Mining in Protected Areas Wisdom Or

April 2008

December 2008 28th Edition

Mining in Protected Areas Wisdom or ...... ? Growing tension between conservation and economic objectives remain a challenge to many countries! Development benefits flowing from protected areas and the need to reflect them in the plans and budgets of forestry, agriculture, energy, tourism, mining, fisheries and other economic sectors need environmental focus.

Fundamentally, governments give overriding emphasis to economic growth as a goal in itself, and the critical dimensions of development relating to quality of life of the citizens tend to be sidelined. Some important attributes of protected areas which bring contentment, happiness, education, enjoyment and health to communities and wildlife fall outside an economic growth perspective.

Source: NAPE File Photo File NAPE Source:

Copper Oxide from the abandoned Kilembe copper mines in Kasese flowing intoRiver Nyamwamba and Lake George. Editorial

Mining in protected areas is prohibited by Law in Uganda (Uganda Wildlife Act, 2000). Despite this, government has initiated limestone mining in Dura- Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) and fossil oil News 4 exploration in the Albertine Rift.

Dura, where the proposed limestone mining will be Civil Society Oppose Tullow’s taking place an animal corridor between Kibaale and Construction of Hazardous Waste Queen Elizabeth National Parks. It also lies within a Storage...... 4 Ramsar site rich in biodiversity.

Also, there are several sites earmarked for commercial Key Findings in a Study on oil drilling along the Albertine Graben that are situated Limestone Mining at Dura...... 5 within Wildlife conservation areas and national parks. In both cases (limestone & oil), the Environmental Press Clippings 7 Impact Assessments (EIAs) was hastily and inadequately done and do not comprehensively address the negative Government Sued Over Mining in impacts that would result from such mining activities Queen Elizabeth...... 8 in protected areas. There is no comprehensive Sectoral Strategic Environmental Assessment (SSEA) that should have formed basis for planning of commercial activities Insight 9 in such protected areas. To Build or Not To Build an Oil It is a well known fact that mining in National Parks Refinery in Uganda ...... 9 and other protected areas will have significant impact on wildlife and tourism, which is a major foreign exchange earner in the country. Mining in these areas will have Special Report 12 significant threat on watercourses in the area, especially Civil Society Groups Urge DRC, River Nile, River Semuliki and Lakes Albert, George and Edward that have transboundary significance. Uganda to Resolve Border Spat..12

The biggest challenge, therefore, remains balancing benefits of mining with ecosystem (wildlife) Commentary 14 conservation/protection, tourism, fisheries, freshwater Development is Failing the supply, social, economic and the peoples’ livelihoods in the country. National Park Concept...... 14

There is an “Approval Syndrome” that is politically Features 18 motivated at the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) where projects are approved without Mining at Dura in Queen Elizabeth thorough assessments and consultations to ascertain the National Park, the Worst Project ... feasibility, benefits, risks and need for the projects...... 18 There are key policy and legal issues concerning mining in protected areas, which if not satisfactorily addressed, Experience from Other Places 20 will render the proposed activities a violation of national law on protected areas. The Role of Communities in the Management of Protected Areas

In this regard, civil society is already in Court ...... 20 challenging Lafarge-Hima’s mining activities in QENP. The Court is yet to make the ruling. We are waiting for the court rulling. Events 22

The question is, is mining in protected areas wisdom, War of water between Tanzania madness, corruption or mere greed? and Uganda ...... 23 In this issue, NAPE discusses the pros and cons of mining in protected areas in Uganda.

EDITORIAL BOARD Frank Muramuzi Chairman A Publication of the National Association Obbo Betty Secretary of Professional Environmentalists (NAPE) Geoffrey Kamese Member P. O. Box 29909 Kampala, Uganda Mushabe Franklin Member Phone: +256 - 414 - 534453 Oweyegha-Afunaduula Member Fax: + 256 - 414 - 530181 E-mail: [email protected] Tabaro Dennis Member http://www.nape.or.ug News...

Civil Society Oppose Tullow’s Construction of Hazardous Waste Storage Facilities in Protected Areas

Tullow Oil is seeking permision from government to construct hazardous waste storage facilities at Kaiso-Tonya and Butiaba-Wanseko in Western Uganda within protected areas. Government is committed to issuing licenses for this purpose. Civil Society in Uganda is opposed to the action, because it is against the law on protected areas and has significant social, economic and environmental impacts . Below are contents of a letter Civil Society sent to National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

Reference is made to a Public Notice ii. The natures of the wastes that will ronment and this calls for an EIA to placed in the New Vision newspa- be generated from drilling activities be conducted. per of Tuesday, October 28, 2008 by include flammable (liquids & solids), NEMA regarding NEMA’s intention oxidizing, toxic/poisonous, infec- v. The capacity of the institution (Tul- to issue license to Tullow Uganda tious, eco-toxic and persistent mate- low) seeking a license for establish- Operations (PTY) to establish haz- rials that obviously have significant ment of hazardous waste storage ardous waste storage facilities at:- social (health & safety), economic facility needs to be first assessed to 1. Exploration area 2 Kaiso-Tonya, in and environmental negative effects/ determine whether they are capable Kaiso village, Tonya parish, Buseruka impacts. or not to handle hazardous wastes. Sub-county, Hoima district, and 2. Butiaba-Wanseko Exploration iii. The EIAS for the Early Oil Produc- vi. Uganda is signatory to various in- area, in Butiaba village, Butiaba Par- tion Scheme (EPS) suggests differ- ternational Conventions, protocols ish, Biiso Sub-county, Buliisa district. ent types of waste handling facilities and treaties, which require sound and the use of South African Stan- management of hazardous wastes Civil society organizations contest dards in the management of hazard- and chemicals. If a license is issued this plan of issuing licenses to Tul- ous chemicals (EPS-EIA, B1.5 page without establishing the likely im- low Uganda Operations (PTY) to 11), but does not explicitly state the pacts and putting in place proper establish hazardous waste storage technological, design and site speci- mitigation measures, it would be a facilities at Kaiso-Tonya and Butiaba- fications and/or approaches that contravention of these conventions, Wanseko. will be applied in the management protocols and treaties such as:- of the hazardous wastes generated This notice serves to express our ob- from the drilling activities. • Basel Convention that deals with jection to the issuance of a license to the movement of hazardous wastes Tullow Uganda Operations (PTY) to iv. According to NEMA no site-spe- and their elimination. establish hazardous waste storage cific EIAS for the hazardous waste • The Bamako Convention that pro- facilities in the above mentioned storage facilities was carried out. tects human health and environ- sites, because of the following rea- The assumption was that the EPS- ment from dangers caused by haz- sons:- EIAS would suffice. However, Sec- ardous wastes. i. These sites are within wildlife pro- tion 15 of the Waste Management • The Vienna Convention provides tected areas that are highly ecologi- Regulations and 19(5) of the NEMA for the protection of the ozone layer cally sensitive and have significant Act Cap 153 require that an EIA be through control of ozone depleting social, economic and environmental done. Such hazardous waste storage substance, which are usually gener- ramifications. facilities will obviously have signifi- ated from oil drilling activities cant negative impacts on the envi- • The Stockholm Convention on Per-

