DTB , NFA inject shs89.8m to restore Kasonke central forest reserve

Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) Uganda, in collaboration with the National Forestry Authority (NFA), has committed over shs89.76 million to restore the degraded Kasonke Central Forest Reserve in Masaka District.

This initiative involves planting over 20,000 indigenous trees, aiming to protect and rejuvenate the forest's rich biodiversity.

Kasonke Central Forest Reserve, renowned for its high biodiversity value, faces significant threats from degradation and deforestation, primarily due to encroachment.

DTB’s CEO, Godfrey Sebaana, emphasized the collective responsibility in preserving the environment, stating, “We all have a responsibility to preserve the environment for today and for future generations.”

The restoration effort is not just about tree planting; it encompasses a broader vision of enhancing biodiversity and fostering community development.

This partnership is set to empower adjacent communities through education and participation in afforestation programs.

Community-based groups will receive training in tree nursery management, sustainable resource utilization techniques, and forest conservation, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable living.

This initiative marks the launch of DTB’s environmental sustainability campaign, the DTB Green Initiative. The campaign's ambitious goal is to plant 1,000,000 trees by 2030, significantly reducing the bank’s carbon footprint.

Sebaana reiterated the importance of corporate involvement in environmental conservation, noting, “It is important for us to be involved and engaged in preserving our community to improve the quality of life in communities where we operate and to mitigate climate change. The best way to defend against the effects of climate change is to prevent rather than treat, ensuring a future-proof plan for many generations to come.”

Stuart Maniraguha, Acting Executive Director of the National Forestry Authority, echoed these sentiments.

“The Authority is strategically engaging in meaningful partnerships to contribute to Uganda’s Vision of increasing forest cover to 24% by 2040. Together with DTB, we shall restore degraded parts of Kasonke CFR.”

The Kasonke Central Forest Reserve is of high ecological importance, being traversed by the Kasonke stream, which flows directly into Lake Victoria.

This reserve provides a crucial catchment for both the stream and the lake, upon which the people of Bulayi and Sanji villages depend for domestic and production purposes.

Restoring this forest is vital not only for biodiversity conservation but also for sustaining the livelihoods of these communities.

Environmental degradation has severe implications for biodiversity. When forests are degraded or destroyed, the diverse species that depend on these habitats for survival are put at risk.

This can lead to a decline in species populations, disruptions in ecosystem services, and a loss of genetic diversity.

By restoring degraded forests, initiatives like the one by DTB and NFA help safeguard biodiversity, ensuring that ecosystems remain resilient and capable of supporting a wide range of plant and animal life.

The partnership between DTB Uganda and the NFA is a significant step towards environmental restoration and sustainable development.

By addressing deforestation and promoting community engagement, this initiative not only enhances the biodiversity of the Kasonke Central Forest Reserve but also contributes to broader environmental and socio-economic goals.

The commitment to planting a million trees by 2030 underscores the vital role of corporate responsibility in combating climate change and preserving natural resources for future generations.