We need more forests, Mabira inclusive

Since it may be difficult for MPs to have a consultative meeting with the public before hammering the last nail on the Mabira case, I would like them to consider the following;

As the discussion on Mabira Forest goes on, I would like to implore MPs to read the NRM manifesto 2011/15, particularly the clause on environment. This clause talks about intensive tree planting to protect the environment.

Since it may be difficult for MPs to have a consultative meeting with the public before hammering the last nail on the Mabira case, I would like them to consider the following;

• Nile Plywood transports wood from Nakasongola and Zombo districts to Jinja. SCOUL should also be able to grow sugarcane in other parts of the country and transport it to Lugazi. This way the factory can remain operational and Mabira forest remains untouched.

• The economic value of replacing Mabira forest with sugar cane plantation may be tangible but it will be short lived. Once the water cycle is distorted, crops and livestock production will be affected not only around Mabira Forest but for as far as Mubende and Luweero.

• Environmental disasters such as floods, landslides, drought, hailstorm, water scarcity among other that the country has been going through are aftereffects of uncontrolled deforestation. How then do you destroy the little that is remaining?

• Some people argue that the part of Mabira in question is already degraded, but in a situation where the country is heading to environmental turmoil due deforestation, degraded forests should simply be restored by carrying out enrichment planting rather than transforming them into agricultural lands.

• It is cheaper to import sugar than wood.
• Before we dwell on irrigation as a source of water for agriculture, we should first be sure of the source of water for irrigation after rivers and valley dams have dried up due to deforestation. We will have to increase the budget for disaster preparedness to cater for environmental refugees and internally displaced persons as a result conflict between cultivators and animal keepers will arise as they fight for the scarce water.

The clause in the manifesto on tree planting should be analysed critically because there is no way natural forests can be protected and deforestation controlled without establishment of plantation forests to supply the much needed wood products. Increasing electricity generation alone is not enough without considering distribution and to do that, transmission poles are needed. If power coverage is to reach 85per cent, how many poles will be required and what will be the source of those poles?

It is said that vocational training should b emphasised to reduce on the number of unemployed youth. Surprisingly, about 90per cent of the training is in wood utilisation and consumption. Where will the wood come from?
Mabira should not be given away, instead, more plantation forests should be planted.
Gastone Niyonzima,
gastonenfa@yahoo.com