100 years of Nature Conservation in Uganda, Enviroment Concerns

NatureUganda, the East Africa Natural History in Uganda is celebrating 100 years since it was established in 1909. NatureUganda delivers its conservation actions through strategic interventions including; advocacy for conservation, identifying and monitoring important biodiversity sites such as Important Bird Areas, Ramsar sites; also environmental education, action and management planning, documentation and information dissemination and encouraging community participation in conservation through promotion of sustainable benefits. Our public talks, nature walks and nature excursions have been great inspiration to young people, nature enthusiasts and the general public.

To commemorate 100 years, NatureUganda has organized a series of activities public talks, birding race, conservation dinner and conservation conference.  On the 16th April 2009, we have organized a public talk on “100 years of nature conservation in Uganda” to take place at the Uganda Museum. The talk will be delivered by our renowned Professor Frederick Kayanja , Vice Chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology and the Chief Editor of East African Journal of Ecology. He will answer the question “ What have we achieved as county in terms of nature conservation in the last 100 years and what job is left to be done in the next 100 years?”

As the Society celebrates 100 years, the next 100 years look as gloomy as the past. Man seems determined to finish mankind. Uganda safari Take the various proposals to convert natural forests into agricultural plantations. These proposals are purportedly to increase income and combat global warming, cutting down natural forests and posing enormous threat to biodiversity and our livelihoods. What space do wildlife and natural habitats have if land is cleared to grow sugarcane, palm oils, and bio-fuels or if national parks/ wildlife reserves give way to other economic option such as mining, cultivation or grazing?

Uganda needs to consider innovative technology options that will bring about development and conserve our rich biodiversity and national heritage. We must keep in mind the danger of only being the supplier of raw materials to more developed economies.  These and many other issues will definitely keep conservation community and NatureUganda busy for next 100 years.

I look forward to a thrilling presentation and I am inviting you to be part of this discussion.

The presentation will start at 4.00pm.  Please keep time to allow us enough period for discussion.

Yours sincerely

Achilles Byaruhanga

Executive Director

NatureUganda

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