 million to support the partnership, while Denmark will focus on innovative forest financing.
H.E. Jan Sadek highlighted the EU’s dedication to sustainable natural resource management: “We are committed to partnering with Uganda to preserve its forests and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
H.E. Signe Winding Albjerg added: “This partnership is a game-changer for Uganda’s forest sector. We are confident that, together, we can promote sustainable development and make a lasting impact.”
FAO’s Role
Mr. Antonio Querido of the FAO commended Uganda’s commitment to forest restoration and pledged continued support.
“We are proud to be part of this partnership and look forward to promoting sustainable forest management and supporting local communities,” he said.
Why This Matters
Forests are vital to Uganda’s ecosystem, providing resources, livelihoods, and climate resilience. However, deforestation has led to soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and economic challenges.
The EU-Uganda Forest Partnership represents a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of collaboration to address environmental challenges and ensure a sustainable future.
What’s Next?
As Uganda embarks on this ambitious journey, stakeholders are urged to work together to achieve the partnership’s targets.
“We must protect our forests, support local communities, and promote sustainable development,” Dr. Okot Okidi concluded.