4 NAPE LOBBY sistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), halted until the following are ad- Standards as proposed in the EPS- which are generated from oil drilling dressed:- EIA (Section B1.5, page 11). activities; among others. i. An Environmental Impact As- iii. Oil exploitation should be de- sessment of the storage facilities is layed, until proper hazardous waste RECOMMENDATIONS conducted and subjected to public management systems are put in Issuance of license by NEMA to Tul- scrutiny as required by law. place to handle the hazardous low Uganda Operations (PTY) for the ii. The existing Ugandan legislation wastes that will be produced. establishment of hazardous waste needs to be improved and effec- storage facilities at Kaiso-Tonya and tive standards be put in place for Butiaba-Wanseko in Hoima and Bu- management of hazardous wastes, liisa districts respectively; should be instead of relying on South African

Key Findings in a Study on Limestone Mining at Dura in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Government of Uganda has other natural resources by humans Uganda is a signatory, requires initiated limestone mining in Dura in the early years of the century Contracting Parties to “arrange to area in Queen Elizabeth National and, disease epidemics that be informed at the earliest possible Park (QENP). This act of mining necessitated evacuation of human time if the ecological character in protected areas is prohibited population. Biodiversity protection of any wetland in its territory and by law. a. This retrogressive act, in this area dates back to 1925 and included in the list has changed, prompted NAPE to conduct an 1930 when Lake George Wildlife is changing or is likely to change assessment of policy legal and Reserve (689km2) and Lake Edward as the result of technological institutional framework with a view Wildlife Reserves (559 km2) were developments, pollution or other of establishing the gaps. established respectively. In 1952, human interference”. Kazinga national park was created The assessment found out the incorporating both Lakes George Uganda notified the Ramsar following shortcomings; and Edward Wildlife Reserves. The Convention to list the Lake Gorge Park name changed in 1954 to Ramsar Site among the list of Ramsar i) Mining activity and biodiversity Queen Elizabeth National Park. Sites in danger (Montreaux Record) conservation in the late 1980’s due to the spillage ii) Location of mining site vis-a`-vis of wastes from copper piles along R. According to the QENP-Chambura- the Ramsar site Nyamwamba. Kigezi Wildlife Reserve General Management Plan (2000), the Dura limestone deposite lie within By the time of this assessment, proposed mining activity in Dura Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Government had not falls in a land use designated for within the boundaries of Lake notified the Ramsar Convention Biodiversity conservation. The George Ramsar site. regarding the matter of Lime mining Queen Elizabeth National Park in Dura. owes its existence to abundance At international level, Article 3.2 of of wildlife, low use of land and the Ramsar Convention to which In this regards, mining activity

NAPE LOBBY 5

Source: NAPE File Photo File NAPE Source:

Antelops in Queen Elizabeth National Park. in ‘Dura is a violation of the is prohibited under the Law. v) Violation of EIAs guidelines national policy and commitments Therefore, mining limestone from on wetlands conservation and Dura which constitutes extractive The assessment established that the management as well as Ramsar use of national park resources is not the EIA report was approved without Convention obligations by Uganda. permissible under law. following proper procedures, for This mining activity will have example the EIA was not subjected impacts on the ecology of the ix). Technology for limestone to a public hearing which is a wetland through deposition and extraction / mining requirement before approval. change in hydrological characters The Environmental Impact of the drainage that feeds into the Assessment (EIA) study for Secondly, Uganda Wild Authority wetlands/lake George. limestome mining in Dura describes (UWA) geranted mining permission two technologies to be applied: to HIMA without revising the Besides, this is contrary to the Open cast mining involving management plan and this was management action prescribed in mechanical ripping of top soil and aviolation of UWAs own policies. the QENP-Chambura-Kigezi Wildlife blasting. Dura is traversed by river Reserve General Management rine forests. There is a risk that vii) Transportation of limestone Plan with respect to removal of old the top soils excavated may be rock from dura to HIMA Limestone Kiln and cleaning up the deposited in these fragile locations. locations of surface limestone in The assessment established that the order to stop pollution. The EIA study mentions use of road earlier identified to transport explosives in the blasting of the limestone from Dura to HIMA was iii) Conflict between Wildlife Act lime rock but it does not reveal the not granted user rights as agreed and mining activity chemical content of the explosives in the EIA that transportation of and also whether these explosives limestome would be by rail. According to Article 24 of the Wildlife have detrimental effects on humans Act, extractive use of park resources and the environment.

6 NAPE LOBBY Press Clippings

SPECIAL COMMENT

NAPE LOBBY 7 Government sued over Mining in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Environmentalists Sue Government and its Agencies for Flauting Regulations and Threatening the Sanctity of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Sighted from the Daily Monitor

NAPE and other NGOs have castigated the government, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and Uganda Wildlife Authority for issuing license to Hima Cement Factory, allowing carrying out mining in Dura, part of Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP).

Mining in a national park is prohibited by law in Uganda (Uganda Wildlife Act, 2000). Environmentalists are seeking an injunction against the mining activities of Hima in Dura. The case which is before a Judge at the high Court was heard on 17th November 2008 and a ruling is yet to be made.

If given a go-ahead to extract limestone in this sensitive area, a lot of biodiversity/wildlife will be threatened and this will set Buffalos in Queen Elizabeth National Park a precedent for the continued destruction/degradation of protected areas/national parks against the negative impacts. Also, home to 95 mammal species and whenever a commercially viable consultations with communities/ a remarkable 612 species of birds. mineral in discovered in such people that derive their livelihoods Most notable of the mammals are areas. It will also be a violation of from the National Park were elephants, Cape Buffalo, Uganda the tenets enshrined in the law inadequate and more of Kob, Waterbuck, Warthog, Giant protecting natural resources. “ice- coating” to justify the project i.e. the Forest Hog, Lion, Leopard, Hyena, consultation were not genuine. among others. The birds include The environment impact Crested Crane, Shoebills, Papyrus assessment that formed basis for The mining area lies in a corridor Yellow Warbler, Herons, King Fisher, NEMA’s approval of this mining for wildlife that connects important Egrets, etc. QENP is a major tourist activity did not adequately national parks in Uganda, DRC, attraction in Uganda and contributes address the negative impacts the Rwanda and Tanzania. It also lies in a significant fraction of tourism will result from the project and a Ramsar site in Uganda. revenues in the country. Tourism is did not provide adequate and the second largest foreign exchange effective mitigation measures Queen Elizabeth National Park is a earner for Uganda. 8 NAPE LOBBY Insight

