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NEMA NEWS December 2011 The National Environment Management Newsletter NEMA NEWS Approved projects by NEMA ......................4 Environmental activities briefs ...................6 Enviro Calendar 2012 ................................8 Environmental Sensitization and Tree Planting campaign.....................................10 The Uganda Clearing-House Mechanism at NEMA ................................12 The State of the Environment Report for Uganda 2010........................................13 KIU promotes Global Cooling ...................14 About Rio+20 ............................................15 World Environment Day 2012 Announcement..........................................16 Turn to page 2 National Environment Management Authority E N S U R I N G S U S T A I N A B L E D E V E L O P M E N T y Vol. 10 No. 2 December 2011 By Dr. Festus Bagoora INSIDE The UN Climate Change Conference in Durban Prioritises Adaptation South Africa President Jacob Zuma officially opening the conference held at Inkonsi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban South Africa. Photo: Edmond Jiyane/EPA T he 17 th Conference of the Par�es (COP17) to the United Na�ons Framework Conven�on on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 7 th Session of the Conference of the Par�es serving as the Mee�ng of the Par�es (CMP7) to the Kyoto Protocol was held in Durban, South Africa from 28 th November to 9 th December 2011. The conference was held under the theme “Working Together, Saving Tomorrow Today”. The Execu�ve Director of NEMA, Dr. Tom O. Okurut, together with NEMA’s Natural Resources Management Specialists Dr. Festus Bagoora (Soils & Land use) and Francis Ogwal (Biodiversity
Transcript of NEMA NEWS - nemaug.org · NEMA NEWS December 2011 1 The National Environment Management Newsletter...
1NEMA NEWS December 2011
The National Environment Management Newsletter
NEMA NEWS
Approved projects by NEMA ......................4Environmental activities briefs ...................6Enviro Calendar 2012 ................................8Environmental Sensitization and Tree Planting campaign.....................................10The Uganda Clearing-House Mechanism at NEMA ................................12The State of the Environment Report for Uganda 2010........................................13KIU promotes Global Cooling ...................14About Rio+20 ............................................15World Environment Day 2012 Announcement..........................................16 Turn to page 2
National Environment Management AuthorityENSUR ING
SU STA INABL E DEVELO
PMENTy
Vol. 10 No. 2 December 2011
By Dr. Festus Bagoora
INSIDE
The UN Climate Change Conference in Durban Prioritises Adaptation
South Africa President Jacob Zuma officially opening the conference held at Inkonsi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban South Africa. Photo: Edmond Jiyane/EPA
The 17th Conference of the Par�es (COP17) to the United Na�ons Framework Conven�on on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 7th Session of the Conference of the
Par�es serving as the Mee�ng of the Par�es (CMP7) to the Kyoto Protocol was held in Durban, South Africa from 28th November to 9th December 2011. The conference was held under the theme “Working Together, Saving Tomorrow Today”.
The Execu�ve Director of NEMA, Dr. Tom O. Okurut, together with NEMA’s Natural Resources Management Specialists Dr. Festus Bagoora (Soils & Land use) and Francis Ogwal (Biodiversity
2 NEMA NEWS December 2011
From page 1
E d i t o r i a l
Turn to page 32 NEMA NEWS December 2011
& Rangelands), were among Uganda’s delega�on that par�cipated in the COP17/CMP7. The Head of the Uganda delega�on was Hon. Maria Mutagamba, Minister for Water and Environment; the Minister of State for Environment, Hon. Flavia M. Nabugere and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water and Environment Mr. David. O. O. Obong as well as Permanent Secretary Ministry of Wildlife, Tourism and Heritage, Uganda’s Ambassador to South Africa and the Chairman Board of Directors of Na�onal Planning Authority Prof. Kisamba Mugerwa par�cipated in the mee�ng.
Since the UNFCCC entered into force in 1995, the Conference of the Par�es (COP) to the UNFCCC have been mee�ng annually to assess progress in dealing with climate change.The COP adopts decisions and resolu�ons, published in reports of the COP. Successive decisions taken by the COP make up a detailed set of rules for prac�cal and effec�ve implementa�on of the Conven�on.The COP serves as the mee�ng of the Par�es to the Kyoto Protocol, which also adopts decisions and resolu�ons on the implementa�on of its provisions.
This annual mee�ng is referred to as the Conference of the Par�es serving as the mee�ng of the Par�es to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP).
