Overview:
Kasonke Central Forest Reserve known for its high biodiversity value, faces threats of degradation mainly from encroachment.
Diamond Trust Bank Uganda has entered a partnership with the National Forestry Authority (NFA) to restore degraded parts of Kasonke Central Forest Reserve (CFR) in Masaka.
Kasonke Central Forest Reserve known for its high biodiversity value, faces threats of degradation mainly from encroachment.
Addressing these challenges in Kampala on Thursday, DTB CEO Godfrey Sebaana said: “We all have a responsibility to preserve the environment for today and for future generations”
The Ag. Executive Director NFA, Mr. Stuart Maniraguha, said: “The Authority is strategically engaging in meaningful partnership to contribute to Uganda’s Vision of increasing forest cover to 24% by 2040. Together with DTB we shall restore degraded parts Kasonke CFR.”
“The forest is of high biodiversity which is traversed by the Kasonke stream which pours directly into L. Victoria. The reserve provides a catchment for both the stream and lake which the people of Bulayi and Sanji villages depend on for both domestic and production,” he added.
He highlighted that management or conservation is sustainable use of forest resources. However, these forests are under threat due to increased population that ends up degrading the area thus the need for restoration.
The restoration effort will not only enhance the forest’s biodiversity but also promote employment in the forest adjacent communities. The partnership will also empower surrounding communities by educating them through community-based groups that will participate in afforestation.
The restoration project will cost a total of Ushs 89,760,000 restoring 34 hectares hence contributing to Uganda’s vision of 2040 which targets increasing forest cover to 24% of the total land cover like was in 1990.
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