September 4th to September 8th
My key highlights by Regan Okia
African’s Vision for a Sustainable Future
In a resounding display of commitment to environmental sustainability and economic
growth, the African Union, in collaboration with the Kenyan government and under the
leadership of President William Ruto, recently hosted the African Climatic Summit. This
landmark event provided a platform for African leaders to address critical issues
surrounding climate change, renewable energy, and the immense potential of the continent’s
youth population.
Nairobi, the host city, garnered praise from President Ruto for its unique blend of natural
beauty, boasting lush forests and expansive national parks. Nairobi is also home to the
headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), making it a fitting
location for discussions on global environmental challenges. Kenya’s historical significance as
the “Cradle of Mankind,” due to sites like the Olduvai Gorge, added to the event’s prestige.
One notable highlight was Kenya’s commitment to regional economic development,
exemplified by the plan to abolish visas for travelers from Uganda. This move underscores
the importance of fostering collaboration and integration among African nations.
The central theme of the summit revolved around the urgent need for African nations to
achieve sustainable economic growth while safeguarding the environment. President Ruto
acknowledged Africa’s relatively small carbon footprint, emphasizing the continent’s
potential to lead in decarbonization efforts and promote green growth.
Highlighting Africa’s most valuable asset – its burgeoning, educated, and innovative young
population – President Ruto emphasized the need to provide social well-being without
compromising environmental sustainability. This demographic advantage positions Africa to
drive innovation and entrepreneurship for a sustainable future.
The summit also shed light on Africa’s abundant renewable energy sources, which could play
a pivotal role in transitioning to a green economy and reducing carbon emissions. President
Ruto stressed the importance of harnessing these resources to unlock new economic
opportunities and propel African nations into multimillion-dollar economies.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by inadequate institutional capacity and financial
resources, President Ruto called for careful scrutiny and adaptation of policies, regulations,
taxation, and climatic justice measures at local and national levels. The summit was lauded
for its ability to attract investors and foster innovation, serving as a crucial driver of
sustainable development across the continent.
The Absentees and the Global Climate Divide
However, amidst the enthusiasm and commitment exhibited at the African Climatic Summit,
the absence of key African leaders sent a powerful message about the complex dynamics of
global climate action.
Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni chose not to attend due to the presence of the
US envoy on climate change, John Kerry, hailing from a country recognized as one of the
world’s major polluters. Museveni’s absence was rooted in a desire not to be lectured by
nations responsible for significant carbon emissions. His reluctance to engage with a US
representative also bore the weight of past tensions, stemming from America’s response to
Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ legislation.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa formally withdrew from the summit, reflecting his
government’s resistance to pressure from ecological advocates to abandon coal in favor of
renewable energy sources. With 80% of South Africa’s energy derived from coal, internal
challenges, such as power shortages or “load shedding,” influenced Ramaphosa decision.
Nigeria, as a leading oil producer, declined to attend, citing concerns about being a
bystander in discussions led by the world’s worst emitters. This highlighted the global divide
on climate action and emphasized the need for equitable representation and shared
responsibilities in addressing the climate crisis.
African Development Bank’s commitment to Youth and Climate Finance
In a significant development, African Development Bank President Akinwunmi Adesina
announced a new $1 billion facility to accelerate climate financing for African youth
businesses. This initiative, known as Youth Adapt, is a collaboration between the Bank and
the Global Centre on Adaptation. It encourages young entrepreneurs and small and medium
enterprises in Africa to submit innovative climate change adaptation solutions.
President Adesina emphasized that Africa’s youth should not be content with small-scale
initiatives but rather be at the forefront of climate action. Over the past two years, Youth
Adapt has provided more than $1.5 million to 33 young entrepreneurs across 19 African
countries, with some seeing a 200% increase in profits.
In a powerful statement, Ban Ki Moon, the 8th Secretary-General of the UN, urged African
youths to transcend national boundaries and hold their leaders accountable for climate
promises. Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Arts, and Sports, Ababu
Namwamba, shared Kenya’s ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees in 10 years, with the
recruitment of a “Green Army” of one million youth as Climate Action Warriors.
The event also featured the presentation of the Youth4Adaptation Communiqué, which
called for youth inclusion in climate decision-making and a doubling of climate adaptation
financing by 2025.
The $650 Billion Carbon Market: Opportunities and Concerns for Africa
The African Climatic Summit witnessed the announcement of several significant deals,
including the UAE’s commitment of $450 million and an additional $200 million pledge from
Climate Assets Management to support the African Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI).
These financial injections represent a major step towards harnessing the potential of carbon
markets to combat climate change and drive sustainable development in Africa.
Mr. John Kerry, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, emphasized the vast
opportunities presented by carbon markets to attract investments, including concessional
funds. However, he stressed the need for these markets to maintain integrity in their
operations.
Carbon markets, at their core, are trading systems where carbon credits are bought and
sold. They provide a mechanism for companies or individuals to offset their greenhouse gas
emissions by purchasing carbon credits from entities that have invested in emission
reduction projects.
Yet, some voices, including Mr. Mohammed Adow, the Director of Powershift, raise valid
concerns about the design of carbon markets. Adow argues that these markets tend to offer
pollution permits to wealthy industrialized countries and companies, effectively locking them
into high emission pathways while shifting the burden of emissions reduction to African
nations. He goes further to describe this as a new form of neo-colonialism.
The debate surrounding carbon markets underscores the need for careful consideration of
their implications, especially in the context of African nations striving to balance economic
growth with environmental sustainability. On one hand, carbon markets can provide a
valuable avenue for attracting much-needed investments and financing for climate mitigation
and adaptation projects. This influx of funds can support renewable energy initiatives,
reforestation efforts, and sustainable agriculture practices, among other vital activities.
