Kabale University on Tuesday handed over research findings supporting the conservation of papyrus endemic biodiversity in Kigezi and parts of Ankole to the Ministry of Water and Environment and the National Environment Management Authority for possible implementation.
The handover was done during a dissemination and handover workshop for proposed Key Biodiversity Areas on supporting Papyrus endemic biodiversity in Uganda, held in Kabale town and attended by local leaders from Rubanda, Kabale, Rukiga, Rwampara and Ntungamo districts.
Dr Julius Arinaitwe, Chief Directorate of Research and Grants at Kabale University, Dr Denis Okello, Head of Biological Sciences, and Dr Daniel Buyinza, Dean Faculty of Sciences, presented the findings to government officials.
The three-year research project cost about USD 420,000, according to Dr Arinaitwe.
Presenting the results, the Kabale University research team said papyrus wetlands in East Africa support bird species that depend on papyrus habitats for breeding, feeding and shelter, but the ecosystems are under threat.
‘Papyrus wetlands in East Africa support a unique assemblage of bird species that are highly dependent on papyrus habits for breeding, feeding and shelter. However these ecosystems are increasingly threatened by habitat degradation, agricultural expansion and unsustainable resource use,’ the team stated.
The study was conducted in Bukiro-Kibaale wetland, Nyamuriro wetland, and papyrus wetlands around Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mutanda and Lake Murehe. ‘A total of 3,253 individual observations belonging to six papyrus specialist bird species were recorded across the wetlands,’ the team said.
The researchers noted that Rushebeya-Kanyabaha, Bukiro-Kibaale and Nyaruteme wetlands supported substantial populations of the vulnerable papyrus yellow warbler. ‘Two wetlands of Nyamuriro and Nyaruteme have been encroached upon and are increasingly under threat from agriculture and the establishment of cattle farms,’ they added.
They also reported that ‘sizable papyrus swamp areas still exist around Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mutanda as well as Rushebeya-Kanyabaha and Bukiro-Kibaale wetlands. Small patches of papyrus vegetation remain around the fringes of Lake Mulehe.’
On wildlife, the team recorded ‘a total of 44 herpetofauna species that include 32 amphibian species and 12 reptile species.’
The research team recommended safeguarding globally threatened papyrus-dependent species, protecting the remaining high altitude wetland ecosystems in south western Uganda, supporting national and global biodiversity targets, and providing opportunities for restoration, monitoring and community conservation.
In his keynote address read by Ms Nakafeero, NEMA Executive Director Dr Barirega Akankwasah thanked Kabale University and its partners. ‘The vision of NBSAPIII is ‘rich biodiversity benefiting the present and future generations’ while its goal is to enhance biodiversity conservation, reduce biodiversity loss and ensure equitable sharing of benefits arising from utilization of genetic resources. I would like to thank Kabale University and its development partners for supporting the project development, implementation and dissemination of the research findings,’ Dr Barirega said.
He encouraged local authorities to mainstream the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan III 2025-2030 in their plans and programs.
Ms Lyango called on regional decision makers to use the evidence to secure legal protection for threatened habitats. ‘We all do recognize that piecemeal interventions do not halt or minimize environmental problems and that tackling the interlinked environmental and social challenges require holistic solutions, systemic and transformative changes. This requires the coordination of all stakeholders because the more we raise our voices together, the faster we will see positive changes in attitudes, practices and knowledge,’ Ms Lyango said.