National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) marked the International Day for Biodiversity, with a national theme centred on “Land Restoration for Biodiversity Resilience.” The commemoration, held in Kapchorwa District, brought together government officials, environmental organizations, and community members to highlight the crucial role of restoring land to foster a sustainable future.

The chief guest, Hon. Aisha Sekindi, the State Minister for Water, underscored the government’s commitment to protecting the planet. The event featured a tree-planting activity, with the Minister, NEMA’s Executive Director, and the Uganda Biodiversity Fund‘s Executive Director, Ivan Amanigaruhanga, each planting a tree to mark the occasion. They also donated tools that farmers can use towards the reforestation exercises.

Barirega Akankwasah, the Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), addressed the gathering emphasizing the importance of biodiversity preservation to humanity. This day reminds us how we’ve progressed in biodiversity conservation. We are losing it at a very fast rate. From biodiversity, we get everything that helps us thrive, like food, building materials, water, and medicine. This is what we must protect.

The celebrations in Kapchorwa District aimed to inspire and mobilize Ugandans to be part of the plan for restoring land and safeguarding the country’s rich biodiversity, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for all. “Be part of the Plan”