1NEMA NEWS September 2011

The National Environment Management Newsletter

NEMA NEWS

Leader of ‘environmental conmen’ netted............5

WED/IYF National celebrations in Bududa..........6

NEMA pays tribute to Prof. Wangari Maathai......7

AMESD Satellite Receiver installed at NEMA.....8

Assessment of Bulambuli landslides...................9

Lightning strikes in Kiryandongo........................10

Biodiversity policy formulation, economic value

and property rights.............................................13

Biblical perspective of biodiversity.....................14

Why we must conserve biodiversity..................15

CBD Notification 2010-2013..............................16

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National Environment Management AuthorityENSUR ING

SU STA INABL E DEVELO

PMENTy

Vol. 10 No. 1 September 2011

By Mugambwa Everest Kizito

IN

SID

E

Dr. Aryamanya re�res: Dr. Okurut takes over NEMA

as new ED

Dr. Aryamanya (left) shakes hands with Dr. Okurut (right) as he hands him his Handover Report. Next to Dr. Okurut is Hon. Maria Lubega Mutagamba, Minister of Water and Environment.

On 30th June 2011, the longest serving Execu�ve Director of the Na�onal Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Dr. Aryamanya-Mugisha, Henry

handed over the office of the Execu�ve Director to Dr. Tom O. Okurut as the new Execu�ve Director.

Dr. Aryamanya has served NEMA for 15 years. He has been the Execu�ve Director for 10 years. Previously, he was the first Deputy Execu�ve Director of NEMA. The handover func�on was held in NEMA Board Room.

in the conserva�on field in and outside Uganda for close to two decades.

The Farewell party

By all standards, Dr. Aryamanya received a hero’s send off at a func�on that took place on 1st July 2011 at the Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala. Speaker a�er speaker, both local and interna�onal guests, current and former staff of NEMA, poli�cians, civil servants and partners in the environment and sustainable development fraternity all praised Aryamanya for the �reless and honest service he has rendered this na�on over the years. In the same vain, it was all jubila�ons as NEMA staff joined their guests to welcome Dr. Okurut in the NEMA family as the new head.

They all wished Dr. Aryamanya the very best in his new life as they warmly welcomed Dr. Okurut and pledged to be dependable

The func�on was a�ended by among others, Hon. Maria Emilly Lubega Mutagamba, Minister of Water and Environment; Hon. Flavia N. Munaaba, Minister of State for Environment; Mr. Patrick Kahangire, the NEMA Board Chairman; some NEMA Board members, some NEMA and Ministry of Water and Environment staff.

“Today we are witnessing a smooth hand over of responsibility…......which is a mixture of loss and gain” said Hon. Maria Mutagamba, adding that “Dr. Aryamanya has been a selfless, honest, �reless and obedient servant of the na�on and NEMA, for more than 20 years…and that “we are thankful for his outstanding performance and wish him all the best in his new life”. However, the Minister noted that “it is a moment of loss and gain because a hard working Dr. Aryamanya is being replaced by another hard working Dr. Okurut.” Dr. Okurut has served

From page 1

Dr. Aryamanya hands over to Dr. Okurut as new NEMA EDE d i t o r i a l

Turn to page 3

Hon. Maria Lubega Mutagamba, Minister of Water and Environment adderesses dignataries during the handover at NEMA Boardroom. (L-R) Dr. Okurut, Mr. Patrick Kahangire, NEMA Board Chairman and Hon. Flavia N. Munaaba, Minister of State for Environment.

2 NEMA NEWS September 2011

September 2011 has robed the world of a great environmental professional, a great leader, a

women activist, a peace keeper, the great ‘green’ lady. Her name is Prof. Wangari Maathai. The world has cried yet she could not come back. A lot has been said and seen about her but it would be better if we learnt from her and carried on with the environment management movement that she started. All in our own localities, what do we remember about this great daughter of Africa? 2011 is also the International Year of Forests. Let us remember Prof. Wangari by planting trees among other good environment practices and we shall have sent off our great environmentalist with the honour that she deserves.

Here at NEMA, one of our traditional, tireless, selfless, celebrated environment ‘father’ Dr. Aryamanya-Mugisha, Henry has retired though he is not tired. We thank him for what he has done while in leadership of this unique organization and wish him the best in his new life. In the same way, we wish to welcome Dr. Tom Okia Okurut to the NEMA family as the new Executive Director.

In this edition of NEMA NEWS, we look at what transpired during the World Environment Day 2011 cerabrations at Bulucheke Sub-County Headquarters, Bududa District. We bring you a brief on what it was like when NEMA staff said farewell to Dr. Aryamanya as they Welcomed Dr. Okurut to the NEMA family. We reflect on the life of Prof. Wangari and what we shall always remember about her great deeds. We also bring you some of the biblical teachings about the environment among others.

