Controversial rainforest clearing approved in Uganda
Controversial rainforest clearing approved in Uganda
Rhett A. Butler, mongabay.com
March 26, 2007
Uganda’s prime minister Apolo Nsibambi has approved a plan to clear thousands of hectares of protected rainforest for a sugarcane plantation, reported the New Vision newspaper, a government-owned publication.
Apparently the decision came as a surprise to lawmakers, according to Reuters.
“Government officials told Reuters they were not aware of Prime Minister Apolo Nsibambi’s decision to give part of Mabira Forest — one of the east African country’s last remaining patches of natural forest — to a local sugar company.”
Strangler fig in the rainforest. Picture by R. Butler |
The plan has been controversial with many government officials and environmental groups opposing the destruction of nearly a third of Mabira Forest, which has been a nature reserve since 1932. Opponents argue that the deal will provide little for Uganda at a high environmental cost.
Green groups say the forest clearing could worsen soil erosion, remove an important buffer against pollution of Lake Victoria, hurt the burgeoning ecotourism industry in the reserve, and threaten ten endemic species, including a newly described species of monkey.
“The ecosystem will be disturbed, the biodiversity will be destroyed and people’s livelihoods will change for the worse,” an official from Uganda’s National Forestry Authority told AFP news agency.
Previous articles on Mabira
President Museveni needs to do what’s best for Uganda.
Rainforest conservation worth the cost shows new study.
This article is based on reports from Reuters, AFP and New Vision.