2019
by Joint Effort to Save the Environment

Enhancing Stakeholder and Institutional Engagement and Participation for Conservation of Mpanga Falls Ecosystem

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Species protection Community managed nature protection Ecosystem protection
2019
by Joint Effort to Save the Environment

Enhancing Stakeholder and Institutional Engagement and Participation for Conservation of Mpanga Falls Ecosystem

The project aims at contributing to conservation and protection of endangered plant species (Encephalartos Whitelockii, also called Mpanga Falls Cycad’s) in one of the recently gazetted Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) in Uganda, Mpanga falls. Following the construction of a hydropower plant in 2011, and encroachment from neighboring cattle farming communities, the Mpanga Falls Cycad’s natural habitat has become increasingly threatened. The project aims to create awareness to the pastoralists, farmers, political leaders, technical and administrative heads, on the importance of the plant, including creating a platform for dialogue on enforcement of the bye-law developed (in relation to the endangered species).

 

The project will employ the bottom up stakeholder engagement, through the micro-catchment structures, and encourage community implementation of the household landuse plans. The project will conduct evidenced-based research that will be used to inform implementation of stakeholder dialogue meetings, and development of position papers to influence policy enforcement. The project will conduct education and awareness creation sessions on the values attached to the plant, including on the policies and bye-laws needed to support the conservation efforts of the plant. Education Information and Communication materials shall be designed to enhance awareness. Kobo collect tool box shall be used for effective monitoring.

Name organisation:
Joint Effort to Save the Environment
Start date:
01-08-2019
Funding:
€10000
Country/Territory:
Uganda
Name organisation:
Joint Effort to Save the Environment
Start date:
01-08-2019
Funding:
€10000
Country/Territory:
Uganda Africa

Plant habitat to be protected

The Mpanga Falls Cycad is one of the largest species of cycads, and the Mpanga Falls is the only place in the world where this species occurs in the wild. The plant seeds were collected for various uses and this posed a serious threat to its regeneration. Other parts used were leaves, stems and roots. In order to conserve the species, it is recommended that the entire habitat of the plant should be gazetted into a protected area; on-farm conservation, propagation and ecotourism should be encouraged among the frontline communities. The cycad plant is illegally harvested for a medicinal value.