The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has welcomed a delegation from the World Bank’s Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate-Smart Development (IFPA-CD) project to Echuya Central Forest Reserve (CFR) as part of an assessment of community engagement in conservation efforts.
The visit focused on collaborative initiatives involving local communities, particularly the Batwa, a marginalised group from Rubanda, Kanungu, and Kisoro districts.
NFA’s Acting Executive Director, Stuart Maniraguha, emphasised the critical role of community partnerships in preserving the forest ecosystem.
"Through our Forest Management Plans, we have partnered with local communities, including the Batwa, to restore and conserve Echuya CFR. They are actively engaged in raising tree seedlings, guiding eco-tourists, making crafts, and beekeeping for honey production," Maniraguha stated.
He further highlighted the livelihood support extended to the Batwa, which includes agricultural inputs such as Irish potatoes and beans for planting.
Additionally, the community is granted access to the forest every Saturday to collect fallen dry wood and medicinal herbs, a controlled practice aimed at balancing conservation with cultural and subsistence needs.
Semagyere Gad, a Batwa leader and member of the Community Forest Management (CFM) group, expressed satisfaction with the initiative, noting its impact on both the environment and their well-being.
"We are committed to protecting Echuya CFR. Our involvement in eco-tourism and seedling production has given us both purpose and income," Semagyere said.
During the visit, Kahunzire Claire of the Bwindi Conservation Trust presented key findings on the resettlement of the Batwa, revealing that 103 households in Kanungu have been relocated to permanent homes. She noted a significant improvement in their livelihoods, with 49% of the Batwa now owning or accessing land.
Mukami Kariuki, World Bank Country Manager, commended Uganda’s inclusive conservation approach, stating that the government’s efforts under the project have had a tangible impact on community well-being.
"Uganda has made significant strides in improving livelihoods through this project, and the results are evident in communities like Echuya," she remarked.
The IFPA-CD project, supported by the World Bank, aims to enhance the management of forests and protected areas while promoting sustainable community livelihoods, a model that continues to gain recognition for its balance between environmental conservation and social development.
