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Masaka, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Diamond Trust Bank Uganda has partnered with the National Forestry Authority to plant over 20,000 trees to restore degraded parts of Kasonke Central Forest Reserve (CFR) in Masaka.
Kasonke Central Forest Reserve known for its high biodiversity value, faces threats of degradation and deforestation mainly from encroachment. Addressing these challenges, DTB’s CEO Godfrey Sebaana said, “We all have a responsibility to preserve the environment for today and future generations”
The restoration effort will not only enhance the forest’s biodiversity but also promote employment in the forest-adjacent communities.
The partnership, signed on July 18, will also empower surrounding communities by educating them through community-based groups that will participate in afforestation programs.
This will happen through training programs covering topics like tree nursery management, sustainable resource utilization techniques, and forest conservation.
This partnership will kick off the bank’s environmental sustainability campaign dubbed the DTB Green Initiative. Through this campaign, the bank aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint by forming partnerships for sustainability.
A key goal of this initiative is to plant 1,000,000 trees by 2030.
“By planting trees, we help mitigate the effects of climate change reducing the amount of carbon dioxide from the air and storing it in the trees and soil,” said Cassias Kajungu, Head of Sustainability at DTB. To date, DTB has planted 4,440 trees by forming partnerships for sustainability.
Sebaana further stated, “It is important for us to be involved and engaged in preserving our community to improve the quality of life in communities 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 Ag. Executive Director-National Forestry Authority Stuart Maniraguha said, “The Authority is strategically engaging in meaningful partnership to contribute to Uganda’s Vision of increasing forest cover to 24% by 2040.
He said Kasonke is of high biodiversity which is traversed by the Kasonke stream which pours directly into L. Victoria. The reserve provides a catchment for both the stream and lake which the people of Bulayi and Sanji villages depend on for both domestic and production”.