However, Par�es to the Conven�on that are not Par�es to the Protocol are able to par�cipate in the CMP as
observers, but without the right to take decisions.The Conven�on on Climate Change sets an overall framework for intergovernmental efforts to tackle the challenge posed by climate change. It recognizes that the climate system is a shared resource whose stability can be affected by industrial and other emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Discussions revolved around nego�a�ons of the conven�on itself to take effec�ve ac�on in comba�ng climate change and its impacts. It was a follow up of what was agreed upon in Cancun on 10th December 2010 to have concrete ac�on especially on mi�ga�on, adapta�on by par�es and funding mechanisms for these ac�ons. The agreements negotiated for long term cooperative framework where the whole world is being urged to take action according to their respec�ve capabili�es.
The United Na�ons Climate Change Conference, Durban 2011, delivered a breakthrough on the interna�onal community’s response to climate change. In the second largest mee�ng of its kind, the nego�a�ons advanced, in a balanced fashion, the implementa�on of the Conven�on and the Kyoto Protocol, the Bali Ac�on Plan, and the Cancun Agreements. The outcomes included a decision by Par�es to adopt a universal legal agreement on climate change as soon as possible, and no later than 2015.
The UN Climate 2011 has been mostly a year about
Climate Change again and again and it looks like we may sing the same
song come 2012. We are all looking forward to seeing that what was agreed upon during the just concluded United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) seventeenth Conference of Parties (COP17/CMP7) in Durban, South Africa is being implemented. Otherwise as climate experts predict, the first quarter of the year 2012 is likely to be very hot and dry in Uganda. This comes after four months of rainy period countrywide and leaving many people, especially in Bulambuli and Bududa Districts homeless as heavy downpour caused landslides.
The 2010 National State of Environment Report is ready. The theme of the Report is “Environment Sustainability and Health”. The Report aims at linking the state of the environment to human health. It explains how a clean environment will keep the doctor away. It is now accessible on the NEMA website http://www.nemaug.org. Hard copies will soon be available. to the public and other entities.
In this edition of NEMA NEWS, we highlight what transpired during the Climate Change COP17/CMP7 in South Africa from 28th November to 10th December 2011; and give an illustration of projects that were approved by NEMA between July 2010 and September 2011. Read about the tree planting campaign that was launched in Eastern Uganda by Hon. Flavia M. Nabugere, the Environment State Minister. Kampala International University remembered Prof. Wangari Maathai (RIP) and planted 55 trees in her honour. We also introduce the Uganda Clearing House Mechanism that is currently being spearheaded by NEMA.
The World Environment Day 2012 selected theme is “Green Economy: Does it include you?” That is the main question of the year, 2012, for us all to find an answer to. We are expected to be better environment oriented neighbours than we have been in 2011. This we can simply demonstrate by planting as many trees as possible, managing our waste well, ensuring cleaner production not smoking in public places, regulating our noise and so on… Wish you all a clean and green 2012!
3NEMA NEWS December 2011 3NEMA NEWS December 2011
The President of COP17/CMP7 Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said: “What we have achieved in Durban will play a central role in saving tomorrow, today.”
In reference to the Kyoto Protocol, outcomes of this conven�on emphasized that the historic communi�es (developed countries) are responsible for having put a lot of Green House Gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolu�on resul�ng into the climate change we have now; what is being pushed in the atmosphere currently, the impacts will be felt in 100 years from now. Therefore the developed countries should take lead in reducing emissions.
The Kyoto Protocol commi�ed par�es to undertake the following:• to enter into a second commitment (the developed countries s�ll reluctant to enter second commitment)
• to enter into a second commitment and con�nue to implement the first commitment• the par�es finally agreed to work out a mechanism of entering a second commitment while an all-encompassing and legally long-term framework is also finalized (USA and others are also legally on bound; Canada pulled out of the Kyoto Protocol, yet to communicate to the Secretariat).USA has never been involved in the Kyoto Protocol yet they are the biggest polluters. They argue that China, India, USA and Brazil are examples of countries with economies in transit, currently emi�ng GHGs in the atmosphere, that is, they are big ‘emi�ers’.
The Conven�on on Climate Change has a clause on historical commitment that reads “While mi�ga�ng against climate change, those responsible should do more in terms of cu�ng down pollu�on”.
The long term framework urges all countries ‘to do something’ to mi�gate climate change, for example Uganda is plan�ng trees. All countries have to indicate how they will reduce (will have to be nego�ated) and what they will do based on historical responsible economic capability. This is a legally binding instrument under the LCA (Long-term Coopera�ve Agreement).