To build or not to build an Oil Refinery in Uganda

By Bazira Henry

Uganda is in advanced stages of degradation, etc. professionals in the world oil exploring and exploiting her fossil industry that building an oil refinery oil reserves in the western Rift Valley. At the centre stage of these in the country is outrageous and Since 2000, many oil exploring developments are the British and too expensive for the country companies, including Tullow Oil, Americans who have since the to afford or venture into (Daily Heritage Oil, Hardman Resources, 1890s desired to maintain their grip, Monitor, Tuesday, October 30, 2007). etc. are involved in the exploration dominance and influence over oil Instead, these professionals are and appraisal of the commercial resources in the whole world. Uganda advising GoU to export its crude oil value of the oil reserves in the being an infant in the oil business is for refining elsewhere, preferably region. very gullible about how contracts of Mombasa, and then import back oil are made; how oil is processed the processed products. While this Several commercially promising and marketed; how oil resources are seems ingenious and sympathetic sites have been drilled along the equitably utilized and shared for the to Uganda, it is a smack of insult shores of Lake Albert (Waraga, Nzizi, benefit of all the country’s citizens on Uganda’s intelligence and Kingfisher, Mputa, Kaiso-Tonya, and the economy in general; and capabilities, especially when Butiaba, Wanseko, Taitai, etc). There how affected communities can be there is a lot of oil experience and are plans to commence off-shore involved in oil resources use and examples Uganda could learn from exploration drilling in the Lake, management, etc. Consequently, on the African continent. Even which is being hampered by the Uganda is very prone to wrong though Uganda may not have the inadequate technology available in advice and guidance from the so professional, technical and financial the country, biodiversity sensitivity called “Oil Masters/Professionals” capacity to handle oil in the short- of the Lake and political conflicts that have a long history in oil term, this does not mean that the that have been rife in the recent past exploration and exploitation. country should proceed to throw between DRC and Uganda over oil away her oil jewels (pearls) into the drilling in the area. Areas close to While it is often said that “experience “mouths of jackals”. Uganda is in the River Nile (Baffalo, Hertebeest, is the best teacher”, it is usually not the position to build its capacity in the Giraffe & croccodile) have also been best way of learning. Uganda must oil sector in the medium and long- earmarked for exploration drilling not first make the mistakes in oil that term anyway. that are located in Murchison Falls the rest of the world has committed, National Park (MFNP). in order for her to know that it was Remember that fossil (crude) oil is wrong in the first place. It is prudent a precursor of many products such These oil discoveries have attracted that Uganda listens to all tenable as kerosene, petrol, diesel, aviation a horde of international and local professional and technical advice fuel, benzene, heavy fuels, solvents, oil prospecting companies of from the oil industry, but must be in lubricants (grease & other oils), which have little or no experience position to make independent and Vaseline, bitumen (tar), cosmetics, in the oil exploitation business, well assessed decisions regarding pharmaceuticals and plastics, which particularly the local ones that have exploitation of her oil resources. This if harnessed properly are a “gold mushroomed in the country in the decision-making process should be mine” for the country’s economy. recent past. These developments are a multi-stakeholder participatory For instance, fuels processed in the coming along with the old politics process that particularly involves country could be less expensive of oil characterized by intrigue, Ugandans. Otherwise, the country is compared to those imported. The corruption, lies, intimidation, lack of likely to fall prey to selfish interests fact that Uganda is landlocked and sincerity and transparency, and advice especially from the oil must import her fuels and lubricants anipulations, coercion, conflicts and men and women in the world out through Kenya and Tanzania exerts wars, squander and embezzlement, there. Uganda should select her undue strain on the economy political interference, allies/advisors in the oil business and the citizens. “When Kenya or impoverishment of the poor, discretely. Tanzania sneezes, Uganda catches widening the gap between the the cold”. rich and poor, economic disorder, Government of Uganda (GoU) is under-development, environmental currently being advised by some Uganda’s development of the

NAPE LOBBY 9 different aspects of the oil industry diesel and the associated jobs, its crude to Mombasa for refining, would be a significant impetus for taxes, revenues that go with the which should not be surprising. the provision of the badly needed refining process to the company/ They argued that Uganda’s crude revenues, jobs, fuels and lubricants, country where the refining is done. oil potential is less than 100,000 infrastructure, etc. to drive the As a result, such crude oil exporting barrels of oil per day (bopd); is to country’s economic growth and countries have suffered the double heavy (waxy) and solidifies at room social transformation. Also, this torment of loss of value of their oil temperatures and therefore it will would spur domestic, commercial and the consequent importation be difficult to obtain a market and industrial savings; promote of petroleum products at very price. Hence, it is not worthwhile the growth of the pharmaceutical, exorbitant prices. Furthermore, for Uganda to construct her own cosmetic and plastics industry in oil has reduced government and refinery in the country. However, all Uganda; the heavy fuels would public interest in other sectors such this is being said when exploration contribute to eradicating the current as agriculture, forestry, fisheries is still going-on (incomplete) and thermal energy crisis; and the tar and metallurgy often considered the real oil potential of the Albertine would enhance the development inferior to oil, thus resulting in an Graben not yet fully established. and expansion of the tarmacked road economy that is highly dependent infrastructure. Currently, Uganda on imported consumer products It is a well known fact that even with imports US$500million worth of oil (food stuffs, timber, metals, etc) and most advanced technology today, products annually. This is a sizeable a large population of malnourished it is still very difficulty to determine amount that could be saved or and poverty-striken people. with certainty the exact oil potentials reduced, if Uganda processed all the of an area. Dry oil wells are still being petroleum products locally from its For example, Nigeria the leading reported today in places thought crude oil. producer of crude oil in Africa and to have oil. Also, surprise “Oil with a population of approximately Gushers” have been reported in Although Uganda’s oil sector cannot 250 million people, has more than America, Venezuela, Mexico, Saudi employ every job seeker in the 75% of its population living below Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Baku-Azerbaijan, country, through the multiplier the US$1.0 per day. The country is etc. in areas originally projected to effect, the oil industry would create riddled with corruption, conflicts have low oil production capacities. an environment for everybody to concerning sharing of oil benefits, Even in Nigeria, Angola, Equatorial economically thrive, as provided for and militias that cause mayhem in Guinea, São Tomé, Prìncìpe, in the Petroleum and Gas Policy. This the Niger Delta. Angola, the second Mauritania, Angola, Cabinda, Congo policy provides that revenues from oil producer, has been characterized Brazzaville, Gabon, Cameroon, Ivory oil are supposed to be spent in the by bloody wars for over 40 years. Coast, Algeria, Libya, and Chad, different sectors of the economy Equatorial Guinea, the third oil Africa’s leading oil producers, were such as schools, (education), producer on the continent and with initially not known to have the oil health (hospitals, drugs & services), the smallest population (0.5million capacities that they exhibit today. In transport (air, water, road & rail) people) compared to many African other words, exploration of oil is not infrastructure, water and sanitation, countries, has most of its people always 100% accurate. power, etc. This, of-course, is on languishing in poverty. Gabon that the assumption that the oil sector has been producing crude oil since Tullow Oil, which holds a larger oil is devoid of corruption, squander, the 1960s and has a relatively small concession than Heritage Oil in the embezzlement, misallocation of population of 1.0million people, Albertine Graben, claims that the resources, political interference, and appears very rich in the capital city oil reserves it has so far discovered that the politicians of today restrain Libreville, has the highest income has a recoverable capacity of 100- themselves from illicitly dipping their per capita of US$6,500, but has 66% 250 million bopd. Heritage Oil hands in the petrodollars generated of its population living in abject also claims to have an even higher thereof. If we fail to achieve this, poverty. Sudan is slowly rising onto capacity at a single well, although then the “Curse of Crude Oil” will the oil stage with records of killings, they have not published any figures. be Uganda’s synonym. massacres and illegal detentions. This, however, is being contested by Now, we await the conduct of some few international oil men with Most oil producing countries in Uganda, Mozambique, Madagascar, the claim that Tullow Oil and heritage Africa have suffered this curse Kenya and Ethiopia as they jump Oil are over-stating their recoverable mainly because they have given onto the oil stage. oil capacities in Albertine Graben away the cortex of crude oil, which in order to influence their market are the other bi-products of refining The so-called oil professionals have values at the London and Toronto other than paraffin, petrol and been advising Uganda to export Stock Exchanges, an incentive that

