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Kibuku District starts drive to restore wetlands

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Kibuku District starts drive to restore wetlands
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Efforts to reclaim and restore 65% of Kibuku District's degraded wetlands have gained momentum with the launch of a comprehensive wetland restoration initiative by the Ministry of Water and Environment in partnership with the Kibuku Local Government.

The Nanoko-Katiryo wetland, covering 681.5 acres, has been identified as a key target for restoration due to its extensive degradation over the years.

Traditionally, the wetland has provided critical resources for local communities engaged in activities such as rice, potato, and yam farming. However, this overdependence has led to significant ecological damage.

Jonathan Kirya, a district councillor, highlighted the wetland's importance, saying, "This wetland has been everything to the population here, especially when it comes to rice farming."

The restoration effort commenced with a robust community sensitization campaign. Margaret Nalubega, an official from the Ministry of Water and Environment, explained the process.

"We start from the district level down to the village. What is contained in this package, we show them the wetland status and tell them the advantages of vacating the wetland."

By engaging with local communities, the initiative aims to foster a sense of ownership and awareness about sustainable wetland management practices.

To ensure the sustainability of the initiative, the government has also introduced programs to provide alternative livelihoods for those dependent on the wetland.

According to Assistant RDC Luke Mbasa, the approach is holistic.

"Government doesn't only remove people from wetlands but also provides alternative sources of livelihoods such as giving affected persons animals."

This strategy ensures that the community's economic needs are addressed while protecting vital ecosystems.

Joseph Kangule, Kibuku District Environment Officer, revealed that 65% of the district is classified as wetland, with 30% already restored.

The Nanoko-Katiryo wetland, located within the Impologoma wetland catchment, is central to this effort. The restoration exercise includes demarcating a 17-kilometer stretch of the wetland in Kituti and Buseta sub-counties.

The restoration of the Nanoko-Katiryo wetland marks a significant milestone in combating environmental degradation in the Bukedi sub-region, known for its extensive waterlogged areas.

By addressing both ecological and socio-economic concerns, the initiative sets a precedent for sustainable wetland management in the region.

As the two-week exercise continues, the collaborative effort between government authorities and local communities offers hope for a healthier and more sustainable future for Kibuku’s wetlands.

 

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