LCDs and G77 are strongly in favour of second Kyoto Protocol, the only instrument that jus�fies the reduc�on of GHGs and that the countries to do cannot phase it out when the LCA is not yet concre�zed. Africa and LCDs are most vulnerable to impacts of climate change and yet they are not historically responsible for this. Under the Kyoto protocol and LCA, developed countries are bound to provide economic
Turn to page 7
South Africa dancers making a Blue line lead during a 3km “Walk for the Future” along Durban’s beach front on 27th November 2011 before the opening of the UN Climate Conference. Photo: Alexander Joel/AFF/Getty Images
Change ConferenceThe UN Climate
4 NEMA NEWS December 2011
Annex 1: Total projects approved by Quarter, Category, and Percentage July 2010-June 2011
Category July-Sept2010
Oct-Dec2010
Jan-Mar2011
Apr-Jun2011
TotalNumber
Percentage of Total
Information Communication Technology
18 36 67 63 184 45.4
Infrastructure -Roads, RenovationsHousing
10 16 29 42 97 23.9
Fuel Station 06 09 11 13 39 9.6Processing Manufacturing Industry
0 14 03 13 30 7.4
Minerals, Quarry, Mining 03 12 05 01 21 5.3Energy (Production, Distribution)
03 03 02 02 10 2.5
Wildlife, Leisure, Recreation, Hotel
0 04 02 02 08 2.0
Oil & Gas 04 0 0 03 07 1.7Land-use Change- Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock
0 02 02 0 04 1.0
Waste Management & Infrastructure
0 0 02 0 02 0.5
Water Supply & Sanitation
0 0 0 02 02 0.5
Wetlands, Fisheries Resources
0 0 0 01 01 0.2
GRAND TOTAL 44 96 123 142 405 100.0
APPROVED PROJECTS – TOTAL NUMBER BY CATEGORYAPRIL TO JUNE, 2011
TOTAL NUMBER OF PROJECTS = 142
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
2
13
63
42
1 3
13
2 1 2
Total Projects approved by Quarter, Category, and Percentage July 2010 - June 2011
Approved Projects approved - Total Number by Category April to June, 2011Total Number of projects = 142
By Margaret Aanyu
Projects approved by NEMA,
NEMA NEWS December 2011 5
APPROVED PROJECTS – BY PERCENTAGE (CATEGORY)APRIL – JUNE, 2011
TOTAL NUMBER OF PROJECTS = 142
Energy Production& Distribution
2%
Fuel Station9%
Information Communication
Technology44%
Infrastructure –Roads, Renovations,
Housing30%
Minerals, Quarry,Mining
1%
Oil & Gas2%
Processing, Manufacturing
Industry9%
Water Supply & Sanitation
1%
Wetlands, Fisheries Resources
1%
Wildlife, Leisure, Recreation, Hotel
1%
APPROVED PROJECTS – BY CATEGORY
JULY – SEPTEMBER, 2011______________________________________________________________________________________________
July 2010 to September 2011Approved Projects by Percentage (Category) April to June 2011
Total Number of projects = 142
Approved Projects by Percentage (Category) July to September 2011Total Number of projects = 142
The author is EIA Coordinator at NEMA
Projects approved by NEMA,
NEMA BITS
6 NEMA NEWS December 2011
A Stakeholder Sensitization and Education meeting on Oil & Gas in Buliisa District.
NEMA’s Dr. Daniel Babikwa conducts a Stakeholders’ Sensitization meeting at the Jinja CDM/MSWC plant’
The Executive Director, NEMA, Dr. Tom O. Okurut (middle) commissions the Effluent Treatment Facility at Nile Breweries Limited in Njeru Town Council, Buikwe District on 3 November 2011; looking on is Nic Jenkinson (right), Managing Director, Nile Breweries Limited.
Living with Nature! The Island Nile Lodge developed on Kalagala Islands within Victoria Nile (left), Kayunga District with guidance from NEMA through Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and frequent monitoring. All structures here (Bandas and walkways) are erected on raised ground (right) and the effluent is treated before discharge into the environment.
The restored Lutoboka landscape in Kalangala Town Council. A formerly degraded fishing village is now a ferry landing pier with ecotourism facilities. Kalangala District has become a tourist destination as a result of good environmental management guided by NEMA.
77NEMA NEWS December 2011
support to LCDs to reduce GHGs; that is, efficient and predictable sources of funding, technological transfer and capacity building. Therefore, adapta�on of par�es is a priority.