10 NAPE LOBBY could spur them into manipulating public does not warant it freedom in oil prices (to less than US$50/ recoverable oil figures. Officials in to decimate or change land-use of barrel) on the world market would the Ministry of Energy and Mineral these areas. Any change of landuse make Uganda’s oil very expensive Development (MEMD) oppose this of a protected area should be in and a domestic refinery unviable. view saying that it is highly unlikely accordance with national laws and that Tullow Oil and Heritage Oil consent of Ugandans themselves. However, the apparent could over-state their oil reserves, disagreements between the because if found out to have lied The option preferred by MEMD international oil men/women and about their recoverable capacities, officials of domestic value addition government are a reflection of the such lies would easily lead to their will require substantial amounts of old battles that have raged on in collapse at the different Stock money that Uganda may not have the oil industry and the tangle of Exchanges. MEMD too claims to readily. It is argued that if the oil difficulties involved in determining continuously conduct independent companies that can easily mobilize the best option for Uganda’s oil. reviews and keeps updated reserves such money continue to go against The best way forward would be that calculations. MEMD has on some building a local refinery, then Uganda government:- occasions protested the figures will not be able to exploit her crude • Conducts costs, benefits and quoted by the two companies oil resources. The option preferred opportunity-costs assessments of Tullow Oil and Heritage Oil for being by the international companies of the alternative options of exploiting too conservative and unrealistic, building a pipeline to Mombasa will the oil in Uganda, because whichever probably with the intention to cheat. also require substantial amounts of way, it will involve large capital According to MEMD, the recoverable investment, including pipe heating, investments. oil from the Albertine region is which Ugandans will eventually bear • Comprehensive social and much higher than what is frequently in terms of oil prices or interests on environmental impact assessment quoted by the companies. loans secured by the oil companies. should complement all EIA studies. It is said that the export option is the • Equitable use and benefit-sharing MEMD officials are of the opinion that most preferred option because it is strategies among the different government constructs a refinery “flexible” read: ( provides dividends sectors of the economy and with a capacity of 100,000 to 150,000 on the other bi-products) and that affected communities should be (bopd). While this is a welcome it would allow the companies get part and parcel of the assessments. proposal, the manner in which it is a “global price for the oil”. This is Emulate the Netherlands that has being pursued is highly contestable, outright theft!!!! the best oil resources and revenues because the proposal is leading management system in the world. government into building the • Delay the exploitation of Uganda’s refinery within protected areas. This oil resources until such a time decision is not particularly popular, when the country has developed especially at a time when most of the the necessary capacity (policy, protected areas in the country have If we fail to legal, institutional, standards and been or are in the process of being guidelines) to adequately manage degraded /destroyed to establish oil resources and revenues and commercial/industrial estates achieve this, when it is profitable to do so. and plantations for sugar, Palm oil • Stay the exploitation of oil until and biofuel production. Also, the then the “Curse when it feasible to have a domestic decision is not popular at a time crude oil refinery. Uganda already when the dwindling forest estate, is of Crude Oil” has a potential oil market in Rwanda, renown to aggravating the current the Democratic Republic of Congo climate change crisis the world will be Uganda’s (DRC), Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, to over. The common justification for mention, but a few. government’s desire to encroach synonym. • Negotiate and sign oil contracts on protected areas for purely that offer greater proportion (> 60%) commercial purpose is that gazetted of oil proceeds to government (like land (i.e. Land held by government in Kuwait). Rents on oil resources in custody for the public) is readily should be comparable to the best in available and cheap compared to While it is fact that the commercial the world to avoid the problems that that in the private sector, which value of Uganda’s oil has been have bedevilled Africa, especially in is a misconception. The fact that enhanced by the recent escalations Nigeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, government holds protected lands in oil prices (upto US$150/barrel) on Gabon, Sudan, etc. in custody on behalf of the Ugandan the world market, any sudden drop

NAPE LOBBY 11 Special Report

Civil Society Groups urge DRC, Uganda to resolve border spat in the Oil-Rich Albertine Rift

By: Dickens Kamugisha

Civil society groups and local com- relations were soured in 1996 when cross boarder issues including oil munities along the Albertine Rift the Ugandan army invaded eastern exploration and production; and met on the 5th of September, 2008, Congo in what government termed the failure of the two governments at Imperial Royale Hotel-Kampala as ‘hot pursuit’ of rebel dissidents of to involve local communities and Uganda and called upon the Gov- Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the all other stakeholders in the ongo- ernments of Uganda and the Dem- invasion triggered a full-scale re- ing joint security commissions, oil ocratic Republic of Congo (DRC) gional war drawing the involvement agreements negotiations and other to resolve the border and ensure of countries like Rwanda, Angola, socio-economic initiatives. transparency in any negotiations Burundi and Zimbabwe claiming they undertake by involving local the lives of up to 5 million people. The one day conference attracted communities and all other relevant participants from the central gov- stakeholders for equitable gains Analysts have attributed the border ernments, local governments, Em- from the oil extraction. conflict in the Albertine rift on the bassies, academic institutions, non effects of Congo’s 1996-2003 civil governmental organizations, local In a joint communiqué issued at the war which has rendered vast parts of communities, cultural institutions, end of a high level regional policy fo- Eastern Congo lawless, Eastern Con- donor community and others from rum organized by the Africa Institute go is now a safe haven for numerous Uganda, DRC, Nigeria, Norway and for Energy Governance (AFIEGO) in rebel groups and militias including South Africa. The forum supported Kampala, the Ugandan capital, par- Uganda rebels of LRA and ADF. by the Open Society Initiative for ticipants from Uganda, DRC, Nigeria, East Africa, (OSIEA) provided an South Africa and others appealed to Since last year, the border conflict opportunity for different interest the two governments to move fast has mainly hovered over the strate- groups to consult and share infor- and conclusively address existing gic Island of Rukwazi, located in the mation on oil resource management national governance gaps as well southern tip of lake Albert, whereas and governance. as cross border conflicts that have Uganda claims that colonial borders been triggered by the discovery of indicate that the Island is on its side, Participants also noted the prob- oil in the Albertine Rift. 90% of the inhabitants are Congo- lem of limited information on the lese. In the Semuliki valley, River negotiations and transactions be- “The two governments should be Semuliki has been shifting over the ing undertaken by the two Govern- transparent and provide informa- years due to soil erosion and Congo ments in respect of natural resource tion to their citizens and allow the insists that the River is the natural exploitation in the boarder areas. citizens to participate in all national boundary. Uganda’s resolve to go ahead with decision making processes as way to the early Production Scheme (EPS) seal all avenues of conflict with both by the end of 2009, despite lack of the central Government and local It should be noted that since last serious oil exploration activities on governments; and then between the year, over 10 people from both the Congolese side is also creating two governments on how to extract Uganda and DRC have been killed in a lot of suspicion between the two and equitably utilize the proceeds clashes triggered by border conflicts neighbours. Early this year, Congo from oil,” says Dickens Kamugisha, as a result of increased oil explora- accused Tullow Oil of enlisting the the Executive Director, AFIEGO. tion activities on the Ugandan side support of the Congolese army to Participants noted that both Uganda of the lake Albertine rift. The inse- violate its borders. and DRC are aware that persistent curity is blamed on the absence of hostilities threaten both national strong institutions as well as weak Participants also noted that local and regional democratization as national and regional governance communities and other stakehold- well as stability. Congo and Uganda’s institutions to handle or deal with ers in the oil regions and other parts

