Government to plant 140 million trees to mitigate carbon emissions
She stated that the country is ready to harvest carbon credits from its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Kakumiro: In a bid to balance the environmental footprint of its developing oil and gas industry, the Ugandan government has launched an initiative to plant 140 million trees aimed at mitigating the carbon emissions expected to rise from the extraction and production of oil and gas.
This was revealed on Friday, June 14, 2024, during the belated world environmental day celebrations of the 2nd edition organized by all oil companies operating in Uganda under the theme “Harnessing petroleum resources while mitigating climate risks” held at St. Genesius Catholic Parish Mpasaana in Kakumiro District.
According to Peter Muriisa, the alliance aims to plant 140 million trees across Uganda, a move that will help offset carbon emissions and protect the environment.
Muriisa unveiled that so far, 20,000 trees have been planted in the Albertine Graben and that she has also engaged local communities, clergy, and civil society organizations to ensure that the environmental initiative is owned and driven by all stakeholders.
He adds that the tree-planting exercise is part of a broader effort to restore degraded forests, promote biodiversity, and support community development.
Ernest Rubondo, the executive director of the petroleum authority in Uganda, said that Uganda has invested heavily in training personnel in the oil and gas sector, ensuring that the country has the necessary expertise to manage its natural resources effectively.
Rubondo noted that Uganda has developed comprehensive plans and mitigations to minimize the environmental impact of oil and gas production, making it a model for responsible resource management in the region.
He expressed confidence that Uganda’s approach to oil and gas development will strike a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Rubondo also emphasized that the country is committed to ensuring that its natural resources benefit all Ugandans while minimizing harm to the environment.
Isaac Ayintuju from the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) encouraged stakeholders to continue working together to ensure that Uganda’s natural resources are managed in a way that benefits both present and future generations.
He says that environmental management is not for NEMA alone but a joint effort.
Speaking as the chief guest, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, the minister of energy and mineral development, echoed Uganda’s commitment to responsible oil and gas management.
Nankabirwa stated that the country is ready to harvest carbon credits from its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
She praised the government’s investment in training experts to manage the oil and gas sector, ensuring that Uganda has the necessary capacity to maximize the benefits of its natural resources while minimizing environmental harm.
Nankabirwa emphasized that Uganda’s approach to oil and gas development prioritizes sustainability and environmental stewardship, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
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