As World Wetlands Day is observed globally, environmentalists emphasize the significance of community-led approaches to the protection and restoration of wetlands. Experts argue that engaging local communities can be a more effective strategy in overcoming challenges such as population pressure and resource constraints.
Mr. Eron Kiiza, an environmentalist at Environment Shield, highlights that communities and individuals pose significant threats to wetlands but can be transformed into protectors through robust public sensitization. By raising awareness about the vital role wetlands play in sustaining human health, food supply, and livelihoods, communities can become valuable allies in conservation efforts.
The Bushenyi District Environment Officer, Mr. Vincent Kataate, supports the idea of involving communities in wetland protection, noting that it builds sustainability. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of ownership and understanding among local people about the significance of wetlands.
Ms. Ireen Twongiirwe, CEO of Women for Green Economy Movement Uganda, stresses that community empowerment is essential for successful conservation programs. She calls for government prioritization of sensitization engagements to make people aware of the dangers of wetland destruction, turning them into champions and defenders of nature.
In a statement issued on World Wetlands Day, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) mentions ongoing efforts to engage stakeholders in adopting sustainable practices for wetland use. NEMA highlights successful wetland restoration projects, such as the rehabilitation of part of Lubigi Wetland, and emphasizes the continuation of such exercises in degraded wetland ecosystems.
The government has taken decisive measures to scale up actions on wetland conservation, including the cancellation of land titles in wetlands, restoration of degraded wetlands, and the enforcement of regulations along with providing alternative livelihoods to wetland users.
This collective effort aims to address the pressing issue of vanishing wetlands, which cover approximately 6% of the Earth’s surface, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Wetlands are essential for various ecological functions and human well-being, making their protection crucial for a sustainable future.
