KASESE: Fairventures Worldwide and People and Nature, both non-governmental organizations, have partnered with Obusinga Bwa-Rwenzururu on a successful tree-planting project in Kasese District.

The project has resulted in the planting of over four hundred thousand trees on the bare hills to conserve nature.

Obusinga Bwa-Rwenzururu signed a five-year contract with the two organizations starting in 2019. The project was officially handed over on Friday at an event held at White House Gardens in Kasese town, with a call to everyone to enhance community resilience to climate action for sustainability.

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In his speech, Mr. James Thembo, the head of field operations at Fairventures Worldwide, emphasized that converting bare hills into forests can increase land value and security, provide biomass, regulate the climate, and conserve the environment. He also highlighted other benefits of tree planting, such as carbon sequestration and tourism promotion.

Mr. Jackson Mumbere, the Project Coordinator for People and Nature, stressed the need for increased sensitization and a change in mindset about environmental conservation, especially among those who own bare hills and valleys in the district.

Hon. Julius Muhindo, the Minister for Tourism and Disaster Management in the OBR, commended the efforts of the partners and called upon other organizations with similar projects to join the initiative. He noted that proper environmental conservation can be a source of income through tourism, a leading global sector.

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Rt. Hon. Noah Nzaghale, the Speaker of the House of Representatives who represented the Prime Minister of Obusinga Bwa-Rwenzururu, emphasized the need for water harvesting as a method to control runoff, which remains a challenge in the highlands.