Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has welcomed a collaborative effort with the European Union (EU) aimed at conserving forests within the environmental sector.
Providing crucial input to the EU’s regulatory framework, President Museveni emphasized the need for clear distinctions between natural forests, protected areas, and private land holdings to ensure the protection of ecosystems without hindering development. Additionally, he advocated for the expansion of regulations to include wetlands, recognizing their ecological significance.
Acknowledging President Museveni’s contributions, EU Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Virginijus Sinkevičius, expressed satisfaction with the partnership’s progress during his visit to Uganda. Wrapping up his African tour, Commissioner Sinkevičius announced the launch of €40 million projects under the Forest Partnership. This significant investment underscores the EU’s commitment to supporting environmental conservation efforts in Uganda.
In addition to forest conservation, Commissioner Sinkevičius highlighted the EU’s ongoing support for Uganda’s vital coffee sector. This reaffirms the EU’s dedication to fostering sustainable development and biodiversity conservation in the region.
President Museveni expressed gratitude for the EU’s support and emphasized his commitment to working together towards enhancing biodiversity conservation, effective management of natural resources, and ensuring fair benefit-sharing. The launch of the Forest Partnership marks a milestone in EU-Uganda cooperation, promising comprehensive initiatives to safeguard forests and promote sustainable development.
