In a significant move towards environmental preservation, Diamond Trust Bank Uganda (DTB) has joined hands with the National Forestry Authority (NFA) to embark on an ambitious project aimed at restoring the degraded parts of Kasonke Central Forest Reserve (CFR) in Masaka. This initiative valued at eighty-nine million seven hundred sixty thousand shillings (89,760,000), is set to plant over 20,000 trees, is a critical step in addressing the rampant threats of degradation and deforestation that the forest faces, primarily due to encroachment.
Kasonke CFR, known for its high biodiversity value, has been under siege from various forms of environmental degradation. These challenges have prompted a concerted effort from various stakeholders to save the forest. DTB’s CEO, Godfrey Sebaana, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We all have a responsibility to preserve the environment for today and for future generations.”
This restoration effort promises to do more than just enhance the forest’s biodiversity. It also aims to promote employment in the adjacent communities, thereby addressing both environmental and socio-economic issues. The partnership between DTB and NFA is designed to empower surrounding communities through education provided by community-based groups that will actively participate in afforestation programs. These programs will offer training in tree nursery management, sustainable resource utilization techniques, and forest conservation, equipping locals with the skills needed to sustain these efforts.
The restoration project will serve as the inaugural activity of DTB’s new environmental sustainability campaign, the DTB Green Initiative. Through this campaign, the bank aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint by forming strategic partnerships focused on sustainability. A cornerstone goal of this initiative is to plant 1,000,000 trees by 2030. Cassias Kajungu, Head of Sustainability at DTB, highlighted the impact of such efforts: “By planting trees, we help mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the air and storing it in the trees and soil.” To date, DTB has planted 4,440 trees through similar sustainability partnerships.
Sebaana further underscored the significance of the bank’s involvement in environmental preservation. “It is important for us to be involved and engaged in preserving our community to improve the quality of life in the areas where we operate and to mitigate climate change. The best way to defend against the effects of climate change is to prevent rather than treat, and ensure a future-proof plan for many generations to come.”
The Acting Executive Director of the National Forestry Authority, Stuart Maniraguha, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “The Authority is strategically engaging in meaningful partnerships to contribute to Uganda’s vision of increasing forest cover to 24% by 2040. Together with DTB, we shall restore degraded parts of Kasonke CFR. The forest is rich in biodiversity and is traversed by the Kasonke stream, which flows directly into Lake Victoria. The reserve provides a catchment area for both the stream and the lake, which the people of Bulayi and Sanji villages depend on for both domestic and production purposes.”
Signed and sealed; Mr Stuart Maniraguha – Acting Executive Director of National Forestry Authority – Uganda and the CEO DTB-Uganda Mr Godfrey Sebaana after signing the MOU
The initiative also places a strong emphasis on community involvement. Casias Musasira, another key figure in DTB’s sustainability efforts, highlighted the importance of engaging local communities in the restoration process. “Through this partnership, we will engage local communities in the growing process and provide training and employment opportunities to foster stewardship towards a greener and sustainable future.”
This collaborative effort between DTB and NFA marks a significant stride towards environmental sustainability and community empowerment. The DTB Green Initiative is not just about planting trees; it’s about creating a movement that integrates environmental preservation with socio-economic development. By involving local communities, providing education, and creating employment opportunities, the initiative aims to ensure that the benefits of these efforts are felt broadly and sustainably.
The project’s impact is expected to be far-reaching. The newly planted trees will not only contribute to carbon sequestration, helping to combat climate change, but they will also restore critical habitats for wildlife, enhancing the overall biodiversity of the region. Furthermore, the project will improve the resilience of local ecosystems, ensuring that they can better withstand environmental pressures in the future.
Stuart Maniraguha – Acting Executive Director of National Forestry Authority – Uganda. and the CEO DTB – Uganda Mr Godfrey Sebaana planting a tree in commemoration of the partnership.
Community empowerment is a central pillar of this initiative. By training local residents in sustainable forestry practices, the project ensures that the skills and knowledge needed to maintain these efforts are embedded within the community. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among local residents, ensuring that the forest restoration efforts are sustained long after the initial planting is complete.
The DTB Green Initiative is a shining example of how corporate entities can play a pivotal role in environmental conservation. By leveraging their resources and influence, companies like DTB can drive significant positive change, aligning their business goals with broader environmental and social objectives. This initiative sets a powerful precedent for other organizations to follow, demonstrating that sustainable practices can be integrated into business operations in ways that benefit both the environment and local communities.
As the first trees are planted in Kasonke Central Forest Reserve, the collaboration between DTB and NFA offers a beacon of hope for environmental restoration and community empowerment. It is a testament to what can be achieved when diverse stakeholders come together with a shared vision of sustainability and stewardship. The DTB Green Initiative is not just about planting trees; it’s about planting the seeds of a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
