Timber factories will now be required to provide evidence of a sustainable source of raw materials, before they are approved to operate in Uganda -NEMA Executive Director Barirega Akankwasa said on Tuesday.
According to a public notice issued today, Dr. Akankwasa also says effective Tuesday 6th September 2022, all existing timber plants will be required to identify their sustainable source of wood (with evidence) before their ceetificates are renewed or audits approved.
Dr. Akankwasa says, the new development by National Environment Management Authority is intended to consolidate national efforts to restore national forest cover, to curb rampant harvest of immature trees, and poaching of trees from protected areas.
The notice comes a few weeks after NEEMA issued another notice directing all people settling on wetlands across the country to immediately vacate as a measure to restore wetlands in the country.
The efforts are in line with president Yoweri Museveni’s directive to have all encroachers on wetlands evicted and all their structures demolished without compensation from government.
The president has also emphasized protection of the environment as part of a national and global plan to fight effects of climate change.
The national plan involves planting of trees as a means to restore forest cover but also preserving natural forests. It also involves restoration of wetlands as well as reducing practices which degrade soil, wetlands and forests in the country.