We say thank you Dr. Aryamanya for the job well done. Dr. Okurut we welcome you as we congratulate you upon your new assignment and we pledge team work as we ensure sustainable development.

Over to you reader for your opinions and commentaries, plant more trees!

3NEMA NEWS September 2011

Dr. Aryamanya hands over to Dr. Okurut as new NEMA ED

3

team players as he leads the team in the ever changing and challenging environment.

“For those who came into the environment management fraternity later, we were informed that you are one of the original technical officers to serve the Government of the Republic of Uganda in this field and…That, you have all along championed

or ac�vely par�cipated in most of the ini�a�ves and developments we have realized in environment management in the last 15 years.” Read part of the NEMA staff farewell speech presented by Dr. Festus Bagoora, the Natural Resources Management (Soils and Landuse) Specialist. The speech goes on as follows:Furthermore, some of us who joined NEMA, were eager to know your background, we endeavored to ask and were made to know that you served in the following offices, among others, that you have served as:

• The Chief Environment Officer (1989)• The Na�onal Environment Ac�on Plan (NEAP) Coordinator (1992-94)• The Director of Environment Protec�on (around 1994-95) in the Ministry of Environment • The Deputy Execu�ve Director of NEMA (1995-2001)• The Execu�ve Director of NEMA (2001-2011)

The work ethics

We, your staff, have known you as a very hard working person and a good mentor.

We also, know you as a firm, quick and accurate in decision making.

Environment management is full of challenges especially related to the inevitable conflict between environment and development. Decisions on curtailing development ac�vi�es from infringing on the integrity and sustainability of the environment have not been easy.

Pressures of compromise from different circles have been rife and the order of the day, but you have been able to prevail over the situa�on. Some�mes, some of us have referred to you as having a thick skin!

Protec�on and defense of staff: In areas of enforcement where it required protec�on defending of staff during their execu�on of du�es, you have never le� us alone and we sincerely give you credit for that.

Pressure of work: NEMA work is dominated with movement of files containing documenta�on from our clientele on different ma�ers of environment management.

The files in mass and arrive at the desks of ac�on officers like, products on a conveyor belt in a factory. The files are certainly containing your instruc�ons on ac�ons to be taken. The instruc�ons are dominantly in

Dr. Aryamanya speaks to guests during his farewell party held on 1st July 2011 at the Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala

Dr. Festus Bagoora, the Natural Resources Management (Soils and Landuse) Specialist gives a speech on behalf of NEMA staff.

red ink, but others are o�en in green, while others may be in blue or black.

We had never figured out the meaning of these colors for example, whether they were ever related to the moods of the �me of instruc�ons. What is per�nent here though is, that they were dominated by one instruc�on, “let us discuss” which always gave us the opportunity to interact with you and understand be�er how to carry out the instruc�ons.

Those which did not require discussion with you were mostly clear to the ac�on officers. This unique quality of management gave NEMA as an ins�tu�on an impetus to move forward.

Suppor�ve to innova�ve approaches in environment management for example the ecosystem approach to restora�on and management of fragile ecosystems.

Selfless spirit of work: especially in providing guidance on environmental enforcement and compliance, including giving opera�onal instruc�ons at night and working beyond official hours.

Mo�va�on and promo�on of staff welfare: ranging from lobbying the authori�es for salary increment to meet the ever increasing cost of living, to daily provisions such as tea for staff.

Keeping track of staff: During our �me of working with you, we have known you as a leader who always wanted to keep track of his staff and what they were doing,

using various means including:• Morning briefs, which though good, were unfortunately not well managed and later, were found to be �me consuming and abandoned;• Telephone communica�on to individuals and some�mes visi�ng our desks to see us at work;• The common Staff Tea Break on Thursdays, which provided the opportunity for all members of staff to meet and discuss issues of the ins�tu�on as a whole.• Through regular mee�ngs with staff at different levels up to Top Management, to discuss issues of concern.

The speech concluded that “with all this said, there is no doubt that you have been a very valuable, transparent and efficient lead of NEMA, so much that we have to say thank you for the work done.” Adding that “at the same �me we wish to say that the �mes of saying farewell to very good people like you are hard ones and you will

bear with some of us who may be overwhelmed by emo�ons. It may be same with you but will control the emo�ons…We wish you the very best of success in your endeavours and hope to meet you very o�en and to share with you the very rich experience you have gained in environment management. Please do not get �red to be consulted. We, NEMA Staff would like now to say Good bye, and May the Almighty God reward you abundantly for what you have done while in leadership of NEMA.”

To the new Execu�ve Director, “we wish to inform you that you will find us, NEMA Staff a high quality, hard working and coopera�ve staff. We promise to con�nue with our spirit of work and expect new and addi�onal guidance from you so that we take NEMA and environment management in general to greater heights.” The speech read.