The conference concluded with the adop�on of a set of decisions dubbed the “Durban Package” encompassing four key issues:1. The establishment of a second commitment
Decisions adopted by COP 17 and CMP 7COP 17 CMP 7 Establishment of an Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action
Outcome of the work of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol at its sixteenth session
Report of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention
Land use, land-use change and forestry
Launching of the Green Climate Fund Emissions trading and the project-based mechanismsTechnology Executive Commitee - modalities and procedures
Greenhouse gases, sectors and source categories, common metrics to calculate carbon dioxide equivalence of anthopogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks, and other methodological issues
National adaptation plans Consideration of information on potential environmental, economic and social consequences, including spillover effects, of tools, policies, measures and methodologies available to Annex I Parties
Nairobi work programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change
Report of the Adaptation Fund Board
Work programme on loss and damage Review of the Adaptation FundForum on response measures Further guidance relating to the clean development mechanismFinancial mechanism of the Convention: LDCF: support for the implementation of elements of the LDC work programme other than NAPAs
Materiality standard under the clean development mechanism
Amendment to Annex I to the Convention Modalities and procedures for carbon dioxide capture and storage in geological formations as clean development mechanism project activities
Report of the Global Environment Facility to the Conference of the Parties and additional guidance to the Global Environment Facility
Issues relating to joint implementation
REDD+ : Safeguards and reference levels Compliance CommitteeCapacity-building under the Convention in developing countries
Proposal from Kazakhstan to amend Annex B to the Kyoto Protocol
National communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention - Work of the Consultative Group of Experts on National Communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention
Appeal by Croatia against a final decision of the enforcement branch of the Compliance Committee in relation to the implementation of decision 7/CP.12
Revision of the UNFCCC reporting guidelines on annual inventories for Parties included in Annex I to the Convention
Capacity-building under the Kyoto Protocol for developing countries
Research dialogue on developments in research activities relevant to the needs of the Convention
Administrative, financial and institutional matters
Resolution adopted by COP 17 and CMP 7Expression of gratitude to the Government of the Republic of South Africa, the province of KwaZulu-Natal and the people of the city of Durban
period under the Kyoto Protocol2. A decision on long-term coopera�ve ac�on under the Conven�on3. The a launch of a new process towards an agreed outcome with legal force applicable to all par�es to the Conven�on, and4. The opera�onalisa�on of the Green Climate Fund.
Summary of Decisions and Resolution adopted by COP 17 and CMP 7Source:www:unfccc.int
The UN Climate Change ConferenceFrom page 3
The author is the Natural Resources Management (Soils & Land use) Specialist at NEMA
8 NEMA NEWS December 2011
Special Days M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T
JAN
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
FEB
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
MARCH
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
APRIL
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
MAY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
JUNE
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
JULY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
AUG
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
SEPT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
OCT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
NOV
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
DEC
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
World Wetlands Day World Water Day
World Meteorological Day
World Earth DayWorld Health Day
Workers' Day/Labour Day
World Environment Week 1-5 June
World Environment Day World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
World Population Day
International Literacy Day International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
World Tourism Day
World Habitat Day
World AIDS Day International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Human Rights Day
International Day of Peace
World Food Day
International Day for Biological Diversity
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
International Youth Day
World Animal Day
New Year's Day
Christmas Day Boxing Day
International Women's DayWorld Forestry Day
World Heritage Day
World Anti-Tobacco D
Green Consumer Day
World Worldlife Week 1-7 October World Standards Day
World Fisheries D
International Day of Preventing Exploration of the Environment in War and Armed Conflicts
Universal Children's D
Independence Day
9NEMA NEWS December 2011
Enviro Calendar 2012M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T
JAN
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
FEB
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
MARCH
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
APRIL
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
MAY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
JUNE
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
JULY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
AUG
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
SEPT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
OCT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
NOV
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
DEC
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
World Wetlands Day World Water Day
World Meteorological Day
World Earth DayWorld Health Day
Workers' Day/Labour Day
World Environment Week 1-5 June
World Environment Day World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
World Population Day
International Literacy Day International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
World Tourism Day
World Habitat Day
World AIDS Day International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Human Rights Day
International Day of Peace
World Food Day
International Day for Biological Diversity
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
International Youth Day
World Animal Day
New Year's Day
Christmas Day Boxing Day
International Women's DayWorld Forestry Day
World Heritage Day
World Anti-Tobacco D
Green Consumer Day
World Worldlife Week 1-7 October World Standards Day
World Fisheries D
International Day of Preventing Exploration of the Environment in War and Armed Conflicts
Universal Children's D
Independence Day
10 NEMA NEWS December 2011
DISTRICT ENVIRONMENT
At the beginning of the 19th century, forests and woodlands covered
approximately 45% of the total land area of Uganda. At present, forest cover has been reduced to approximately 4.9 million hectares or about 20% of the total land area (MWLE, 2001). Deforesta�on is accelerated by the need for fuel wood, �mber and demand for agriculture land among others. More to this, there is a building and construc�on boom in the country with 10% p.a growth rate in the construc�on sector. In line with the above, the State Minister for Environment, Hon. Flavia M. Nabugere ini�ated an Environmental Awareness and Tree plan�ng campaign star�ng with Kaliro District.
