Protect Uganda's Cranes & Restore Wetland Habitat

Dear Donor,

Smallholder farmers need practical options for managing their land sustainably while maintaining productive livelihoods. Integrating appropriate trees into farming systems is one approach that can support both environmental conservation and livelihood diversification.

Through its sustainable natural resource management work, Uganda Wildlife Society trained and supported 335 smallholder households to adopt promoted technologies and supplied seedlings for demonstration and planting activities.

The seedlings included seven tree species: Azadirachta indica, Khaya anthotheca, Cordia africana, Grevillea robusta, Maesopsis eminii, Albizia coriaria, and Terminalia superba.

The range of species provides opportunities to explore different roles for trees within suitable farming systems. Depending on the species and how they are managed, trees may contribute to soil protection, shade, useful wood products, habitat improvement, and other environmental and livelihood benefits.

Training and demonstration activities help farmers understand that tree growing requires informed decisions. Species must be appropriate for local conditions, and planting arrangements must account for crops, available space, water, and household needs.

The initiative also creates opportunities for farmers to exchange experiences and share lessons with neighboring households.

We appreciate the 335 participating households and the partners who support community-based conservation.

By combining practical training with access to planting materials, we are helping farmers explore ways to make their land more productive, diverse, and environmentally sustainable.

Thank you for supporting smallholder farmers and sustainable natural resource management in Uganda.

Dear Donor,

Restoring degraded landscapes becomes more sustainable when local households are directly involved in protecting and managing their natural resources.

In Mayuge District, Eastern Uganda, Uganda Wildlife Society has worked with Mayuge District Local Government and beneficiary communities to restore degraded habitats along the shores of Lake Victoria.

With support from the American Embassy through the Self-Help Ambassador Support, the initiative contributed to the planting of 63,000 tree seedlings and indigenous grasses across targeted degraded areas. More than 100 households also received tree seedlings to participate in restoration activities.

Household participation is important because environmental restoration does not end when a project team completes a planting exercise. Trees need care, protection, and monitoring as they grow. Engaging families helps extend restoration efforts into community-managed spaces and encourages a shared responsibility for environmental protection.

The planted vegetation is expected to contribute to improved ground cover, reduced soil erosion, and better habitat conditions as it becomes established. These benefits depend on appropriate species selection and continued maintenance.

The initiative also demonstrates the value of collaboration between conservation organizations, local government, and communities. Each partner contributes to a shared objective: protecting the ecological health of the Lake Victoria shoreline.

We sincerely thank the American Embassy, Mayuge District Local Government, and participating households for supporting this important work.

When households become partners in restoration, environmental protection becomes part of community life rather than a one-time project activity.

Together, we are working toward healthier lakeshore habitats and a greener future for communities around Lake Victoria.