Deforestation in Uganda has been extensive. Former Ugandan environment minister Kahinda Otafiire says: “After independence, we had 40%-50% of the Ugandan land surface under tree cover. Now, approximately 22% is under trees. The effects of this deforestation are glaring. Rivers and brooks are dried up, former grazing lands have been degraded, and the tree roots we used to use for fuel have gone, so it is important that we double our efforts in reforestation to avoid disaster.”
In order to start reversing the trend, the Ugandan government invited NFC to take on the lease of the 9000 hectare Namwasa site. The site was deforested some years ago and the soil seriously degraded by the farming of cash crops such as cassava. Partly funded by money made available through the CDM, work has commenced. Project manager Lee Cunningham explains NFC’s plans for the site: “We intend to plant 6500 hectares with a mixture of pine, which will grow for 18 years, and eucalyptus, which will grow for 12. We will leave the hilltops as natural areas and, within the riverine areas we’ll do enhanced planting, returning some of the natural species to the area to help preserve some of the natural flora and fauna.”