12 NAPE LOBBY

The Oil rich area shared between DRC and Uganda

of Uganda did not effectively par- parency and accountability in any ticipate in the drafting of Uganda’s country. The Africa Institute for Energy Gov- Oil and Gas Policy, 2008 and govern- 3. Take advantage of, and adopt and ernance (AFIEGO) is a local civil soci- ment has declined to reveal infor- implement the existing international ety organization registered (Reg No. mation contained in the Production resource governance initiatives such S. 5914/ 5315) with the NGO Board, Sharing Agreements (PSAs) signed as the Extractive Industries Transpar- Ministry of Internal Affairs-Uganda. It with oil companies citing confiden- ency Initiative (EITI) for the benefit of is a public policy research and policy tiality clauses. This is a big obstacle her young oil industry. EITI provides advocacy organization whose main to good governance and national for revenue information openness goal is to promote good energy gov- democratization of natural resource that allow the public to access the ernance in Eastern and Southern Af- exploitation for sustainable devel- necessary information with which it rica. opment. The communities are con- arms itself to hold governments and cerned that without access to infor- oil companies accountable for each For more information go to: http:// mation, and active participation, oil decision taken on its behalf in the www.afiego-ug.org companies may come up with unfair utilization and management of rev- profit margins at the expense of the enues generated from the exploita- The Open Society Initiative for East nationals, as has happened in other tion of extractive resources. Africa (OSIEA) supports and pro- oil producing African countries. They 4. Ensure that public policy deci- motes public participation in demo- want the Government to openly dis- sions on oil governance are just, cratic governance, the rule of law, cuss with them the procedure for equitable, and do not impact dis- and respect for human rights in East compensation, plans for community proportionately and negatively on Africa by awarding grants, develop- development and environmental different sections of the public or ing programs, and bringing togeth- conservation strategies. on its neighbors. This requires the er diverse civil society leaders and government to involve the public groups. OSIEA plays an active role The groups are appealing to the and all her neighbors in all the oil in encouraging open, informed dia- government of Uganda to do the processes in the country, including logue about issues of public impor- following before commencing the those in the boarder. tance in East Africa. extraction process: 5. Avail necessary information in- 1. Publish the Production Sharing cluding the PSAs, licenses, conces- For more information go to: http:// Agreements, including the total cost sions and others to the public to www.soros.org/initiatives/osiea of the Early Production Scheme and encourage effective public partici- the Environmental Impact Assess- pation and facilitate non government information on the Albertine mental organizations and other in- Rift oil. terest groups to participate in all the 2. First strengthen her legal, policy initiatives for effective oil resource and institutional framework before management for transparency and commencing the oil extraction, as accountability to achieve social and these are the most fundamental economic development factors for ensuring revenue trans- ______

NAPE LOBBY 13 Commentary...

Development is failing the National Park Concept

By: F. C. Oweyegha-Afunaduula

In a previous article in the 26th subordinates environment to sustainability, which is a politics Edition of NAPE LOBBY of April development. I wrote that this of understanding, wisdom and 2008 under the title “Environmental essentially technomechanistic and survival in a clean, safe and healthy Politics for Sustainability, I defined techno-econoministic development environment…” environmental politics as “the specializes more in inducing poverty way politics is used to determine than transforming the lives of the It is against this background that human-environment interactions, straggling poor for the better; and I set out to write this article. I did including the use of resources and that it can best be characterised as not choose the title of this article the balancing, or not balancing, “politico-corporate crime” against out of the blue. I wanted to start of the various dimensions (social, humanity. I advocated for curricula from where “Environmental Politics ethical, moral, ecological, political, and politics of integration towards for Sustainability” ended. However, psychological, intellectual, more meaningful peace, security, I had a myriad of possible titles to economic, etc) of human welfare and cooperation, justice and prosperity choose from including: “How politics activities within the environment”. that are not militarized. It was is failing the environment”; “How my view that unity of knowledge politics is failing development”; I went on to name three main types (consilience) and integration of “How environment is failing of environmental politics, namely: purpose and actions in environment politics”; “How environment is failing and development would ensure development”; “How development (i) That which takes environment sustainable progress. is failing environment”; and “How and development as parts of the Development is failing the national same spectrum of progress; Lended my article with a truism that park concept”. I chose the latter. (ii) That which insists that “…when our development choice development should always come is based on conquering Nature or I was guided by the current politico- before development; and the environment, we so often end corporate choice of large or near (iii) That which insists that up conquering ourselves. Through large infrastructure development environment always come before our globalized philosophy, practice in hitherto protected areas or areas development. and policies of development we rich in bio-cultural diversity and are evermore dynamically initiating critical to our future ecological and I averred that (i) and (iii) droughts, floods, desertification, environmental security and survival. constitute what can be referred earthquakes and climate change Examples include Bujagali falls in to as “environmental politics for thereby undermining the capacity of the landscape of Busoga with rich sustainability”. our environment to sustain human life biocultural diversity now under and activities. It is an environmental siege; the oil rich Albertine area My thesis was that the forces politics of unconscious actors in rich in fish and wildlife waiting for a of globalization, privatization, environmental change…. catastrophe and chaos in the name modernization and commodification of oil mining; the 18MW Mpanga of life have conspired with corrupt The way forward, therefore, is to Gorge Hydropower project in an and bankrupt political forces rethink our current environmental area where a cycad plant species, in countries such as Uganda to politics, which is a politics of Encephalartos whitelocki, is endemic, postpone environmental politics environmental destruction, and occurs in a density said to be the for sustainability in favour of a begin to practically embrace largest in the whole world and has politics of the environment that the environmental politics of survived for well over 300 years.

