NFA and WWF to Scale Up Forest Conservation Efforts Across Uganda

The National Forestry Authority (NFA) and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) have announced plans to expand their forest conservation activities throughout Uganda.

This announcement marks a significant step forward in preserving Uganda’s natural resources and biodiversity.

Currently, the NFA, in collaboration with WWF, district local governments, and neighboring communities, is spearheading the Natural Forest Regeneration for Enhanced Carbon Stocks in the Albertine Rift (FRECAR) project.

This initiative was highlighted during a courtesy visit by the WWF team to Mr. Stuart Maniraguha, Acting Executive Director of NFA, at the NFA head office, Forest House.

Operating in the Bugoma-Kagombe landscape, the FRECAR project covers critical areas including Bugoma, Kagombe, Kitechura, and Ibambaro Central Forest Reserves (CFRs).

The project focuses on Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) as well as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+).

These conservation activities are carried out in CFRs and private forests adjacent to communities through collaborative forest management groups. Efforts include restoring degraded forests, opening and marking boundaries, and promoting tree planting on farmland to reduce pressure on CFRs.

Mr. Stuart Maniraguha welcomed the WWF team and expressed his gratitude for their support. He emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating,

“As NFA, we are comfortable partnering with an organization like WWF Uganda, committed to scaling up the project area to cover the whole country.”

WWF Executive Director - Country Offices Management, Prasanna De Silva, encouraged both institutions to set ambitious conservation targets.

“We can aim for inclusive conservation and support for Indigenous peoples,” he said.

During the visit, Mr. Maniraguha highlighted the unique biodiversity of Karamoja and the indigenous communities that NFA intends to focus on in the near future.

He also pointed out the significance of the Victoria Crescent as another critical area for conservation.

“As NFA, we have forest management plans for all the CFRs that guide the implementation of our activities,” he added.

Both institutions agreed to continue their collaboration and plan to expand their partnership to achieve broader conservation goals across Uganda.

This collaboration aims to address urgent environmental challenges, promote sustainable practices, and ensure the protection of Uganda's forests and biodiversity for future generations