In 2003 Kaliro District’s popula�on was 160,180 and in 2011 it was projected at 209,300 (UBOS). The District is experiencing high growth rate of schools, hotels, restaurants among others that all use fuel wood and �mber. The District has suffered from non-func�onality of boreholes that has been linked to the reduced water table (water quan�ty) and quality. Kaliro District hosts Lake Nakuwa, a Ramsar site that hosts birds of interna�onal importance and rare fish. According to the New Vision 30th July 2010”, Lake Nakuwa shoreline had receded by more than 200 metres within one year.
The Tree plan�ng and awareness programme was conducted in
Kaliro District between 14th and 15th November 2011 under the following objec�ves:1. Establish the level of degrada�on of Lake Nakuwa wetland system2. Create awareness about environmental issues in Kaliro District and promote tree plan�ng3. Conduct a cost benefit analysis of tree species suitable for afforesta�on in Kaliro District
Among environmental challenges iden�fied were:a) The communi�es had cul�vated up to the core zone of wetlands due to increased popula�on pressureb) Farmers were cul�va�ng the receding shoreline of the Lake with maize and paddy ricec) There were manifesta�ons of soil erosion and subsequent silta�on of wetlands
d) Bush burning is prac�sed when farmers prepare the fields for cul�va�on in the dry seasons; as a result, most land had been le� without trees hence accelerated soil erosione) The search for produc�ve land had pushed more people into the swamps which are s�ll fer�le, exposing the wetlands to further degrada�onf) Harves�ng of undersized fish is ongoingg) Motorable earthen roads were not constructed with proper camber, drainage and culverts hence quickly wearing out and impeding water flow/affec�ng hydrological condi�ons
State Minister for Environment initiates the Environmental Sensitization and Tree planting campaign
By Anne Lillian Nakafeero
Turn to page 11
Anne L. Nakafeero
The State Minister for Environment, Hon. Flavia M. Nabugere (middle), pays a courtesy call on the LC V Chairman, Kaliro District, Mr. Wycliffe Ibanda (extreme left).
NEMA NEWS December 2011 11
DISTRICT ENVIRONMENT
of wetlandsOutcomes from the sensi�za�on mee�ngs included the following:a) Communi�es expressed readiness to plant trees and showed interest in plan�ng trees upland as wellb) Communi�es demanded for assurance of market for tree productsc) Communi�es looked forward to growing Bamboo trees as guided in the sensi�za�on mee�ngs
d) Communi�es were advised to form associa�ons to market their produce be�er and increase the acreage of land for tree plan�ng
The following ac�vi�es will cons�tute the next phase of the programme:a) Soil tes�ng to ascertain suitability and compa�bility of foreign tree speciesb) The three species of Bamboo trees in Uganda would be researched on and selected for plan�ng appropriately
Environmental Sensitization and Tree planting campaign From page 10
The author is a District Support Officer at NEMA
Farmers are growing the receding shoreline of the lake with maize and paddy rice gardens.
Nawaikoke Sub county community during a sensitization meeting.
c) Other tree species seedlings would be raised for distribu�ond) Establishment of available land and interested farmerse) The District and Lower Local Governments should put in place by-laws and ordinances inline with na�onal laws to regulate/guide tree harves�ng and ensure afforesta�on f) Promote agro forestry g) Promote co-management of wetlands and water bodies.
Part of the Lake Nakuwa wetland system.
12 NEMA NEWS December 2011
By Monique Akullo
Monique Akullo
Turn to page 13
The term “clearing-house” originally referred to a financial establishment
where checks and bills are exchanged among member banks so that only the net balances need to be se�led in cash. Today, its meaning has been extended to include any agency that brings together seekers and providers of goods, services or informa�on, thus matching demand with supply.
The Uganda Clearing-House Mechanism (UG-CHM) is a web portal designed and managed by the Na�onal Environment Management Authority (NEMA) bringing together biodiversity informa�on from across the country. It is Uganda’s contribu�on to the global portal being developed under the United Na�ons Conven�on on Biological Diversity (CBD).