From page 1Dr. Aryamanya hands over to Dr. Okurut

as new NEMA ED

Hon. Maria Lubega Mutagamba, Minister of Water and Environment flanked by Hon. Flavia N. Munaaba, Minister of State for Environment addresses guests during the fairwell party for Dr. Aryamanya. Looking on is Hon. Jesca Eriyo, former Minister of State for Environment (extreme left) and Ms. Amongin Aporu Christine, Vice Chairperson, NEMA Board (extreme right).

4 NEMA NEWS September 2011

The author is the Information Education Communication Officer at NEMA

NEMA NEWS September 2011 5

On the 24th of December 2010, the Na�onal Environment Management Authority (NEMA) paraded one Hamuza Lubega,

the man who is alleged to have been issuing fake licenses to investors in and around Kampala since 1998. This was in a press conference a�ended by Hon. Maria Mutagamba, the Minister of Water and Environment, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, the Execu�ve Director of NEMA among others at the Ministry Headquarters at Luzira, Kampala. It is said that Lubega a senior six drop-out first tried journalism in one of the local

Leader of ‘environmental conmen’ nettedBy Mugambwa Everest Kizito

media houses where he got chance to a�end one workshop organized by NEMA way back. Here he got hold of some environmental educa�on documents that had a NEMA logo which he could later use to develop his version of licenses. He was ne�ed a�er a �p-off from a number of investors who have been conned by Lubega. Lubega had also managed to secure himself a retainer allowance of 2,000,000/- from one school where he has been issuing fake environmental inspec�on reports on an annual basis. Bellow are some photos of the press conference.

Hamuza Lubega (in striped shirt) being paraded before newsmen by the CID Environment Officer.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water and Environment, Mr.O.O Obong; Hon. Maria Mutagamba, Minister of Water and Environment and Dr. Aryamanya-Mugisha, Executive Director, NEMA during the press conference.

Newsmen at work during the conference.

The Hon. Minister displays the fake report and tries to differantiate it from the true copy of NEMA’s official documents.

NEMA BITS

6 NEMA NEWS September 2011

On 5th June 2011 Uganda joined the rest of the United Nations to celebrate World Environment Day (WED) and the International Year of Forests (IYF). The main

National celebrations were held at Bulucheke Sub-county Headquarters, Bududa District. The day was commemorated under a local theme “Plant a Tree: Save Life” This theme was derived from the international theme “Forests: Nature at Your

WED/IYF 2011 National celebrations in picturesBy Mugambwa Everest Kizito

Service”. The Chief celebrant was Mr. Gershom Onyango, the Director, Directorate of Environmental Affairs in the Ministry of Water and Environment who represented Hon. Maria Lubega Mutagamba, Minister of Water and Environment. The event was attended by national, local and traditional leaders, schools among others. Below is a pictorial of the event.

National Environment Management AuthorityENSUR ING

SU STA INABL E DEVELO

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THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA

The UPDF representative plants a plant a tree at Bulucheke Sub-county Headquarters.

The NEMA Board Chairman , Mr Patrick Kahangire speaks to the WED 2011 participants.

Some NEMA staff at the WED/IYF 2011 NEMA Exhibition stall.

The Guest of honour, Mr. Gershom Onyango addresses the WED/IYF 2011 participants.

A local School choir performs during WED/IYF 2011.

A match-past through Bulucheke trading centre led by a Brass band.

Bulucheke trading centre community watching environmental documentaries on WED eve.

7

NEMA BITS

7NEMA NEWS September 2011

Prof. Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and founder of

Kenya’s Green Belt Movement passed on after a prolonged and bravely struggle with cancer at the age of 71 on the 25th September, 2011. Wangari Muta Mary Jo Maathai was born in Nyeri, Kenya on 1 April 1940.

Her energy, warmth and enthusiasm will greatly be missed by many she helped understand more about environment and why we should care about our planet. She promoted environmental rights by using the environmental protection cause to champion the empowerment of women to stand up for their rights and those of their communities.

Although her voice has been stilled, Prof. Wangari Maathai’s statements like; “Those of us who understand the complex concept of the environment have the burden to act. We must not tire. We must not give up. We must persist.”

“The growing awareness that the world is interdependent

NEMA Pays Tribute to Prof. Wangari Maathai

1 April 1940 - 25 September 2011

Compiled by Anna Ameda & Charlotte Kalanzi

inter-linked and a common neighborhood should be a source of our inspiration. We must remain motivated and persevering.”

Such statements will remain forever intact – serving as an inspiration to present and future generations.