14 NAPE LOBBY NAPE LOBBY 15 to grab cultural, ancestral, forest, the 13 sq km (5 sq mi) site of the I perceived that development in wetland and even parts of national pivotal battle in the American Civil Uganda was nothing but rape and park lands for self-aggrandisement. War (1861-1865). defilement of the Pearl of Africa, thanks to the environmentally The cry phrase is “investment and National preserves, sometimes called unconscious decision-makers who development”, which manifests nature or wildlife reserves, often see development as nothing but more and more as “total government are located within or near national conquering Nature. All the decided commitment to building a culture parks. These lands are managed projects are exercises in politico- of money, materialism and by national governments primarily corporate crime from beginning epicureanism. Investment in people, for wildlife protection, or scientific to end with little human content. Nature or environment has become research instead of recreation, and Emphasis is on profit, political symbolic, secondary or sporadic, provide “living laboratories” in which power, control over resources and or diminished with the passage of scientists observe plant and animal the actions and minds of people time as investment in militarism species in their natural habitat. rather than human development. has supersonically increased. The Hunting, fishing, and mining are poor are being pushed more and permitted within many United This is, therefore, a case of more to the margins of Nature while States preserves. development being deployed as a a philosophy of “environment is tool of the politics of exploitation inferior to development” is being Historical Aspects and control of human actions and institutionalized and universalized President Ulysses S. Grant and the minds rather than of human progress by none other than the Presidency United States Congress designate and sustainability. In other words, it of Uganda. Herein lays the looming Yellowstone, an area in the northern is development driving or wheeling catastrophe for the concepts of Rocky Mountains of the United politics based on a purist utilitarian national park and nature reserve in States, as the world’s first national worldview that environment is Uganda. park. In 1872, Grant signed the bill to nothing but a source of resources. create the park, preserving 898,317 Ecological and environmental National Parks and Preserves are hectares (2,219, 791 acres) of scenic integrity and conservation are unique public lands or bodies of water wilderness. Since then countries secondary, or else perceived by within a country, set aside by the around the world have established the beneficiaries of development government to protect ecosystems, more than 4000 national parks and (i.e. the men and women of power plant and animal species, scenic preserves. Many national parks and and those in the patronage chain) landscapes, geologic formations, or preserves protect remote, unspoiled as a roadblock to progress. We historical or archaeological sites. natural environments, while some cannot separate rising corruption, protect islands of wilderness within bankruptcy, indebtedness and the A national park is managed primarily heavily populated regions. “I don’t care attitude” in political for public recreation, providing governance from this kind of exceptional locations where visitors Although Yellowstone National development and development can view wildlife and enjoy the Park is recognized as the world’s application choice. outdoors. It is a large area of public first legislatively created national land chosen by a government for park, it was not the first public land This worldview and associated its scenic, recreational, scientific, or conserved by federal law in the practice undermines human historical importance and usually United States. President Abraham progress and sustainability and given special protection. Generally, Lincoln signed a grant in 1864 succeeds more in impoverishing the protected public lands impose deeding 3079 sq km (1189 sq mi) majority of people while enriching limits to hunting, livestock grazing, of land in the Yosemite Valley to the powerful or people in the logging, mining, and other activities California. The grant specified that patronage chain. In Uganda it is that exploit natural resources. Some this area, now Yosemite National these people who have striven to parks commemorate significant Park, be preserved for public establish a new ownership society historical events. For example, recreation. Subsequent expeditions and recruited foreigners to act as Gettysburg National Military Park to the central Rocky Mountain region accomplices in the 21st century plot (1895) in Pennsylvania conserves prompted naturalists to urge similar

14 NAPE LOBBY NAPE LOBBY 15 protection for the Yellowstone area in beings that thrived in the forests. Marauding nomads have, as in northwest Wyoming and bordering Queen Elizabeth National Park, had lands in Montana and Idaho. More recently Government, on the their toll on this Park. Many countries now have national demands of President Museveni parks. China did not begin conserving attempted to excise a large chunk Murchison National Park is facing open lands until 1956, when 11 sq of Mabira rainforest for sugarcane possible siege either physically or km (4 sq mi) Zhaoging Dinghushan growing. Mabira rain forest is a via noise and climate change from Natural Reserve was established in critical resource in the water budget hydropower development schemes Guangdon Province. Although China and in ecological and environmental such as the Ayago dams (these will now has 463 protected areas, land stabilization and environmental flood Murchison Falls, which is part preservation there still lags behind flows in the Nile Basin. The corridor of the National Park) and Karuma that of other Asian nations. Poorly space and the business once done dam. defined boundaries, poaching, stealthily by NEC, is cleverly, and logging, mining, construction, over- through manipulation of the law, Virtually every national park in grazing, the craze for super dams being given to a French mining firm, Uganda is under siege and is being and the growing human population Lafarge, and Hima Cement Factory. converted into an “ecological threaten many areas designated It is likely that cement made from island”. for natural habitat and wildlife the factory to be set up in or near protection in the country. the corridor will be used in the An ecological island is land, which construction of Bujagali and other has been invaded at its boundaries The Great Siege dams. There are unconfirmed reports by human settlement and activities, In Uganda forest reserves and that Queen Elizabeth National Park and has assumed the appearance of swamps have long suffered may have lost more than 50% of an island such as that in a lake, sea or annihilation at the hands of political its size in the last 20 years. We can ocean, with the human settlements decision-makers. This, however, get the truth from Uganda Wildlife and/or activities around the land reached a peak in the 1990s with Authority’s Moses Mapesa, its manifesting like water surrounding the growth of politics , as form of Executive Director, as to how much an island, as is the case with employment and the patronage has actually been lost. Marauding Madagascar. What all this means is chain as the most lucrative industry nomads have also had their toll on that the national park concept has and employer. the integrity of the park, with the an uncertain future as a contributor connivance of some state officials. to civilization. National Parks, which Lake Mburu National Park has its are undergoing the process of original size long been reduced to Kidepo National Park in Karamoja reduction to ecological islands, are in almost half in the last 20 years in is virtually no more. This used to be effect simultaneously experiencing a favour of nomadic pastoralists. an important dry season watering reduction in biodiversity, especially Queen Elizabeth National Park wsas and grazing area for the nomadic at their boundaries called ecotones. for most of the past 20 years more Karimojong before it was declared a Ecotones enjoy enormous species or less under siege from the Uganda national park by the British Colonial mixing and highest biodiversity Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) Government. We shall never know compared to the rest of a park. under the now defunct National the full range of species of plants, Concurrently the aesthetic value Enterprises Corporation (NEC), animals, birds, etc that have been of the parks and local and foreign which had exclusive leeway to mine lost as a result of the collapse of the tourism potential are nose-diving. limestone in the corridor area, albeit park. Uganda will not be a favored tourist illegally. destination. Rebel activities and the mining of Thousands of square kilometers of gypsum (a white or colorless mineral The Fountain of Honor, the President, Bugala island forests in Kalagala consisting of hydrated calcium has not given as much political District in Lake Victoria were allocated sulfate used in cement, plaster and leadership to conserving Uganda’s to palms (a type of grass), resulting fertilizers) in Ruwenzori National heritage, including our diverse in the genocide of thousands of Park have reduced that park to cultures and ethnicities, as to political trees and tens of thousands of other a miniature of its past grandeur. survival and corporate interests. He

16 NAPE LOBBY is at ease talking for investment in are, their resuscitation must begin capable of providing both the things -which he believes is right with the President and end with political and the environmental development- while providing the the President. The President must leadership we need to measure up to political leadership necessary to rethink his current environmental Tanzania, Kenya and others in leading desecrate cultural institutions and politics, which is a politics of our people from ecological and annihilate sacred places, national environmental destruction, money environmental decay and collapse parks and forest reserves in the name culture and materialism, and begin to ecological and environmental of modernization and liberalization to embrace the environmental restoration and survival, than as an of the economy. politics of sustainability, which is a agent of destruction of ecological politics of understanding, wisdom and environmental integrity, security, This, for example, is what is and survival in a clean, safe and peace and future. How possible is it happening to Bujagali falls, in which healthy environment. for us to cooperate with Kenya and three million Basoga belonging Tanzania in promoting wildlife-based to some 495 Clans, are integrated tourism as a regional undertaking culturally, spiritually, ethically if, in Uganda, the political agenda, and ecologically. It is as if cultural or even development agenda, is to and spiritual death has been replace nature reserves and national declared upon these people who, parks with concrete, grass, military unfortunately, have been compelled Virtually bases or areas for military exercises? to suffer the painful death in silence, with few showing bitterness. The As I have said many times before, consequences of this death will every there can be no democracy, respect definitely be felt in future when the for human rights, justice, equity people realize they are manifesting national park or a secure future in a depreciated more as foreigners in their own but environment. We are witnesses to perverted environment. this in the 21st Century as we were in Uganda is in the 20th century. We can explain And as I have recorded elsewhere, the the social upheavals in our country type of development the President today by evoking the decay and adores is not so much human under siege collapse of our environment in all its development as technomechanistic dimensions -ecological biological, development, which emphasises and is being socio-economic and socio-cultural. things, money and borrowing, not people, animals, plants, nature, We need wholesome leadership environment or local production. converted -political and environmental -from Tourism is not a priority in the the President to sustain our national President’s environmental politics parks, nature reserves, environment or political agenda. Therefore, to into an and ourselves in this complicated him, nature reserves and national environment and century. A political parks are like empty spaces that “ecological agenda of reproduction of the must quickly be cleared and culture of money at the expense of replaced by large infrastructure, our traditional cultures and values grass (palms and sugarcane) or else island”. is a pronouncement of genocide of used for military exercises. When he all creatures and/or beings without abused environmentalists, this is his which we are incomplete. I have mindset. elsewhere written about types of genocide such as hydrocide, If, therefore, the concepts of nature ecocide and environcide. All these reserve and national park are are realities in Uganda. Should they endangered in Uganda, and I have When the President does that he will be? recorded in this article that they manifest more as a true statesman

NAPE LOBBY 17 Features...