The CBD was one of the key agreements adopted at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro on ‘sustainable development’. It is a ‘framework for ac�on’ involving the vast majority of the world’s governments commi�ed to maintaining the world’s ecological underpinnings in a con�nuing era of economic development.
Biodiversity is much more complex than just ‘nature’ or ‘environment’ as it refers to all varie�es and forms of life. Biodiversity breaks down into three levels: diversity of ecosystems, species and genes. It is essen�al to maintain biodiversity since it has important social, economic, scien�fic, educa�onal, cultural, recrea�onal and aesthe�c values. In 1992, biodiversity was a key element of the Earth Summit which led to a United Na�ons Conven�on on Biological Diversity (CBD). It remains just as important now as species and ecosystems con�nue to disappear at a high rate.
Sharing Biodiversity Information through the Clearing-House Mechanism in NEMA
UG-CHM’s key objec�ve is therefore to provide a valuable tool to promote scien�fic and technical coopera�on across the country in the field of conserva�on and sustainable use of biological diversity mainly through the development and implementa�on of na�onal policies. It also aims to provide access to informa�on on the country’s progress on implemen�ng CBD’s goals which are the conserva�on of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the sharing of the benefits arising from the commercial and other u�liza�on of gene�c resources in a fair and equitable way. It also contributes to educa�on and raising public awareness of biodiversity. The provision of informa�on by the UG-CHM is important for compila�on of na�onal and community reports, and for update on implementa�on progress on concrete measures for biodiversity.
How does it work?The ongoing development of the UG-CHM project is based on global guidelines set by the CBD Secretariat and uses the facili�es of the NEMA website and its standardized document handling. Observers from the CBD Secretariat (permanent), United Na�ons Environment Programme - Regional Office Nairobi (UNEP), ensure collabora�on with NEMA as well as organiza�ons.
The UG-CHM web portal has become the entry point to a huge network of ins�tu�ons and organiza�ons working on biodiversity. It links to other ins�tu�ons and organiza�ons (governmental, private and NGOs) that house useful informa�on in Uganda and elsewhere.
Through search facili�es, users can find informa�on from different perspec�ves according to their needs. The website either already provides or will soon
provide the following structured informa�on:• Conven�on and Policy including policies, legisla�on, conven�ons and reports;• Coopera�on funding, research programmes, case studies, partnering and twinning, best prac�ce;• Informa�on on selected groups of species; list of available databases, thesaurus, indicators (membership only), country profiles etc;• Organiza�ons and Networks, the who’s who, organisa�on and networks;• Services such as search engine, news, mee�ngs and events.
In order to guarantee the integrity of data and informa�on, the material found on UG-CHM is kept and maintained by the original sources of informa�on. The public can have access to most areas of the web portal with the excep�on of certain sensi�ve areas reserved for members only. These include a sec�on on biodiversity indicators.
Achievements of what has been doneA series of mee�ngs have taken place to develop the framework on biodiversity informa�on sharing through the CHM, guidelines of sustainable biofuel produc�on in Uganda, taxonomy capacity needs assessment and study of the role of Indigenous Knowledge of medical plants.
NEMA NEWS December 2011 13
The Uganda Clearing House Mechanism
From page 12
The author is the Project OfficerClearing House Mechanism Project at NEMA
The CHM portal is online but not yet for public view, its interoperability func�onali�es are s�ll being enhanced. Contents (including web links) are constantly under expansion.
Who benefits?
Ci�zens: Through the strengthening of the interna�onal coopera�on the UG-CHM is contribu�ng to the protec�on of the living world for the future genera�ons. It helps to raise public awareness; ci�zens can access the UG-CHM website to find informa�on on biodiversity related to policies, legisla�on, funding opportuni�es, databases, sources of exper�se, etc. and understand be�er the implica�ons of our daily ac�ons on the ecosystem.
Public Administra�ons: The UG-CHM can contribute to a be�er, more cost-effec�ve decision-making process by helping the competent authori�es to implement biodiversity-related ini�a�ves through the access to readily available informa�on.
Businesses: Biodiversity is essen�al for the long-term sustainability of agriculture and fisheries, and it is the basis for many industrial processes and the produc�on of new medicines. UG-CHM aims at suppor�ng the coopera�on in the field of research and technology for a sustainable development. There is a large community of scien�fic experts’ worldwide working in the biodiversity field. Thanks to the data and informa�on available, the UG-CHM helps promote and facilitate scien�fic and technological coopera�on not just within Uganda but also with the other countries around the world who are signatories to the UN CBD. This concerns training, educa�on, research, informa�on and exper�se. The UG-CHM helps reduce the duplica�on of related efforts and therefore improves the efficiency of these groups of experts.
THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT REPORT FOR UGANDA
2010
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National Environment Management AuthorityENSUR ING
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NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (NEMA)NEMA House Plot 17/19/21 Jinja Road
P.O. Box 22255 Kampala UgandaTel: +256-414-251064/5/8
Fax: +256-414-257521 E-mail:[email protected] http://www.nemaug.org
The theme for this State of the Environment (SOE) Report is environment sustainability and health. The focus on health and environment underlines
the growing recogni�on of the link between environmental sustainability and health outcomes. The focus is dual faced; first, several health management ac�vi�es have considerable environmental implica�ons including the environmental impacts of medical waste management; or the use of pes�cides, for instance DDT, for disease vector control. The other face is the health implica�ons of poorly managed environments including the risk of environmental diseases, increased vulnerabili�es due to climate change and the cost of managing otherwise avoidable environmental diseases.
The key message from the current report is that environmental degrada�on costs the na�onal economy colossal amounts of money through otherwise avoidable expenditure on cura�ve health care, water treatment, re-se�lement of environmental refugees, emergency food aid and restora�on of degraded ecosystems. These costs will increase in view of the exacerba�ng effects of climate change and increased vulnerability. The report however, notes that immense opportuni�es to correct or even augment the contribu�on of Uganda’s environmental resources to economic progress and human well-being exist. The report therefore recommends various strategic ac�ons for improving the state, opportuni�es and outcomes from the environment and natural resource base in Uganda.
The State of the Environment Report for
Uganda 2010 is out
The SOE is currently posted on h�p://www.nemaug.org
By Dr. Goretti K. Kitutu
The author is the Environmental Information Systems Specialist at NEMA
Turn to page 15
Why we need to Conserve Forest
14 NEMA NEWS December 2011
Global cooling is defined as ‘the global decrease in Earth’s average
temperature due to decreased levels of Green House Gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere’. Green House Gases are harmful to life. Human ac�vi�es in the recent past have been the major factor affec�ng global cooling thereby contribu�ng to Climate change and Global warming. Currently Climate change is the biggest problem that is affec�ng people and the environment globally. There are many proven facts that demonstrate how global warming has affected certain parts of our planet Earth especially the Africa con�nent; if nothing substan�al is done, the people are likely to experience more disastrous environmental degrada�onin the future than ever before. However, there are ac�ons human beings allover the world undertake to slow down the environmental degrada�on process.
In line with the noble cause of reducing environmental degrada�on vice as championed by Prof. Wangari Maathai (RIP), the Kampala Interna�onal University (KIU) Environment Students Associa�on held a ‘Tree Plan�ng’ ac�vity on 19th October 2011 at the University main campus in Kansanga, Kampala. The one day’s ac�vity was specifically aimed at plan�ng trees to reduce Green House Gases in the atmosphere; 55 trees were planted. The event was dedicated to the late Prof. Wangari Maathai in apprecia�on for her determina�on and hard work to ensure a cool, healthy and produc�ve environment, free of diseases and deple�on of natural resources.
The Chief Guest was Ms Beatrice Adimola who represented the Execu�ve Director of the Na�onal Environment Management Authority, NEMA. In her remarks, the Chief Guest stressed the need to plant more trees ci�ng Prof. Wangari Maathai who spent her life prac�cing and advoca�ng for proper environment management pu�ng emphasis on mass tree plan�ng before her un�mely death in September 2011.
Greater energy efficiency and new technologies have been advocated for and hold promise for the reduc�on of Green House Gases as well as solving this global challenge.
‘Trees’ provide the solu�on to climate change for communi�es, individuals, businesses, locali�es and governments. Trees/plants remove carbon dioxide from the air through a process known as ‘Carbon sequestra�on’. Plan�ng trees in ins�tu�ons such as
Primary and Secondary schools, Universi�es and others, prac�cing sustainable forestry, using conserva�on �llage on croplands and other agricultural and forestry prac�ces help slow the growth of Green House Gases concentra�ons in the atmosphere.
Carbon sequestra�on is the process through which trees remove Carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. The term “sinks” is also used inter-changeably to describe agricultural and forestry lands that absorb CO2, the most important global warming gas emi�ed by human ac�vi�es. Sequestra�on ac�vi�es are very important as they help prevent
global climate change by enhancing carbon storage in trees and
soils, preserving exis�ng tree and soil carbon, and by reducing emissions of CO2, Methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O).