We asked sampled views from NEMA staff about Prof. Wangari Maathai and here is what they had to say:• “She was a scientist who thought beyond her

expertise. She knew her work was dependent on the environment and had a big heart and nationalistic spirit. An example was a stand against construction in Uhuru Park as it was a green reserve and it was a right for all Kenyans to have a green area in the city to relax.” Dr. Evelyn Lutalo, DSO NEMA.• “She was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for work towards sustainable development, democracy and peace. She launched a campaign in about 2010 proposing for the planting of a certain number of trees to conserve the environment and combat climate change. Ovarian cancer claimed her life in 2011 at the age of 71.” Ms. Persis Basemera, EEO NEMA.• “She was a renowned female environmental activist who formed the Green Belt Movement and planted trees in Kikuyu land. She struggled for conservation of the environment.” Dr. Mary Goretti Kitutu, EISS NEMA

May Prof. Wangari Maathai’s soul rest in peace!

Prof. Wangari Maathai (RIP), planting a tree for the planet

in 2001

Prof. Wangari Maathai (RIP)

The authors are Interns at NEMA

8 NEMA NEWS September 2011

The African Monitoring of Environment for Sustainable Development (AMESD)

Project in the IGAD region installed a data collec�on device on NEMA House roo�op, Jinja Road, Kampala on 30th December 2010 to assist in iden�fying the extent and severity of land degrada�on at regional and na�onal levels by using remote sensing techniques (observa�ons above earth surface) to record and provide regular updates on biodiversity values and threats.

Uganda is one of the countries that has benefited from the African Monitoring of Environment for Sustainable Development (AMSED) project in the IGAD region. The main objec�ve of this project is to iden�fy the extent and severity of land degrada�on at the regional and na�onal levels and to iden�fy local spots for comprehensive assessment.

The outputs are envisaged to support policy decisions for comba�ng land degrada�on at regional level and to give more detailed informa�on of the sec�ons of the IGAD countries experiencing severe degrada�on so that appropriate planning of the na�onal resources could be ins�tuted.

Another objec�ve is to provide to decision makers with a regularly updated tool to assess the state of Protected Areas (PA) and to monitor and priori�ze them according to biodiversity values and threats.

Uganda Benefits from the AMESD Monitoring project: the Satellite Receiver Sta�on installed at NEMA

The uplift of the AMESD station on NEMA House rooftop.

The Technical room with 3 systems at NEMA .

By Dr. Mary Goretti K. Kitutu

The author is the Environmental Information Systems Specialist at NEMA

The Satellite Dish installed at NEMA House.

• Although landslides occur on forested, it is more on cul�vated land. Where it occurs on forested land, there are trees that have been found to resist landslides. • Based on indigenous knowledge, the local popula�on can tell with a high degree of certainty using early warning signs the landslide prone areas. However, very few respond to such warnings because of the costs involved.

As an interven�on, some Sub-coun�es were aided to set up Tree seedling banks which they distributed to farmers but as �me went on this project which was funded by GTZ seems to have been abandoned.

During a mee�ng with the Bulambuli District Council, the LC V Chairman said that 10 people were killed in Buluganya and 16 in Sisiyi. It was also alleged that 4 people were swept by fast moving waters and the bodies have not yet been recovered (subject to confirma�on). It was reported that Masila and Bulago villages were cut off and the Ministry of Works was trying to re-open the road which would take months because of huge volumes of debris. Areas suspected to be at risk were Namusuni and Lusya.

Recommenda�ons from the mee�ng with Councillors1. Early warning system put in place by the office of the Prime Munister2. Community Policing (Police).3. Scien�fic and social assessment

NEMA NEWS September 2011 9

Assessment of Bulambuli District Landslides

Bulambuli District was curved out of Sironko District in 2010. Part of the district

falls within the Mount Elgon volcanics which are known for its environmental sensi�vity. On the night of 29th to 30th August 2011 landslides devastated parts of Sisiyi and Buluganya killing 26 people. It is also said without confirma�on that some four people were swept down by fast moving waters making the number of the dead 30.

The main objec�ve of the landslide assessment was to come up with a scien�fic report that would guide the District Disaster Commi�ee in implementa�on of its interven�ons.

Landslides are not a new phenomenon in Bulambuli. A survey carried out in 2002 on landslides in Sironko indicated that they occurred mostly in 11 Sub-coun�es then. These included Zesui, Buginyanya, Bumasifwa, Buluganya, Masila, Bulago, Buyobo, Buwalasi, Butandiga, Busulani and Sisiyi. Zesui was the most hit by landslides then. The study also revealed that the occurrences were most pronounced between 1992 and 2001.

