Align wetland ecosystem conservation efforts

In line with the recent celebration of International World Wetlands Day 2025, which was observed globally under the theme "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future," it is crucial for Uganda to reflect on both regional and national efforts, as well as the gaps and challenges in the conservation of these sensitive and vital ecosystems.

Wetlands were historically viewed as "wastelands," but their ecological importance is now widely recognised. This change led to the Ramsar Convention in 1971, which promoted the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. 

Uganda joined the treaty in 1988 when wetlands covered 11 percent of its territory; this increased to 15.5 percent by 1995 after a national policy was enacted. Today, over 40 wetlands in Uganda are International Key Biodiversity Areas, with 12 designated as Ramsar sites.

The current status of wetland coverage in Uganda is alarming. The National Status Report 2020 indicates a rapid loss of wetlands across all regions, with severe degradation over the past 25 years. The eastern region has seen a 46 percent loss, while the northern, central, and western regions have experienced 21 percent, 29 percent, and 28 percent degradations, respectively.

This decline is driven by population growth, urban development, and inadequate enforcement of wetland policies.

The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) has made commendable efforts by suspending the consideration and issuance of project approvals in critical wetland ecosystems. However, consistency and fairness in enforcement are essential to truly support long-term wetland restoration and conservation efforts.

Nema also needs to monitor adherence to EIAs, especially for Eacop oil developments operating within the vicinity of sensitive wetland ecosystems. 

The construction of the 1,443-kilometre Hoima-Tanga Eacop pipeline currently requires a 30-metre right-of-way. This construction process, which includes activities such as trench digging, backfilling, and other related tasks, may disrupt the hydrological cycle and water flow within the wetlands. 

In turn, this will pose a significant threat to these wetlands and their surrounding ecosystems and biodiversity. The wetlands are interconnected with essential water sources, including Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, and the Victoria Nile.

It is important to note that the water catchment areas directly affected by oil development consist of Wambabya, Kafu, Nabakazi, Katonga, and Kibale-Bukora, which consist of extensive swamps across 10 districts. 

While horizontal directional drilling is employed for river crossings, the potential negative effects on the wetlands and the risks associated with insulation failure are downplayed.

Such failures could have serious consequences for biodiversity conservation. Uganda's wetlands are home to a variety of aquatic species, hippos, and numerous bird species that are crucial for tourism.

Therefore, with the drastic decrease in wetland coverage from 15.5 percent to 8.9 percent, there is a need for more urgent regional-based actions and urgently needed for decisive actions to protect these essential ecosystems. The focus is on ensuring that their benefits are preserved for both current and future generations, acknowledging their importance for climate mitigation. 

Proactive decisions must be fast-tracked ahead of a deadly projection of further degradation and reduction of wetland acreages to 6 percent by 2040, which will present deadly climate change disasters at tipping point levels beyond management.

To secure the future of vulnerable communities against the severe impacts of wetland degradation and climate change by 2040, Uganda must develop stringent, regional-based action plans and ambitious targets for wetland restoration. It is crucial to proactively enforce existing policies with comprehensive conservation and restoration efforts.

Balancing economic development with environmental sustainability is essential. I urge NGOs, the private sector, public institutions, local communities, and joint venture partners to adopt a balanced approach that integrates ecological preservation with sustainable development. 

This should include implementing sustainable agricultural practices to minimise wetland destruction, enforcing regulations against illegal land conversion and encroachment, and raising community awareness about the importance of wetland conservation. 

Most importantly, there should be investment in restoration projects and the establishment of protected areas to ensure the long-term health of these ecosystems.

Elizabeth Kulume, Environment Governance Institute. [email protected]