Uganda urged to use biodiversity for sustainable development

A new Biodiversity Conservation Trust for Uganda will be launched in Kampala on the International Day for Biological Diversity (22 May).

News, 22 May 2015
A leopard in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park. Uganda is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and wildlife tourism is an important source of income (Photo: David Cook, Creative Commons via Flickr)

A leopard in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park. Uganda is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and wildlife tourism is an important source of income (Photo: David Cook, Creative Commons via Flickr)

In celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) on Friday, 22 May, the Uganda Poverty and Conservation Learning Group (UPCLG), with support from the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), will host an event in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

Entitled 'Biodiversity for development and wealth creation: use wisely', the event will be held at the Serena Hotel gardens, in Kampala from 8am-12.30pm, and will be attended by a range of stakeholders from government, private companies, embassies and charities who will come together to discuss this year's IDB theme in the Ugandan context – biodiversity for sustainable development.

The event, organised by WCS, NEMA and U-PCLG, will see the official launch of a project aimed at establishing a Biodiversity Conservation Trust for Uganda, for which WCS received funds from the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The fund is expected to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in Uganda.

In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly declared 22 May as the International Day for Biological Diversity, to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues and the actions required to sustainably manage biodiversity for generations to come.

In recognition of the importance of conserving Uganda's rich and unique biodiversity, Uganda signed and ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 12 June 1992 and 3 September 1993 respectively. The objectives of the convention are the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.

Event attendees will take part in discussions around biodiversity conservation issues, Uganda's commitment to the CBD and corporate response toward creating strong environment and social business risk management systems while guaranteeing sustainable economic development.

The event will culminate with the launch of the Biodiversity Conservation Trust for Uganda by the Minister of Water and Environment, Honorable Professor Ephraim Kamuntu, and will be followed by networking and interaction among participants.

Uganda PCLG will be present at this event, displaying its latest research findings and communications campaigns material. The recently launched 'Imagine Bwindi' song and music video will be on display throughout the event. U-PCLG members will also be on hand to discuss their work, and how people can engage with the group.

Event details

Date: 22 May 2015
Time: 8am-12.30pm
Venue: Serena Hotel gardens, Kampala
More information and interviews: Hellena Nambogwe – 
hnambogwe@gmail.com or +256782469979.