The key observa�ons in that study are given below:• While the landslide problem has been recognized by many Sub-coun�es as a major social and development problem and have integrated it in their Sub-county Development plans, mi�ga�on measures put in place are on individuals basis and are inadequate. • Neither the Sub-county nor the District Local Governments had made any effort to mi�gate the landslide problem.• High popula�on pressure, over-cul�va�on and deforesta�on were seen as drivers to landslide occurrence.

By Dr. Mary Goretti K. Kitutu

of the underlying causes.4. Assessment and mapping of the landslide hazard areas in the district.5. Central Government and Local Government should be more pro-ac�ve than reac�ve.6. The district will come up with an ordinance on these landslides.

The District Council of Bulambuli and officials from Central Government after the sensitization meeting on landslide assessment, disaster preparedness and interventions.

The 29-30 August landslides that devastated parts of the Sisiyi and Buluganya area killing over 26 people, some of whom are still missing.

Landslide occurrence between 1951 and 2001

Period 1951-61 1962-71 1972-81 1982-91 1992-2001No of 7 13 6 13 53landslides

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10 NEMA NEWS September 2011 Turn to page 11

The recent lightning incidents (Strikes) in Uganda have claimed people’s lives

animals and destruc�on of property. The recent incident at Runyanya C.O.U Primary School located about four miles off Kampala-Gulu highway in Kiryandongo District in July 2011 that killed nineteen pupils and injured fi�y has invoked many theories as to what could be the cause of this natural calamity. So far ninteen districts have been affected including Koboko, Yumbe, Kitgum,Gulu, Amuru, Kiryandongo, Hoima, Kibale, Zombo, Mbarara and Bulambuli. The Na�onal Environment Management Authority (NEMA) recently undertook an assessment at the affected school to establish

An assessment of the devasta�ng lightning strikes in Kiryandongo District

By Dick Lufafa and Persis Basemera

a possible link between the devasta�ng ligh�ng incidents with the current clima�c modifica�on or changes in the area.

The District leaders said people were scared and trauma�zed, parents had withdrawn their children from the school, while others changed schools; for example at Runyanya Church of Uganda, the school had an enrolment of about 1,000 learners; at the �me of the assessment, enrolment was 800 pupils. Whenever it threatened to rain, pupils run home fearing that lightning will strike again.

As a way of pu�ng in place mi�ga�on measures and building confidence among both the

parents and pupils, Bunyoro region MPs had donated two Lightning Arrestors and the gadgets were already installed on the two buildings in the affected school. This encouraged pupils to come to school and the enrolment was gradually increasing.

Management (treatment) of lightning vic�msMost of the people interviewed were from Runyanya parish community and had lived in the area for the last thirty or more years; they had this to say:When lightning disaster strikes; the following should be given as first aid: • Put warm water in a water bo�le or jerrycan, and place it on the chest at the posi�on of the heart area • If water is not easily available,

just burn dry grass and place at the heart posi�on, aiming at raising the temperature and restar�ng the heart beats• Just get storm water of the very rain that came with the lightning disaster and give the vic�m to drink• If there is milk give the vic�m cold milk to drink• Get an egg of a chicken, crack or break the shell, and beat it up to mix the contents, and give the vic�m to take/drink; the vic�m should just be fed because he/she must be weak• Drum loudly. This will awaken those that could have been affected by shock

DISTRICTS AFFECTED BY LIGHTNING STRIKES IN UGANDA

National Environment Management AuthorityENSUR ING

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Cause of LightningLightning is ‘natural’ but human ac�vi�es have an effect on its impacts. Its forma�on is related to: The Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), also known as doldrums because of its erra�c weather pa�erns with stagnant calms and violent thunderstorms.

Near the Equator, from about 5° North and 5° South, the North-east trade winds and southeast trade winds converge in a low pressure zone known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone or ITCZ. Solar hea�ng in the region forces air to rise through convec�on which results in rainfall.

Weather sta�ons in the Equatorial region record precipita�on up to 200 days each year, making the equatorial and ITC zones the we�est on the planet. The equatorial region lacks a dry season and is constantly hot and humid.

There’s a diurnal cycle to the precipita�on in the ITCZ. Clouds form in the late morning and early a�ernoon hours and then by 3 to 4 p.m., the ho�est �me of the day, convec�onal thunderstorms form

and precipita�on (rain) begins. This rainfall is convec�onal in nature, and is uaually accompanied by hailstone, lightning and thunder; it is generally short in dura�on.

