Local governments in Rwenzori Region have been asked to advocate for conserving and restoration of natural resources in order to deal with the effects of climatic change.
Environmentalists want the local community and leaders to reflect on what they can do to stop the destructions that have led to the extinction of natural resources.
They argue that the heavy destructions of natural resources account for the recent change of seasons that has had a direct dire effect on farmers and households.
The Chairperson WWF-Uganda Advisory Board Ambassador Philip Idro, says there is an overexploitation and destruction of the natural resources which paints a worrying trend that threatens the existence of humanity.
He adds that the natural loss and wildlife decline of about 6% has been recorded in the last 40 years chiefly due to human activities.
Idro argues that in order to secure the future of humans, urgent and local-based decisions must be taken to arrest the environmental destruction.
Idro blames the destruction of nature to leadership gaps where there has not been deliberate development and implementation of policies to guide human development. He argues that climate change could be the biggest setback for the tourism sector if not addressed and this will have a significant effect on Uganda’s economy.
The Commissioner for Scouts in Uganda, Richard Okello, says leaders must champion environmental protection.
He adds that it’s evident plastic and “Kavera” are a major environment challenge considering the pollution that comes with them but there has been foot-dragging on the formulation of laws to govern its use.
Okello, says the change of seasons especially in this region should be a wakeup call to everyone in the country to take action towards rejuvenating the environment.
Charles Nyamutale working with Mubuka Integrated Farmers Association-MIFA, says that once leaders are determined and seen to act, it is much easy for the local communities to even accept messages from development partners.
Evelyne Mugume, the Kasese municipality Environment Officer, acknowledges that leaders must be at the forefront of mobiliisng the local community to restore nature.
She says the municipality intends to rejuvenate some of the destroyed wetlands for purposes of promoting eco-tourism.
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