Environmental Experts have challenged schools and communities in the Bunyoro Sub region to champion tree planting campaign as part of broader strategy to combat climate change and conserve the environment that is undergoing massive depletion.
Speaking during an Environment Breakfast organized by Shines Children’s foundation, a non-governmental organization agitating for Environmental conservation in Masindi town, Environmental experts emphasized that schools and communities in the region should enhance modalities to champion massive tree planting campaigns.
Professor Micheal Jacob, a volunteer with Shines Children’s foundation noted that, most schools depend on firewood for cooking while only a small number replace the trees that they consume, a thing he says is dangerous.
More than 90 percent of our schools depend on firewood for cooking yet fewer than 10 percent are engaging in tree planting initiatives, “he said. He further noted that the impact of environmental degradation is being realized globally and urged schools and stakeholders in the Bunyoro sub region to enhance strategies of combating the adverse effects of climate change.
He explains that climate change is already negatively impacting on communities across the world adding that adaptation has become an urgent priority country that depend on rain fed Agriculture. He stated that though Uganda generates 95 percent of its electricity from clean sources such as waterfalls, over dependence on firewood and charcoal continues to promote deforestation.
According to Jacob, Uganda’s forest covered has reduced from 42 percent about 30 years ago to 13 percent today because forests have been cut down to facilitate agriculture and energy needs, a thing he says is alarming and should be prevented.
He warned that the continued loss of forest cover is likely to threaten the future of the country if not immediately addressed. He commended the country’s conservation efforts being put in protected areas such as Murchison falls National Park but appealed to authorities, conservationists, concerned ministries, schools and communities to champion campaign drive to conserve environment.
Kato Huzaifa, from the ministry of Water and Environment, said the ministry has put in place robust policies and legal framework for climate change action through the climate change Act of 2021 and the National Climate policy.
Masindi District Education officer Monica Kiiza says the government has integrated climate change and Environmental Conservation into the National Curriculum adding that the ministry is working at reviving Eco-clubs in schools through the provision of tools, seedlings and teacher training.
“Government through the ministry of Education intends to revive Eco-clubs in schools, “she said. adding that government intend to supply free fruit seedlings and income generating tree seedlings to schools with enough land in order to embrace tree planting campaign.
Simon Biryetege, Masindi District Forestry officer said the district has adopted local policies requiring landowners to reserve part of their land for tree planting projects to conserve the environment.
Masindi District Environment Officer Olivia Nabukenya says, Environmental Education should be embraced in all schools and communities to ensure that nature is conserved.
She promised to liaise with environmentalists to revive environmental clubs in schools and enhance climate change awareness among learners. Erasmus Katusabe, a senior lecturer from Nyabyeya forestry College noted that forestry education has evolved from beyond timber production to include environmental conservation, climate resilience and community livelihoods-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