Mining at Dura in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the worst project Uganda has ever had!!

By: Frank Muramuzi and Kureeba David

Hima cement limited is Asubsidiary falls in a Ramsar site. A Ramsar site Company of Lafarge group. The reg- is a wetland of international impor- People in the vicinity used to infor- istered office of Hima cement limit- tance, a Ramsar site is selected de- mally/formally access the area and ed is centre court, 4, ternan Avenue, pending on biodiversity richness of obtain specific natural resources P.o Box 7230 Kampala, Uganda. The the area. Mining contravenes the such as herbs, firewood and hand production plant is located in Kasese management objective of Queen craft materials. Lafarge / Hima will western Uganda. Lafarge is a French Elizabeth National park, Uganda not allow communities to access industrial company specializing in Wildlife Act (UWA) and the Constitu- these resources as they used to. four major products, cement, con- tion of Uganda. struction aggregates; concrete and The Mineable area falls in between gypsum wallboard. It is the second This national park (QENP) is with in two important rivers (Rwimi and world producer of cement. It was the Albertine region and connects Rwenkerebe) which are important founded in 1833. Lafarge is a major with three other parks in Uganda, sources of water for wild animals consumer of fossil fuels, particularly DRC Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania. and people. These rivers subse- coal. With those activities Lafarge This is in addition to the interspersed quently drain into Nsonge River, has often claimed that it is excellent with gazzeted tropical rain forests of subsequently to Nsonge swamp. in corporate social responsibility Imaramagambo, Kibale and Bwindi These are the wetlands that form that promotes environmental sus- impenetrable forests. the Ramsar site of Lake George in tainability. In Uganda it is doing Queen Elizabeth national park is a western Uganda Albertine region. contrary. But also Lafarge has always potential area for tourist attraction. claimed that it promotes activities There are about 600 birds’ species, it Government of Uganda issued a that do not pollute the environment contains 15 species of the 28 glob- permit to Lafarge /Hima to mine in .However, in Uganda it is involved in ally endangered species and 12 of the national park. This transaction a project that pollutes and degrades which occur in the Lake George ba- was done in total disregard of QENP the environment. But even in other sin which forms part of Ramsar. Here, management plan and Uganda is countries people had complained. fears elude on the fact that mining signatory and party to the Ramsar, For example on July10th 2008, The will contaminate the waters hence CBD, CITES, BAMAKO, Basel conven- Albany time’s union reported that losing those globally vital recog- tion among others. Lafarge is known Lafarge’s Ravena, New York plant nized species. Hence loss of foreign to have a good social responsibility, “was the greatest source of Mercury exchange earning from tourism why does it go ahead to promote emissions in New York from 2004- mining in an area that is rich in bio- 2006” Tourism is the second largest foreign logical diversity? The mining permit exchange earner for Uganda. And was issued based on insufficient Hima/Lafarge started mining in Queen Elizabeth National Park QENP studies and Hima /Lafarge is not Queen Elizabeth National Park. is the 2nd largest national park after concerned about these issues of Na- Queen Elizabeth national park, ac- Murchison falls in tourist attraction. tional and International significance cording to its management plan it The fear is that blasting of limestone is a preservation area meaning that will affect the wild animals popula- The community members around human activities are prohibited. The tion greatly, hence dwindling tour- the mining site were inadequately mining area lies in an animal corridor ism activities in the area. It is from consulted and sensitized about the for elephants crossing from Queen tourism gate collections that 20% is risks and dangers of limestone min- Elizabeth National Park (QENP) to ploughed back to communities. This ing. Furthermore, people were not Kibale National Park (KNP). The area incentive will be lost. educated about their entitlements

18 NAPE LOBBY and rights to the project which was long pleaded with Hima to be pro- for filtering all the impurities from injustice to them. Limestone will be vide with clean water but all in vain. the pollutant before it is released transported by road, but there is Residents say, the water is contami- into the atmosphere. Unfortunately, no mitigation put in place for dust nated with pollutants from the Hima these precipitators hood winked control and accidents since these factory due to dry and wet precipita- both the people and the authority heavy loaded trucks will be motor- tion. This situation has made lives of because they only work when NEMA able through villages where there the neighbouring communities very or members of parliament promise are schools. This ultimately shows difficult because nobody can thrive to visit the factory. People have con- one that issues of corporate social on earth without water. tinued to complain about the fac- responsibility were underlooked. tory but all in vain. Since 1994 the factory was taken When National Environmental over by Hima /Lafarge from the gov- Management Authority (NEMA) a Lafarge is not promoting the princi- ernment of Uganda. But since that semi-autonomous institution that ple of sustainable development like time, the issues of corporate social manages Uganda’s environment it is doing in other areas where it is responsibility were not looked at as was informed about the communi- operating. important factors to consider. People ties out cry, NEMA instructed Hima in the peripheral areas have for so to install electrostatic precipitators

Plate 1. Plate 2.

The Animal corridor The Ramser boundary

Plate 1. Pen pointer showing the animal corridor between Plate 2. showing the proximity of Ramser boundary to Kibale National Park and and Qeen Elizabeth National Park the proposed mining sites at Dura in QENP

NAPE LOBBY 19 Experience

The role of Communities in the Management of protected areas

By: Betty Obbo

Uganda possesses a rich natural endowment of forests, mountains, and waterways, harboring some of the most diverse wildlife in Africa. Much of this diversity is represented in an extensive system of protected areas, including ten national parks and twenty-nine game reserves, sanctuaries, and controlled hunting areas.But, in the past few decades, much of this system has experienced severe encroachment and degradation by human activities spearheaded by government in the name of development. The nation’s once well-established tourism industry, once the country’s third largest source of foreign exchange, has now greatly diminished. Waterbacks in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park alone is home to 95 mammal species it. and cultural resources. while the bird list is 612 species long. The diversity has an impressive In the recent past, government of Such a conservation approach calls range of habitats. There are five Uganda has initiated limestone for ecosystem based management vegetation types: forest; grassland; mining in Dura area in Qeen system that recognizes indigenous/ Elizabeth National Park. Mining in bushy grassland; Acacia woodland communities around a resource as a national park is prohibited by law and lakeshore/ swamp vegetation. key stakeholders in natural resource (Uganda Wildlife Act, 2000). Residents of the park’s grasslands management. Involvement of include elephant, Cape buffalo, communities in the management The environment impact assessment Uganda kob, waterbuck, warthog, of natural resources is crucial based (EIA) for this mining activity was giant forest hog, lion, leopard and on their interrelationship with other poorly done, without consultation hyena. ecosystems such as forests, rivers, of the communities living near the swamps wetlands and ponds. park. This EIA report was used as Wildlife population in the national a basis for aproval of the mining parks is dwindling as a result of The government has given activity by the National Environment poaching and degradation of overriding emphasis on economic Management Authority (NEMA) in a their habitants. Uganda has good development and sidelined the protected area. natural resources management quality of life of the communities laws and regulations, but despite near thhe national parks and the Proper management of protected the availability of good laws, there wildlife. areas equates to the effective, long- has beena evidence of violation of term conservation of biodiversity, the laws by the institutions that are through a sustainable and cost- supposed to enforce and/ or oversee effective management of its wildlife,

