United Nations
Development Programme

Plot 15B Clement Hill Road

P.O Box 7184

Kampala, Uganda

Tel: (256) 414-233440/1/2/5

Fax: (256) 414-344801

Email: registry.ug@undp.org

Community members who witnessed erecting of the Billboard in Lake Opeta Ramsar site

Over the last two years, UNDP Uganda has been supporting the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and a consortium of other two NGOs, namely Nature Uganda and the Uganda Wildlife Society as well as the Wetlands Management Department to promote the wise management of Ramsar sites which are wetlands of international importance that have been designated by the Government of Uganda for their socio-economic benefits as well as their rich biodiversity. The UNDP support is based on the fact that thousands of people depend on the Ramsar sites directly, hence a need to conserve them for their livelihood values for now and future generations.

The main objective of the project is to support the implementation of Uganda’s obligation towards the conservation of the Ramsar wetland ecosystems and ensure their sustainable management. This would enhance livelihoods security of the communities around these ecosystems. The main target groups are local communities, who live in and around the Ramsar sites, and who directly depend on and impact on the wetlands and are directly affected by the degradation of the wetlands. 

As part of the activities for 2008, two Ramsar sites (Lake Bisina and Opeta Ramsar sites) were launched and publicized in well publicized ceremonies attended by district leaders, local communities and representatives from UNDP and the Ministry of Water and Environment. The launch and publicity events took place on the 23rd and 24th of April 2008 at Magoro and Gweri sub-counties in Katawki and Soroti districts respectively,  and on 25th of April at Lake Bisina Ramsar site, Kapir Sub-county in Kumi District.

The launch ceremonies were part of publicity campaigns to popularize the Ramsar sites and the wise use concept, and to mobilize the support of district and local communities to better manage their Ramsar sites through development and implementation of management plans. A third Ramsar site, Lake Nakua was launched following the launch of these two.

During the launch ceremonies, the UNDP Resident Representative was represented by the Small Grants Programme Coordinator who read his speech on the occasions. In his speeches, the RR emphasized the critical importance that UNDP attaches to the critical link between environment, poverty eradication, sustainable livelihoods and governance. He urged the beneficiary communities to make proper and optimum use of their wetland resources which support their livelihoods in many ways.

Activities during these publicity events included the following, among others:

• wetlands awareness materials (posters and brochures with information on Ramsar sites) were distributed,
• recording of a video documentary of the physical, biological and socio-economic features  within the Ramsar sites,
• sign posts and billboards were erected,
• Dance, Music and drama exhibitions depicting value of Ramsar sites.