Restoring Mount Elgon’s degraded forest ecosystem

Project update

5 Oct

Written By Wycliffe Matika, Africa Programmes Manager

Straddled between the Ugandan and Kenyan border, lies Mount Elgon. A dormant volcano whose slopes are covered in a lush forest ecosystem. Some of the most common trees found here include elgon teak and massive podocarpus trees.

The forest is also home to over 200 bird species and animals like blue colobus monkeys and buffalos. It is a haven to thousands of plant species, many of which are endemic to the region.

ITF Africa Programme Manager, Wycliffe Matika, pictured with two Uganda Wildlife Authority Officers during a visit to Mount Elgon in August.

In addition to being a key biodiversity hotspot, Mount Elgon is also critical source of water for millions of people. The streams that flow from the mountain feed into major rivers and lakes that provide water for drinking, irrigation and hydroelectric power.

Fragile and threatened

But this luscious ecosystem is facing serious threats, from sand mining and commercial logging to charcoal burning. The rising population is also putting a strain on Mount Elgon, as people clear more land to cultivate crops. This has depleted native tree species in the region and degraded fragile swamps and slopes.

For the millions of people in this region who rely on the forest for food, water and fuelwood, the impact is devastating. In recent years, communities here have dealt with ever more frequent and catastrophic landslides and floods.

There’s no doubt that the future of Mount Elgon’s forest ecosystem is at risk. And there is an urgent need for a holistic approach to restore degraded areas and protect this important water catchment area. One way to do this is through community-led restoration.

Already underway

To address the threats facing Mount Elgon’s forest ecosystem, we’ve partnered up with Mount Elgon Tree Enterprise (METGE). A local not-for-profit organisation that links communities across Eastern Uganda with tree planting, agroforestry and beekeeping activities.

Through this partnership, we’re supporting local communities in Mbale District to plant trees and rehabilitate over 500 hectares of this ecosystem

The project is already underway. Community mobilisation and sensitisation are ongoing, and community nurseries have been established.

In the short rains beginning in October, 70,000 indigenous seedlings will be planted promoting reforestation. And 30,000 agroforestry trees will be planted on adjacent farms.

To ensure sustainability and success of this project, we’re working closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). They are playing a key role by allocating tree planting site, providing technical assistance and supporting the protection of newly planted trees.

Right now, the future of Mount Elgon’s forest ecosystem is uncertain. But with community-led restoration, there is hope that this precious ecosystem can be restored and protected.