Recommenda�ons• Lightning Arrestors should be placed on proper loca�on of the building.• Crea�on of awareness on lightning through sensi�za�on mee�ngs; targe�ng school communi�es and neighbouring communi�es. The target group should be the whole school community, and souring community in the lightning prone area• It is advisable not to use an umbrella because of its many pikes and metallic frames. They will a�ract lightning and make the human being

Above: Runyanya C.O.U Primary School: A school that is ‘bare’ is exposed and prone to lightning and environmental degradation; no single tree was available to act as ‘wind breaks’ or natural lightning arrestors.

the target. Instead when it is raining take shelter in a house• The school should have a well equipped first aid box with some one with the knowledge of the use of its contents• Plant trees especially the ones that are fast growing and can really grow tall. This is because they will be natural lightning targets or arrestors• If there is a car near by use it as shelter and do not touch the metallic parts. The car protects you because it employs the ” Faraday Cage” principle and the outer part of the car provides the cage.

The authors are the Environmental Audits & Monitoring Officer and Environmental Education Officer at NEMA respectively

A Teacher at Runyanya C.O.U Primary School, Kikuube Parish in Kiryandongo District, stands near the Lightning Arrestors recently installed in the school.

.

LIGHTNING STRIKES IN UGANDA

REGIONS

NU

MB

ERS

West Central North East

150

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

Dead

Injured

Lightning distribution at National levelNEMA NEWS September 2011 11

12 NEMA NEWS September 2011

Observa�ons made at the landslides sitesMabono Parish in Sisiyi Sub-county was most affected with over ten landslides of which three were disastrous. The other Sub-county affected was Buluganya where surface water flow from the Butandiga ridge caused many slips.

Causes of landslides in Mabono Parish Most of the landslides in Mabono parish were caused by high run-off from the steep cliffs. However, the most disastrous landslide was a transla�onal slide that ended up in a mild flow. This landslide killed sixteen people and was triggered by heavy water flow from the agglomerate cliff in Buginyanya (see opposite picture on top). This water saturated the B horizon (see opposite picture in the middle) of the soils below the cliff that is rich in clay causing the soil block to move for about 300m before it was deposited on the lower area where there were houses.

One of the survivours from this landslide narrated her ordeal and how she survived narrowly. The main cause of this landslide was heavy run-off as a result of con�nuous rainfall that went on for about 18 hours. The depth to the failure plane was about 4m where the tree roots cannot reach. Water was s�ll coming out of the B horizon of the soil profile.

Impacts of the landslidesThe main impacts of the landslides is loss of life, loss of farmlands, damage to property, roads and bridges. Another impact was flooding in the lowlands because of increased run-off.

Landslide hazard assessmentThe presence of cracks in many areas of Mabono is an indica�on

that more landslides can occur in these areas. Also areas where water flows out of the soil especially in the B horizon are also prone to failure. Other areas of high hazard are those below bare cliffs and water flows from the top of the cliff into the soils below.

Recommenda�ons from the field inspec�ons

Short-term interven�ons1. Areas below agglomerate cliffs should be vacated. This includes areas below the Buginyanya ridge, also those below the Butandiga ridge and also in Buluganya.2. Se�lements should not be allowed in areas of 1000m (min.) from the ridge unless if the ridge has thick forest cover.3. Areas with cracks should be vacated and restored with intensive agro-forestry.4. Areas with known landslide risk (moisture zones) should not be used for se�lement. This includes valleys and depression on hills were water collects

Long-term interven�ons5. More funding should be given to the district especially the environment protec�on, social development, popula�on control and produc�on units if these landslides are to be minimized. 6. Educa�on of the youth should also be taken as priority to reduce the pressure on land. This will enable them get skills and look for alterna�ve rather depending on land alone.7. Community sensi�za�on on development programme should be taken as a priority.

Assessment of Bulambuli District Landslides

Landslide site at Kimuli village, Mabono Parish

4 metre depth landslide scar

Buginyanya cliff were a lot of water flowed and saturated soils in the villages below, ending up in debris slumps and killing people.

One of the houses where people were killed.

Turn to page 9

Water coming out of the B horizon

C horizonSaprolite layer which is at the boundary between the soil and rock. (0.5m)

A horizonA horizon was 0.5m

B horizonThe soil in this layer has over 80% of clay and was water logged hence the cause of the slope failure. (1.5m)

Generalised soil profile for most landslide scar in Bulambuli.

Bare hilltops with evidence of high run-off should not have settlements below.

The author is the Environmental Information Systems Specialist at NEMA

NEMA NEWS September 2011 13

Biodiversity Policy Formula�on should consider Economic Value

and Property Rights

The Conven�on on Biological Diversity (CBD) desired to ensure that

developing countries that were rich in biodiversity were given an economic incen�ve to preserve their natural heritage.

However, Government policies have not been well implemented to see such a desire realized. The environment has many a �me been sold off for unsustainable levels of ‘development’.

Many industrial, transporta�on, natural resource, and urban development policies usually fail to value environmental resources correctly and some�mes even hasten resource deple�on and biodiversity loss. Whether or not resource and trade policies of Uganda do take biodiversity’s poten�al benefits into account is a ques�on that needs to be honestly answered.

