Three national parks are certified by Uganda Wildlife Authority which manages and protects all wildlife in and out of the protected areas. In a single year, one of the largest increase on FSC forest management include the three parks that is Kibale national park, Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mountain Rwenzori national park in eastern Africa with a combined area of 211,100 ha.
The National Forest Stewardship Standard of the Republic of Uganda was launched by SFC IN 2018 for certification process.
How did UWA prepare the certification process with SFC?
“In collaboration with FSC Eastern Africa, we began a pilot project that enabled us to test the 10 FSC principles in three national parks. We appreciate the financial support provided by the WWF Uganda Country Office for this project.” Conservation Planning Manager and in charge of FSC and Climate Change portfolios at UWA kapere Richard said.
In 2022, UWA conduct evaluations by hiring Soil Association Ltd an audit company with FSC accreditation.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) deserves praise for guiding the processes that culminated in the certification of three of its renowned national parks in 2022.” Senior Advisor, FSC International Dr. Harrison Kojwang said.
The coordinator of FSC Eastern Africa Annah Agasha is congratulated for working closely with UWA to achieve such a big milestone for Eastern Africa. It is an accomplishment of tremendous proportions. She is hoping that other Eastern Africa governments will follow, expanding the area of the continent that is FM-certified and growing the prospects for applying the FSC’s ecosystem services procedure.
What are the benefits of the FSC certificates?
- UWA hopes to improve tourism.
- Improving on forest management thus plans to use the occasion for green tourism promotion encourage visitors to travel to Uganda’s FSC-certified protected areas. UWA and FSC will implement the ecosystem services procedure through a project designed to provide incentives for the preservation of important ecosystem services in sustainably managed forests.
- Branding development for example Explore Uganda the pearl of Africa.
- The public trust. “FSC certification offers an innovative and people-centered process that is trusted around the world as an effective approach for sustainable forest management. As adoption of the FSC increases in the region, we are committed to collaborating with stakeholders and partners to support their plans for growth and development that sustains environmental, economic, and social benefits. ”
Dr. Peter Alele, Regional Director, FSC Africa said that nature is critical for their survival, and its sustainable use is vital for humans
Sam Mwandha, Executive Director of UWA said that his excited to receive certification from the Forest Stewardship Council for three of its national parks.
However the certificate given to UWA is to resolve and be committed to conserve Uganda’s national heritage in a responsible manner, while ensuring that ecosystems, wildlife, and communities live in harmony, they pledge to work even harder and bring all forested protected areas in our care under the same certification as we work for the economic, social, and biodiversity viability of our protected areas.”
