In a significant stride towards combatting the ongoing loss of biodiversity, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) convened a pivotal engagement with various stakeholders. The focus of this collaboration was to meticulously review and align the Second National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan (NBSAPII) with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This strategic alignment, backed by funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) via the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), underscores Uganda’s commitment to curbing biodiversity loss and fostering global environmental harmony.

Uganda’s Biodiversity in Focus

Over the past few decades, Uganda’s ecosystems have faced a dire predicament. The lush forest cover, once accounting for 24% in 1990, has dwindled drastically to a mere 9.5% in 2015. Likewise, the wetland cover has witnessed a decline from 15.6% in 1994 to a concerning 8.9% by 2019. This alarming trend prompted NEMA’s Executive Director, Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, to emphasize the timeliness of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The framework, tailored to foster swift and transformative action, aligns seamlessly with NEMA’s endeavor to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

The alignment process consists of four pivotal components:

Rapid NBSAP Review: The Second National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan will be meticulously reviewed to ensure seamless alignment with the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

Enhancing Monitoring Systems: An assessment of monitoring systems will be conducted to refine the strategies for tracking biodiversity trends and evaluating conservation efforts.

Institutional and Policy Reassessment: A comprehensive review of policies and institutions will be undertaken to ensure harmonious congruence with the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Catalyzing Biodiversity Finance Activities: Innovative financial mechanisms will be explored to bolster biodiversity conservation initiatives across Uganda.

Underpinning the success of this initiative is the call for collaborative partnerships. Prof. James Okot-Okumu, Chairperson of the NEMA Board, stressed the necessity of partnerships to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework effectively. He urged diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, research institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to rally together. He noted that Uganda played a pivotal role in shaping the framework and emphasized the importance of translating global strategies into on-ground implementation.

The Way Forward

As the engagement concluded, stakeholders reached a consensus on their shared commitment to achieve the 23 ambitious targets outlined in the Global Biodiversity Framework. This unified dedication marks a pivotal turning point for Uganda’s biodiversity conservation efforts, as the nation works hand in hand with global allies to secure a flourishing and sustainable environment for generations to come.

Useful links below

https://www.cbd.int/gbf/

https://www.cbd.int/gbf/goals/

https://www.cbd.int/gbf/vision/

https://www.cbd.int/gbf/targets/

https://nema.go.ug/sites/all/themes/nema/docs/NBSAP%20Uganda%202015%20-%20Re-designed.pdf