Indeed, some policies explicitly invite the over-exploita�on of species, conversion of valuable habitats, and oversimplifica�on of agricultural ecosystems. Enhanced food security, economic development, and improved medical care are all based on biological produc�vity and the diversity of genes and species. But to reap these benefits, Uganda

must first develop a sound policy framework. It is even unsurprising that many na�ons fail to provide incen�ves for either the development or acquisi�on of the technical skills needed to conserve biodiversity, or to explore its capacity to yield new products.

As already men�oned, the key reason the failing biodiversity conserva�on is the fact that environmental ameni�es o�en fall into the category of “public goods”, that is, they have characteris�cs that make them difficult to integrate into market economies without some form of government policy. The economic value of biodiversity is s�ll unknown in Uganda where such nonmarket valua�ons are s�ll in infant stages if any at all. It seems most people think of biodiversity as if human society were not part of nature.

Some�mes the most vocal lobbyists of nature advocate face strong interven�ons by the state.

An effec�ve conserva�on approach is one in which people who have control over the resources that donors and prac��oners want to see preserved are provided incen�ves sufficient to preserve such resources.

The Writer is the Founder at Sustainability Advisory Services LLCEmail: jamil.kusiima@sustainadsug.com

By Jamil Kusiima

Jamil Kusiima

The economic

value of

biodiversity

is still unknown

in Uganda

It seems most

people think

of biodiversity

as if it were

not part of

nature

Donors or Government could offer property owners incen�ves that may make them more likely to pursue eco-friendly ac�vi�es. This is something government agents like NEMA should look into among other conserva�on methods.

COMMENTARY

14 NEMA NEWS September 2011

Chris�ans are many a �me reluctant to environmental issues. This is because the

environment is rarely connected to God’s crea�on. We need to understand God’s purposes for crea�on and must not forget that we are simply part of God’s crea�on; and that Jesus died and rose again not only to reconcile us with God, but other crea�on as well. The following are a number of Bible passages to help us remember what God thinks about the environment and what our response should be.

We seem to be familiar with the crea�on story. How ever we o�en focus on what God created and forget why God chose to create us. Read Colossians 1:16-17: what was God’s purpose in crea�ng the world and everything in it? Read Genesis 1. How did God create? See verses 3, 6, 9, 20, 24, 26.

Crea�on

Human beings are part of crea�on, but we have a unique role to play. Read Genesis 1:26-28: God gives human beings authority to care for his crea�on: In Genesis 2:15, God explains his command to us. Different Bible transla�ons use words such as work, serve, keep, take care, look a�er, guard and tend. How can this verse be used to challenge the idea of selfish rule? Philippians 2:5-7. We are made in God’s image, our rule should be modeled on God’s rule and reflect his character.In the Garden of Eden God, humans and the rest of crea�on existed in perfect harmony. Genesis 3:1-19 Due to human

disobedience, rela�onships were broken. Look at what the passage says about how rela�on ships changed between: God and human beings; God and crea�on; Human beings and crea�on.

Our role at this �me is not to wait passively but to work to see God’s kingdom come on earth. Un�l God makes everything perfect, we should follow God’s passion to see everything reconciled to him.

Humans depend on God’s crea�on (the environment) to survive. For example, we all need food. The majority of the world’s popula�ons depend directly on the land for growing crops to eat or sell. People living in towns and ci�es may buy their food from shops or markets, but they s�ll depend indirectly on the environment for food.

Sadly, humans do not have equal access to the world’s natural resources. Poverty means that some people are not able to access the resources, due to social or economic injus�ce. People who are rich o�en use more than their fair share and as a result, other people suffer. One example of this is deforesta�on for �mber produc�on which destroys biodiversity. Another example is the use of fossil fuels, mainly in the richer North, which have made a large contribu�on to global climate change.

Learning from Old Testament law

There is a lot to learn from Jesus’ teaching in the New Testament about our responsibility to each other.

Mark 12:28-31• We would not want to be treated unjustly, so what does it mean to love someone who is being treated unjustly? What kinds of injus�ce do people experience today? What kinds of injus�ce related to the environment today?

How do we contribute to this injus�ce? Consider whether our lifestyles are contribu�ng to climate change. What a�tudes do we have towards our natural environment?

Prac�cal response

There is much that we can do to put our biblical understanding of God’s crea�on and our role in caring for it into ac�on in our work prac�ces and in our own lives. Chris�ans do not care for the environment purely for prac�cal reasons, or for humanitarian reasons. We are also mo�vated by the desire to love, understand and protect the environment in order to glorify our creator God. Brethren, for this reason, our ministry of Water and Environment should be taken seriously. Did I hear someone say Amen? AMEN.

