Managing Uganda's biodiversity amid climate and societal change
| dc.contributor.author | Omeja, Patrick A. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Golooba, Martin | |
| dc.contributor.author | Opito, Emmanuel A. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Tumwesigye, Charles | |
| dc.contributor.author | Chapman, Colin A. | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-06-29T17:59:17Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-06-29T17:59:17Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2026-04-10 | |
| dc.description | This study advances SDG 15 (Life on Land) by promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management, SDG 13 (Climate Action) through evidence-based climate adaptation, and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by strengthening conservation research and environmental capacity building. The research aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV (NDP IV), specifically the Natural Resources, Environment, Climate Change, Land and Water Management Programme, as well as the Tourism and Human Capital Development Programmes. By assessing the impacts of climate change, population growth, and land-use change on biodiversity, the study generates evidence to inform policies that support ecosystem conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. Furthermore, it enhances institutional capacity, environmental education, and community engagement to safeguard Uganda’s biodiversity, maintain nature-based tourism, and foster long-term socio-economic development. | |
| dc.description.abstract | Uganda is home to remarkable biodiversity, supports diverse ecosystems ranging from glacier-topped mountains, tropical rain forests, to semi-arid systems, has a well-established and effective protected areas system, and benefits substantially from nature tourism. However, Uganda will face significant challenges if it is to maintain these riches. For example, the country's population is growing rapidly and is expected to surpass 100 million by 2050, more than 80% of households depend directly on natural resources for their livelihoods, and agricultural land has expanded by about 1% per year. Furthermore, Uganda is one of the world's most climate-vulnerable countries, and flooding and droughts are predicted to become much more common. Such changes will increase demands on natural resources, including those in protected areas. Uganda's government is aware of these challenges and has become a regional leader in environmental policy by taking a proactive approach. However, Uganda is struggling to educate its citizens and build the capacity for effective protection. Here we evaluate Uganda's conservation status and the threats to biodiversity from societal and climate change. We consider the current capacity and institutional infrastructure available to conserve the country's biodiversity, focusing on training and research, policy implementation and capacity in the field. Despite major challenges, clear pathways to a bright future are available. | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Omeja, P. A., Golooba, M., Opito, E. A., Tumwesigye, C., & Chapman, C. A. (2026). Managing Uganda's biodiversity amid climate and societal change. African Journal of Ecology, 64(2), e70150. | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 1365-2028 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://dir.muni.ac.ug/handle/20.500.12260/1001 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | John Wiley & Sons | |
| dc.subject | Community-based conservation | |
| dc.subject | Conservation and development | |
| dc.subject | Habitat loss | |
| dc.subject | Protected areas | |
| dc.title | Managing Uganda's biodiversity amid climate and societal change | |
| dc.type | Article |