Conservation efforts yield positive results in Mount Elgon region

For over two decades, concerted efforts to conserve and restore the ecological health of Mount Elgon National Park and its surrounding slopes have begun to bear fruit. Environmental activists and government agencies have been diligently working to re-establish forest cover, particularly in areas prone to landslides and flooding, such as Bududa, Sironko, and Bulambuli districts.

The “Mount Elgon project,” a five-year initiative by the National Environment Authority (Nema) launched in 2023, is a key driver of these conservation successes. This project focuses on enhancing both ecosystem preservation and food security for local communities. According to Mr. James Okiria Ateker, the project manager, communities are actively participating and benefiting from these conservation activities.

“We are teaching farmers sustainable cultivation methods, including digging contours and trenches to prevent soil erosion,” Mr. Ateker explained. “Additionally, we guide them on planting trees and cover crops to protect the soil from being washed away during heavy rains.”

Nema reports that since its inception, the project has successfully restored 127 hectares of wetlands and 410 hectares of forest reserves. Restoration action plans have been developed for critical areas like river banks, swamps, and hilltops across several districts. The focus is increasingly on planting indigenous tree species, such as Prunus Africana and Bamboo, which are more ecologically beneficial and sustainable compared to invasive species like Eucalyptus.

The Mount Elgon Tree-Growing Enterprise has also made a substantial contribution, planting over 25 million trees and transforming conservation into a viable economic activity for the local population. They are establishing community nursery beds and prioritizing fast-maturing trees, fruit trees, and bamboo to combat land degradation and protect river banks. These multifaceted efforts are crucial in building resilience against climate-related disasters in this vulnerable region.

Conservation efforts are paying off in the Elgon region. https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-conservation-efforts-are-paying-off-in-the-elgon-region-5555900