Green fuel threatens a ‘biodiversity heaven’
From The Times
July 9, 2007

Rob Crilly in Nairobi
Almost a third of Uganda’s bird life could lose its habitat in a
protected
forest if the Government goes ahead with plans to allow sugar cane
growers
to tear down trees and cultivate plantations for biofuel production.
Mabira Forest is home to several endangered species including Nahan’s
francolin, a partridge-like bird found in pairs in the darkest,
densest,
dampest parts of the tropical jungle. Nine primate species,
including the
recently discovered grey-cheeked mangabey, would also lose their
habitat.
Conservationists believe that dozens more species of international
significance, including plants with medicinal properties, may live
in the
75,000-acre (30,000ha) reserve only 20 miles (30km) from Kampala, the
capital.

Chris Magin, the RSPB international officer for Africa,
said: “Slicing up
Mabira would be an environmental disaster and makes no economic
sense at
all. Sugar production in Uganda is hugely inefficient and has to be
heavily
subsidised to be competitive.”
The reserve forms part of the Guinea Congo Forest in Central Africa,
one of
the most important wild-life habitats in the region, with at least
300
species of birds. Mabira is supposed to be protected in return for
£180
million of World Bank funding for construction of the controversial
Bujagali
hydroelectric dam on the River Nile close to Lake Victoria.
Last year President Museveni ordered a study into whether to allow
the Mehta
Group, which has close ties to his Government, to use about a
quarter of the
forest for sugar. The plans provoked widespread hostility. First the
Government dismissed its entire National Forestry Authority after
members
unanimously opposed the clearance. Then in April a demonstration
organised
by environmentalists spiralled into racial violence directed against
Mehta,
who are of Ugandan-Indian origins. Protesters attacked a Hindu
temple in
Kampala and Asian bystanders were stoned. Three people died before
police
restored order by firing live rounds.
The protests prompted ministers to announce a review of the decision
but
conservationists believe that President Museveni will forge ahead
with the
plan once international attention has waned after the Commonwealth
heads of
government meeting in Kampala in November.
Destruction of even a quarter of the forest would have a devastating
effect
on soil erosion, rivers and the local economy, according to a survey
conducted by environmentalists at NatureUganda. They point out that
eco-tourism is the second-largest foreign exchange earner in Uganda,
with 62
per cent of income coming from visits to the unique landscape of
Mabira.
Achilles Byaruhanga, the executive director of the organisation,
said:
“Mabira is a biodiversity heaven and conserving it is a much better
option
than growing sugar cane.”