A Biblical Perspec�ve of Biodiversity By Odoi Robert

Odoi Robert

The author is a Researcher and Environmental health Communicator,Odoi.robert@acetug.org

NEMA NEWS September 2011 15

Oh Uganda my mother land! You are known as the pearl of Africa

because of the gi�s of green grass, forests, swamps, lakes and rivers, the lovely climate which include the dry and wet seasons that God granted you. Uganda, people from other countries yarn to belong to you.

Fellow Ugandans, we should only be praising and thanking God for what we have but why are we so determined to destroy what already exists? Please mind about the future genera�ons.

In trying to understand Biodiversity, I went back to my primary school notes. The subject is science. We read, “Science is the study of living and nonliving things.” Ladies and gentlemen, biodiversity is that living part of the science we were taught some years back. Biodiversity is a term used to describe a variety of life on earth. It refers to the wide variety of eco systems and living organisms like animals, plants, their habitants and their genes. Biodiversity is what we rely on for our survival but due to unsustainable human ac�vi�es, it’s being lost at a greatly accelerated rate.

Biodiversity can be classified in various forms including; ecological diversity and natural or species diversity. Ecological diversity refers to the sum of different types of environment, ecosystem present in a region

or habitat which is the sum total of climate, vegeta�on and geography of a region. Ecosystem includes grassland and wetland aqua�c ecosystem. Species diversity on the other hand refers to the variety of different species in a given area, most of the species are said to be found near the equator and a few at the poles.

Natural and ecological diversity provide essen�al economic benefits and services to human society without which we couldn’t survive. These include; Food, shelter, fuel and building materials; Air and water purifica�on; Weather (floods) control by swamps which store rain water and later released it in a dry season; Control soil erosion; Plant pollina�on; stabilizes waste through nutrient recycling; Source of medicines among others.

Why We Must Conserve Biodiversity By Prossie Nakigudde

We must not leave biodiversity conserva�on to government agents like Na�onal Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Na�onal Forest Authority (NFA) and Non Government Organiza�ons (NGOs). Every one must have a role to play. Biodiversity conserva�on is a ma�er of life and death, conserve it for the present and future genera�ons and for na�onal prosperity.

Prossie Nakigudde

Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale District: Aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, important homes of biodiversity.

The author is an Environmental Researcherprossienakigudde@yahoo.com

16 NEMA NEWS September 2011

N E M A N E W SNational Environment Management Authority, NEMA

NEMA House, Plot 17/19/21 Jinja RoadP.O. Box 22255 Kampala Uganda

Tel: +256-414-251064/5/8 Fax: +256-414-257521E-mail:info@nemaug.orghttp://www.nemaug.org

Produced by the Department of District Support Coordination and Public Education, NEMA.

N E M A N E W SEditorial Board

Beatrice AdimolaChairperson

Mugambwa Everest KizitoEditor

Elizabeth MutayanjulwaDesign/Layout/Production

Eva WamalaSecretary

Christine AkelloMargaret Aanyu

Members

Visit the NEMA LibraryEveryone has a right to a clean and a healthy environment. You can only

know your rights if you are informed. You can only get informed if you develop a reading culture. For the many questions that many a time go

unanswered, you can visit our library.

Established in 1996 and inherited the bulk of its collection from The National Information Centre which was under the then Ministry of

Environment, the Library’s main purpose is to develop and maintain a collection of scientific and technical information on the state of

environment both nationally and internationally. The Library opens from 8.00am to 12.30pm and 2.00 to 4.00pm

everyday (Monday-Friday). Membership is free for all. We are located on the Ground floor of the NEMA House, Plot 17/19/21 Jinja Road Kampala.

The Secretariat of the Convention on Biodiversity (CDBD) is pleased to announce that the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) was awarded the 2010 Green Award in the category of Best Green International Campaign. The Green Awards illustrate the crucial role that green marketing and

sustainability communications play in informing people about green issues, products and lifestyle choices. The awards showcase examples of excellence and best practice in communication sustainability and green issues.

The awards ceremony took place at London’s Natural History Museum on 2nd December with participation of more than 400 distinguished guests, including the Right Honourable Mr. Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change. Details of the event can be found in the Press Release available at: http://www.cbd.int/doc/press/2010/pr-2010-12-03-greenawrad.en.pdf

The full text of this notification is available on the CBD website at http://www.cbd.int/doc/notifications/2010/ntf-2010-213-greenaward-en.pdf

Ahmed DjoghlafExecutive SecretarySecretariat of the Convention on Biological DiversityUnited Nations Environment Programme413 Saint-Jacques Street, Suite 800Montreal, Quebec, CanadaH2Y IN9

Tel: *1 514 288 2220; Fax: +1 514 288 6588E-mail:secretariat@cbd.int

08 December 2010