UGANDA’S ECO-TOURISM SITES ARE IN CRISIS-CASE MABIRA ECO-TOURISM SITE.

 

About half of Mabira forest has been invaded by illegal loggers

Mabira forest has been infiltrated by illegal loggers. Sources say the illegal loggers who used to operate in Mpigi and contributed to destruction of the forests that once sheltered the streams, rivers and shores of Lake Victoria are now shifting to Mabira.

Better enforcement in Mabira, particularly in areas like Nagojje and Ntunda is needed, according to Ngondwe. The long term solution, according to Diisi lies in tourism development, sharing of benefits from timber, aggressive tree planting by communities and the private sector for timber and charcoal.

Mabira should be protected because; Mabira is a catchment area for Rivers Ssezibwa, Musamya and Nile and Lakes Victoria and Kyoga. A World Bank agreement with the Government for construction of Bujagali hydropower dam was done on the premise that if Mabira reduces in size the water levels of the Nile would be compromised.

The agreement contains conditions for protecting Mabira and expanding its size. Mabira is home to endangered species such as the Nahan’s francolin, endangered monkeys and houses herbal medicine that are used to treat impotence among other ailments. Mabira contributes to rainfall formation helping farmers dependent on pineapples and vegetables to earn a living without irrigation. They say it rains throughout the year (there are no seasons).

 Mabira is an important ecotourism destination. The Alarm Group of Companies has built a $5m eco-lodge near Najjembe. Mabira still has a lot of untapped tourism potential. Mabira is the only large forest separating five growing urban areas, Kampala, Mukono, Lugazi, Jinja and Kayunga. It influences the micro-climate of the area and also absorbs large amounts of waste gases such as carbon-dioxide.

 Mabira is an educational site for schools and researchers in forestry and primatologists. The forest houses pollinators such as bees and butterflies that enhance pollination of crops with farmers in the vicinity of Mabira getting higher productivity. The country could earn a lot of money from conservation funding that is being negotiated under global environment protocols and agreements on climate change.

Mabira is a cultural heritage. The early settlers in Buganda called Nakalanga (a human race of pygmies) lived in Mabira and some people pay homage to the spirits of Nakalanga in parts of the forest. A village in the northern part of Mabira is called Nakalanga. Griffin Falls in Wasswa village is also visited by people who undertake spiritual attachments to spirits, believed to dwell there.

What do you think?

Should Mabira be destroyed and replaced with sugarcane power generation will be compromised.