20 NAPE LOBBY Gender perspective in Environment and Development

By: Shillar kyomugisha

Women and men have gender have little or no influence in decision based roles and responsibilities in This brings rural women in particular making both at community, national their own lives, households and to a close relationship with land and international levels. communities. They have different and other natural resources knowledge of access to, and control which promote a new culture of In some countries, rights to natural over natural resources and different respectful use and preservation resources are linked to women`s opportunities to participate in of the environment such that the marital status; women usually lose decision making regarding natural next generation can meet their own their rights if they are divorced and resources use and management. needs. widowed. Even in countries where the law guarantees women and men Knowing women`s and men`s Women`s perspectives and values access to land, women in most cases relationships on to the environment for the environment are somewhat are not aware of their rights and plays an important role in developing different than men`s .women give sometimes customs exclude them solutions for more sustainable use greater priority to protection and from ownership. of natural resources because they improving the capacity of nature are these roles that negatively affect to regenerate since it is the major For example in Zimbabwe, natural resources. source of their livelihood. Burkinafaso and Cameroon, women Repeated studies have shown that have legal rights to own land and Books have mainly focused on women have a stake in environment trees but in practice men nearly men`s roles and women interaction and this stake is reflected in the control all the resources. Such with nature has been ignored; even degree to which they care about insecure land tenure influences historical texts have been deficient in natural resources. how different people use natural writing about women participation resources. Women, the poor and in environmentalist actions. The Gender roles and activities influence other marginalized groups are less result has been that women`s natural resources such as national likely to invest time and resources or role in environment struggles and parks whereby for example adopt environmentally sustainable debates about nature has been culturally men were meant to hunt farming practices on land they do hidden from history. However, in and construct houses and women to not own. For this matter therefore, recent, environment crises, one fetch firewood and water, cook food, it is noted that women are less likely observes that women of every social look after children and maintain to plant trees for food, medicine class, nation or colour have raised cleanliness at home. and fuel wood in areas where future concerns about the environment access in uncertain. more noticeably and openly. However these roles have greatly affected biological diversity in areas Therefore it is true to assert that Women and men are both sources like national parks particularly men`s women`s views ,influence and of knowledge about sustainable activities which involve killing of decisions have continued to be resources management practices, animals especially the edible ones, disregarded and overshadowed by but they however know differently clearing of bushes and cutting down their male counterparts and their about species and practices trees. This greatly affects the diversity impact regarding environmental according to their activities. of both flora and fauna compared to conservation and sustainable use women`s activities which tend to of natural resources has continued In the developing areas of the world, ensure sustainability of resources. to be minimal and less felt on both women are considered to be primary It has been noted that irrespective local and international scenes. users of forests, land and water of women`s greater contribution because they are the responsible towards environmental for gathering fuel wood, food and conservation, they have continued fodder which in some cases are to be discriminated, marginalized, obtained in areas such as fringes their decisions frustrated and their national parks. efforts hampered hence they tend to

NAPE LOBBY 21 Events

What Where When & Contact

Scientific Congress on Climate Change: Global Risks, Challenges and Decisions 10 - 12 March 2009 The aim of the congress is to provide a synthesis of existing and emerging scientific knowledge Manana, Bahrain For more information contact: Jane in the lead up to the fifteenth Conference of the Søgård Hansen, University of Copen- Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Cli- mate Change, which will take place in late 2009 hagen; tel: +45-3532-4251; e-mail: [email protected]; Internet: http://cli- matecongress.ku.dk/

16th -22nd March 2009 5th World Water Forum Istanbul, www.worldwaterforum5.org/fileadmin/ Turkey WWF5/Forum_Programme/Concept

Tel: +90 (216) 325 49 92 Fax: +90 (216) 428 09 92 ...

Second Session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management 11- 15 May 2009. The second session of the International Conference on Geneva, Chemicals Management (ICCM2) has been tentatively Switzerland For more information contact: tel: +41 scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 11- 22-917-8111; fax: +41 22 797 3460 15 May 2009, immediately before the 62nd World Health Assembly.

World Business Summit on Climate – Copenhagen 2009 24 - 26 May 2009 Copenhagen, Denmark The World Business Summit on Climate Change For more information contact: will be convened by the United Nations Global Lynette Thorstensen, WBCSD; tel: Compact, the Copenhagen Climate Council, the +41-22-839-3141; Internet: http://www. World Business Council for Sustainable Develop- copenhagenclimatecouncil.com/ ment (WBCSD) and the Pew Center on Global Climate Change. The Summit aims to ensure that a new global policy framework on climate change takes into account the needs of the business community and provides the right incentives for cutting carbon emissions.

Symposium on Renewable Energy and Water Productivity 7 - 9 December, 2009 This meeting is co-organized by Crans Manana, Bahrain Montana Forum Middle-East in as- For more information contact: sociation with the Bahrain Economic UNIDO Energy and Cleaner Development Board and UNIDO. Production Branch; tel: +43-1- 260-265-177.

22 NAPE LOBBY War of water between Tanzania and Uganda

Adopted from Indian Ocean Newsletter

Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater Lake in Africa and it support over 30 million people and several power dam projects in the region.

The World Bank is concerned about the amount of water that Uganda is using to fill its electricity generating needs, which could exceed its allotted share of the Nile. It has therefore asked the government in Kampala to provide a monthly report on its use of water, in order to avoid diplomatic problems with other countries in the region. In a recent Power Sector Development Report, the Bank’s senior energy specialist, Mal- com Cosgrove-Davies stated that “these reports should be prepared for the monitor- ing exercise and sent to the East African Community (EAC)”. The Ugandan government should also undertake to participate in negotiations concerning the joint Lake Victoria water management programme, held either by the EAC or by the Nile Basin Initiative.

The World Bank wants to ensure that the quantity of water Uganda uses to generate electricity does indeed correspond to the quantity it is authorised to use by the neighbouring countries. The Ugandan government is still considering this recommendation and has let it be known that its energy needs require the use of a quantity of water higher than the net flow. The use of more water than the Nile supplies has already had the consequence of bringing down the water level in Lake Victoria. This goes some way in explaining the recent state of tension of diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Uganda. Visit NAPE Offices to... The Goal of NAPE... Raise environmental issues To see Society and Envi- with NAPE staff ronment in Harmony Share your lobby experiences Be lobbied by NAPE staff

Previous editions of NAPE Lobby are available on request: Join NAPE to... Promote enviromentalism Contact NAPE Offices Be involved in NAPE Lobby E-mail: [email protected] activities Download at: www.nape. or.ug