By Jimmy Muhumuza
Kampala
The Austrian Embassy Development Cooperation in Uganda together with the Jane Goodall Institute Uganda has called on the Ugandan government to develop stronger policies to tackle climate change.
Speaking at the launch of a five-year integrated protection and climate adaptation project, Katja Kerschbaumer, the head of Austria’s Development Cooperation, said that there is an urgent need for clear and robust policies on climate adaptation, as Uganda continues to grapple with climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
The Austrian Ambassador Katja Kerschbaumer
The project, spearheaded by the Jane Goodall Institute in partnership with the Ministry of Water and Environment, will be implemented in Kagadi and Kikuube districts to protect biodiversity while promoting climate resilience in local communities and will be funded by the Australian Government and Ecosia.
This initiative will not only restore ecosystems but also support communities in adapting to climate change through sustainable land-use practices.
The Jane Goodall Institute Uganda, in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Environment, has launched a five-year integrated protection and climate adaptation project aimed at restoring degraded forests, wetlands, and riverbanks in the River Nkusi catchment area.
Speaking at the official launch, the Executive Director of Jane Goodall Institute Uganda, James Byamukama, emphasized the urgent need for environmental conservation in the region, highlighting that the project will focus on restoring degraded natural resources while also providing alternative livelihood options for local communities.
Byamukama noted that many households depend on charcoal burning and unsustainable farming, which contribute to environmental degradation.
The RDC for Kagadi district Liliana Ruteraho revealed that even when the laws are there people have continued to clear wetlands and are working hard to enforce using their powers.
