Uganda increases forest cover by 2.6% to mitigate environmental degradation

Uganda is aiming to increase its forest cover to 15 per cent from the current 12.4 per cent over the next financial year beginning from July 1, so as to mitigate environmental degradation.

A top government official said this on Wednesday.

“Central Forest Reserves will be protected from encroachment by re-surveying and marking of 6,200 square km of boundary,” Ugandan Minister said.

Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development said in his national budget speech.

Kasaija said 850 square km of wetlands and forests would also be restored by having them demarcated and gazetted, evicting all encroachers.

Climate change is a significant risk for agriculture production and food security, he noted.

According to Uganda’s National Environment Management Authority, the country has registered better forest cover in recent years, despite increasing cases of illegal logging and forest destruction by encroachers.

The country’s net forest cover gain rose from 9 per cent in 2017 to 13 per cent in 2020.

(Xinhua)