World Bank funds new re-afforestation project

The Government has unveiled  a six year re afforestation project  aimed at increasing Uganda’s forest cover by re planting trees across the country.

The World bank funded project dubbed Investing in Forests and protected areas for climate smart development -IFPA-CD will cost  one hundred and seventy eight million dollars.

The six year  swift operation against forest encroachment will be implemented by  the National Forestry Authority.

The funds will also enable the government dig trenches to prevent wild animals in protected areas from crossing to the communities

The country wide project will also  focus on refugee hosting districts where there has been rapid destruction and encroachment on protected areas.

Speaking at the handover ceremony of field  equipment to the National forestry authority, Minister of state for Environment Beatrice Atim Anywar said  these  will be used in monitoring all National forests and protected areas.

 NFA and other government agencies will also be able to respond rapidly should they detect any form of encroachment on protected areas.

Through the project, National forestry Authority will roll out a campaign to replant forests and evict people who are illegally occupying government forest reserves around the country to pave way for replanting and allowing forests to regenerate naturally.

This will  save the country from future negative impacts of climate change.

The fund is a grant from the World Bank with the government of Uganda required to fund 30% of the total cost.

According to minister  Anywar the money will also empower communities living in protected areas to engage in productive activities in a bid to discourage forest encroachment.