The National Forestry Authority (NFA) welcomed the World Bank mission under the Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate-Smart Development (IFPA-CD) project to Echuya Central Forest Reserve (CFR) in a visit aimed at assessing community collaboration in forest conservation.
NFA’s Acting Executive Director, Stuart Maniraguha, reiterated the importance of engaging marginalized groups, including the Batwa from Rubanda, Kanungu, and Kisoro districts, in conservation efforts. “Through our Forest Management Plans, we’ve partnered with local communities, including the Batwa, to restore and conserve Echuya CFR. They are raising seedlings, guiding eco-tourists, making crafts, and rearing bees for honey production,” he said.
Maniraguha emphasized that the Batwa, in particular, benefit from livelihood support, including receiving Irish potatoes and beans for planting. Additionally, they are granted access to the forest every Saturday to collect fallen dry wood and medicinal herbs, a practice that has helped maintain the integrity of the forest.
Semagyere Gad, a member of the Community Forest Management (CFM) group and a Batwa leader, expressed pride in the conservation work being done. “We are committed to protecting Echuya CFR. Our involvement in eco-tourism and seedling production has given us both purpose and income,” he noted.
Kahunzire Claire of the Bwindi Conservation Trust presented statistics on the Batwa’s resettlement, highlighting that 103 households in Kanungu have been relocated to permanent homes. “We’ve seen improved self-esteem among the Batwa, with 49% now owning or accessing land,” she said.
IFPA-CD Project Country Manager, Mukami Kariuki, praised the Ugandan government’s inclusive approach. “Uganda has made significant strides in improving livelihoods through this project, and the results are evident in communities like Echuya,” she remarked.