KIU Plants Trees to Promote Global Cooling:Dedica�on to Prof. Wangari Maathai
By Erick Odiwuor Okanda
Erick Odiwuor Okanda
Ms Beatrice Adimola planting a tree during the Global cooling event at Kampala International University.
NEMA NEWS December 2011 15
many parts of the world as seen in East African countries. This has not gone well with nature and in return consequences have been bi�er as evident with recent disastrous phenomenon such as landslides in Bududa and Bulambuli areas in the Mt. Elgon region in eastern Uganda; floods and drought in most areas of the region. Trees have always played an important part in people’s lives, from providing shade and maintaining the beauty of the place to fruits and flowers that a�ract fauna! Whenever you are around trees you feel a sense of peace and calm and more importantly, protec�on. It is therefore very important and prudent to con�nue with the habit of plan�ng trees as a factor to ensure global cooling.
Echoed by Ms Beatrice Adimola individual responsibility is equally important in order to achieve global cooling and eradicate climate change. Therefore doing “whatever we can” by plan�ng trees in different places is the only reward we can ever give to nature.
The author is the Chairman, Kampala International University (KIU) Environment Students AssociationP.O Box 20000 Kampala UgandaTel. +256-785-016913; +256-712-534123E-mail:[email protected]
KIU Promotes Global CoolingFrom page 14
Please send your article to the Editor
NEMA NEWSP.O Box 22255
Kampala UgandaTel. +256-414-251064/5/8
Fax. +256-414-257521E.mail:[email protected]
About Rio+20BackgroundThe United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) is being organized in pursuance of General Assembly Resolution 64/236 (A/RES/64/236). The Conference will take place in Brazil on 20-22 June 2012 to mark the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), in Rio de Janeiro, and the 10th anniversary of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg. It is envisaged as a Conference at the highest possible level, including Heads of State and Government or other representatives. The Conference will result in a focused political document.
Objective of the ConferenceThe objective of the Conference is to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development, assess the progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development, and address new and emerging challenges
Themes of the ConferenceThe Conference will focus on two themes: (a) a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication; and (b) the institutional framework for sustainable development.
© United Nations 2011
Worldwide, the prevalence of certain diseases and other threats to human health depend largely on local climate. Extreme temperatures can lead directly to loss of life, while climate-related disturbances in ecological systems, such as changes in the range of infec�ve parasites, can indirectly impact the incidence of serious infec�ous diseases. In addi�on, warm temperatures can increase air and water pollu�on, which in turn harm human health.
Green house emissions have received greatest a�en�on in the recent past. Each year, CO2 emissions from human ac�vity across the world pour just over 6 billion tones of carbon into the atmosphere. Around one third is absorbed by the world’s forests, therefore showing the need to plant more and more trees. There is need to adopt agro forestry in agriculture as this will not only conserve the environment but also improve the welfare of individuals through the sale of trees, fruits and many others. The discovery of this large carbon sink technology encouraged policy makers to believe that CO2 pollu�on could be cut by plan�ng more trees. The vital role the tree has either been misunderstood or ignored in
Students of Kampala International University and Kyambogo University prepare to plant trees.
16 NEMA NEWS December 2011
N E M A N E W SNational Environment Management Authority, NEMA
NEMA House, Plot 17/19/21 Jinja RoadP.O. Box 22255 Kampala Uganda
Tel: +256-414-251064/5/8 Fax: +256-414-257521E-mail:[email protected]://www.nemaug.org
Produced by the Department of District Support Coordination and Public Education, NEMA.
N E M A N E W SEditorial Board
Beatrice AdimolaChairperson
Mugambwa Everest KizitoEditor
Elizabeth MutayanjulwaDesign/Layout/Production
Eva WamalaSecretary
Christine AkelloMargaret Aanyu
Members
Visit the NEMA Library, custodian of informationMonday to Friday: 8.00am - 12.30pm and 2.00 - 4.00pm
World Environment Day, 5 June 2012, will be commemorated under the theme: Green Economy: Does it include you?
The host for World Environment Day, 5 June 2012, will be the Federative Republic of Brazil. The country also hosted World Environment Day celebrations back in 1992 around the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. At the time, the summit assembled the largest ever number of global leaders to make important decisions over the wellbeing of the earth and on development issues.
The UN Environment Programme defines the Green Economy as one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In its simplest expression, a green economy can be thought of as one which is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive.
Source:http://www.unep.org
ANNOUNCEMENT
