NatureUganda Recognized for Outstanding Environmental Conservation Efforts

The World Wetlands Day 2025 celebrations were held on February 2nd at Katerera Grounds in Rubirizi District, under the theme, “Conserving Wetlands Today for a Secure Tomorrow.” The event which was graced by the Vice President of Uganda, H.E. Jessica Alupo, as the Guest of Honor, brought together stakeholders, government representatives, and communities to highlight the critical role wetlands play in ensuring ecological balance and supporting livelihoods. NatureUganda was among the organizations honoured for its remarkable contributions to environmental conservation in Rubirizi District.

NU staff posing with Ag. Commissioner Wetlands Management Department, Ms. Lucy Iyango

Through the People Partner with Nature (PPN) project, NatureUganda has been instrumental in promoting sustainable livelihoods and conservation practices among communities adjacent to the Kasyoha-Kitomi Central Forest Reserve. Recognizing the need to balance environmental conservation with community well-being, innovative alternative livelihood enterprises have been introduced including Wine-making (training locals in producing high-quality wine from bananas), Apiary (supporting beekeeping initiatives) and Climate-Smart Agriculture (equipping farmers with sustainable farming practices to improve yields while conserving soil and water resources) among others. These initiatives not only enhance community livelihoods but also reduce dependence on forest resources, contributing significantly to the conservation of Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest Reserve.

The communities supported by NatureUganda showcased their products during the event, including banana wine, honey, and fresh bananas. These exhibits demonstrated the success of sustainable practices promoted in the community.

One of the highlights of the day was the impressive banana yield from the best agronomic practices. A single banana bunch weighing approximately 60 kilograms captured the admiration of attendees, including Uganda’s Vice President, H.E Ms. Jessica Alupo. The Vice President expressed her appreciation for the remarkable results and even purchased the massive banana bunch, symbolizing her support for the initiative.

NatureUganda’s dedication to empowering communities and conserving natural resources earned the organization special recognition during the celebrations. The acknowledgment highlighted NatureUganda’s pivotal role in fostering community-driven conservation efforts and underscored the importance of collaboration between stakeholders in achieving sustainable development goals.

As wetlands continue to face threats from encroachment, pollution, and climate change, NatureUganda remains committed to its mission of promoting the wise use of natural resources. The organization’s efforts in Rubirizi District serve as a model for integrating conservation with community development.

NatureUganda extends its gratitude to the government, development partners, and local communities for their unwavering support. Together, these partnerships ensure that wetlands are conserved today for a common future.