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

Background

Uganda’s wetlands (13% of land surface) are important ecosystems with high biodiversity values and ecological and economic benefits - through the various products and services for sustainable livelihoods of the communities that live near them. Economic valuations of some wetland areas reveal that their overall contribution to the national economy can be estimated as being hundreds of millions of US dollars per year.

Uganda ratified the Ramsar Convention in 1988. This is an intergovernmental treaty that provides a framework for international cooperation for the conservation of wetland habitats. Uganda has been implementing the wise use of wetlands concept, which is central to the Ramsar Convention and which emphasizes the use of wetlands resources without causing adverse changes in their ecological processes and values. Just recently, in 2006, 9 new sites were designated as Ramsar sites, making a total of 11 in Uganda. The nine are: Lakes Opeta, Bisina and, Nakuwa; Murchison Falls-Albert Delta, Mabamba, Lutembe Bay, Sango Bay – Musambwa islands – Kagera Wetlands System, Lake Mburo – Nakivali wetlands system and Nabajjuzi wetland.

As a signatory to the convention, Uganda needs to publicize and explain the wise use concept and promote awareness of the Ramsar sites and the values of wetlands conservation for these sites. This is in line with the goal of the Wetlands Sector Strategic Plan (WSSP) – that of ‘contribution of Uganda’s wetlands to human welfare and the health of the environment increased’.

Development objectives

The objective of this project is to promote the understanding and appreciation of the importance of Wetlands Ramsar Sites towards Uganda’s development. This will enable addressing issues like threats to wetland survival including high human population pressure and the ensuing increase in demand for wetland resources; poorly defined/understood tenure of wetland resources; inadequate capacity within the communities to wisely use wetland resources; and low economic value accorded to wetland resources and products.

Key activities & expected results

The project aims at promoting community based actions to conserve wetland biodiversity. This will be achieved through launching of the sites regionally, and the development and publication of the Uganda Ramsar sites book.

Implementation phase

Project implementation is ongoing, with participation of the Wetlands Inspection Division, a consortium of NGOs that include Nature Uganda, Uganda Wildlife Society and IUCN as the principal implementing partner and Local government leaders, local communities and school children.

A National stakeholder’s workshop to review status of implementation of Ramsar sites in preparation of COP 10 in Korea was done.

Bill boards and posters to publicize the 3 Ramsar sites namely Murchison falls, Nakuwa and Nabajjuzi wetlands were done. 3 posters were translated and printed in English and Luo, Luganda and Lusoga. 6 Bill boards were erected at the Bisina and Opeta wetlands (i.e. 2 per district in Kumi, Soroti and Katakwi). In addition, a documentary about Uganda’s Ramsar sites was developed and disseminated at 2 publicity events.  One of the publicity events was held at Kapir, Lake Bisina Ramsar site on 25th April for the regional level - 3 districts of Kumi, Soroti and Katakwi. The other publicity event involved sub-counties adjacent to the wetlands held at the Sub-counties of Magoro in Katakwi and Gweri in Soroti on the 23rd and 24th April respectively.

UNDP TRAC Resources: USD 75,000

National Executing Agency:

Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development - Aid Liaison Department

National Implementing Partner:

The World Conservation Union - Mr. Alex Muhweezi

justin.ecaat@undp.org