Uganda Prepares 7th National Biodiversity Report, Emphasizing Inclusive Conservation

Jinja, Uganda – The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is leading a crucial workshop to prepare Uganda’s 7th national report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This report is a vital step in demonstrating Uganda’s commitment to global biodiversity conservation efforts.

The initiative is financially supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with co-financing from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) – Uganda for stakeholder engagement meetings.

The preparation of this report is a highly collaborative undertaking, bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders. Participants include representatives from relevant government sectors, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Indigenous People and Local Communities (IPLCs), women’s groups, youth organizations, academia, and the private sector. This inclusive approach aims to capture a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity efforts and challenges across the nation.

Uganda ratified the CBD on September 8, 1993, and has since integrated its principles into national legal and policy frameworks, including the Constitution, the National Environment Management Policy, the National Environment Act, and other relevant sectoral policies and laws.

Under Article 26 of the CBD, signatory parties are required to submit national reports to the Conference of the Parties (COP). These reports detail the measures taken to implement the Convention and assess their effectiveness in achieving the CBD’s objectives.

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) serves as a key implementation tool for the CBD and decisions made by the COP. NBSAPs provide a national framework for biodiversity conservation.

A significant development in global biodiversity conservation occurred in December 2022, when the Conference of Parties adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). This framework necessitates the revision or updating of NBSAPs to align with its ambitious goals and targets. The KMGBF envisions a world living in harmony with nature, where “by 2050, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people.”

During the inception workshop, Anthony Kamau, a UNEP representative speaking to participants online, underscored the importance of a participatory and inclusive process. He specifically encouraged amplifying the voices of local communities, farmers, youth, and indigenous people, reaffirming UNEP’s commitment to supporting Uganda in implementing the CBD and KMGBF.

Mr. Andrew Akasibayo, representing the FAO, reiterated FAO’s dedication to assisting the Ugandan government in integrating biodiversity considerations into agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and land-use planning. He highlighted FAO’s ongoing programs in agrobiodiversity conservation, sustainable land management, and climate-smart agriculture, emphasizing their direct contribution to CBD goals and NBSAP III Targets for Uganda.

Mr. Francis Ogwal, Senior Manager for Environment Planning and Coordination at NEMA and Uganda’s National CBD Focal Point, reminded participants of the KMGBF’s mission for the period up to 2030: to take urgent action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, putting nature on a path to recovery for the benefit of people and the planet. This includes conserving and sustainably using biodiversity, ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources, and providing the necessary means of implementation.

The 7th national report is expected to be submitted in February 2026, following an intensive review and compilation process that will incorporate contributions from all relevant stakeholders.