However, it is crucial that these markets are structured in a way that promotes fairness and
avoids exacerbating historical inequalities. African countries, many of which have lower
historical emissions and are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, should not
bear a disproportionate burden in the fight against global warming.
To address the concerns raised by Mr. Adow and others, international cooperation and
stringent regulatory frameworks are essential. The integrity of carbon markets must be
upheld to ensure that they effectively reduce global emissions while respecting the principles
of equity and justice. African leaders, in collaboration with the international community,
should actively engage in the design and governance of these markets to safeguard the
continent’s interests.
References
https://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/press-releases/1-billion-boost-access-climatefinance-africas-youths-african-development-bank-announces-64125
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/why-uganda-south-africa-and-nigeriaskipped-africa-climate-summit-4362116
Category: Uncategorized
Protecting the Pride of Uganda
Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” boasts a rich tapestry of wildlife, culture, and natural beauty. At the heart of this nation’s identity is the majestic Gray crowned crane commonly known as “Crested Crane”, revered as the national bird and a symbol of pride and unity. However, despite its cultural significance, the Crested Crane faces numerous challenges that threaten its existence. In this article, we delve into the plight of this iconic bird and explore the urgent need for conservation efforts to safeguard its future
The Significance of the Crested Crane:
The Crested Crane, scientifically known as Balearica regulorum, holds a special place in Ugandan culture and tradition. With its striking plumage of golden feathers, graceful stature, and distinctive crown of feathers atop its head, the Crested Crane is not only a sight to behold but also a symbol of resilience and endurance.
In Uganda, the Gray Crowned Crane is deeply ingrained in folklore and mythology, often depicted in traditional dances, artwork, and ceremonies. It is revered as a harbinger of good fortune and a representation of national pride. Its image adorns the Ugandan flag and official emblems, serving as a poignant reminder of the country’s natural heritage and unity.
Threats to the Crested Crane:
Despite its cultural significance, the Crested Crane faces a myriad of threats that jeopardize its survival. Habitat loss, driven by agricultural expansion, urbanization, and human encroachment, poses a significant challenge to the bird’s existence. Wetlands, which serve as crucial breeding grounds and foraging areas for the Crested Crane, are being drained and degraded at an alarming rate, further exacerbating the problem.
Additionally, the illegal wildlife trade and poaching pose significant threats to the Crested Crane population. These birds are often captured for the exotic pet trade or killed for their feathers, which are used in traditional rituals and ceremonies. Moreover, human-wildlife conflicts, including collisions with power lines and habitat fragmentation, further threaten the survival of this vulnerable species.
Conservation Efforts:
Recognizing the urgent need to protect the Crested Crane, conservation organizations, government agencies, and local communities in Uganda have rallied together to implement various initiatives aimed at safeguarding the bird’s habitat and population. These efforts include:
Habitat Restoration: Conservationists are working to restore and preserve critical wetland habitats, ensuring the availability of suitable breeding and foraging grounds for the Crested Crane.
Community Engagement: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts is vital for the long-term protection of the Gray Crowned Crane. Conservation education programs, livelihood projects, and community-based ecotourism initiatives empower communities to become stewards of their natural environment.
Legislation and Enforcement: Strengthening legislation and enforcing wildlife protection laws are essential for combating poaching, habitat destruction, and illegal trade activities that threaten the Gray Crowned Crane.
Research and Monitoring: Continuous research and monitoring efforts are essential for understanding the population dynamics, behavior, and ecological requirements of the Gray Crowned Crane. This information informs conservation strategies and ensures adaptive management approaches.
The Crested Crane (Gray Crowned crane) is not just a bird; it is a symbol of Uganda’s natural heritage and cultural identity. However, the continued existence of this iconic species hangs in the balance due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts. Urgent action is needed to protect and conserve the Crested Crane for future generations.
Through collaborative conservation efforts, involving government agencies, conservation organizations, local communities, and stakeholders, we can ensure the survival of this magnificent bird and preserve Uganda’s rich biodiversity. Together, let us strive to protect the pride of Uganda and secure a brighter future for the Gray Crowned Crane (Crested Crane).
By Najjuko Shivan
Effects of Noise and Light pollution to bird populations
The effects of noise and light pollution on bird populations had been largely overlooked in the entire avian space until recent studies by biologists at California Polytechnic State University suggested that these stressors can harm individual species.
The U.S. National Science Foundation-funded researchers looked at a huge collection of datasets to assess how light and noise affected the reproductive success of 58,506 nests from 142 species across North America.
The biologists found that light pollution causes birds to begin nesting up to a month earlier than normal in open environments such as grasslands and wetlands, and 18 days earlier in forested environments. The consequence could be a mismatch in timing — hungry chicks may hatch before their food is available.
Here’s a deeper exploration of this, putting much emphasis on noise pollution:
- Birds rely heavily on vocalizations for various purposes, such as mate attraction, territory defense, and warning calls. Anthropogenic noise, such as traffic noise or industrial activities, can interfere with bird communication by masking their vocalizations. This interference can disrupt important social interactions and compromise breeding success.
- Noise pollution can induce physiological stress responses in birds. Chronic exposure to loud or continuous noise can trigger the release of stress hormones like corticosterone, which can have detrimental effects on bird health and fitness. Elevated stress levels may weaken the immune system, reduce reproductive success, and increase susceptibility to predation and disease.
- Birds may alter their behavior in response to noise pollution. Some species may increase vocalization rates or shift their foraging or breeding activities to quieter times of day to minimize interference from noise. However, these behavioral adaptations may come at a cost, such as increased energy expenditure or reduced time spent on essential activities like feeding or parental care.
- Birds may avoid areas with high levels of noise pollution, leading to habitat fragmentation and altered distribution patterns. This avoidance behavior can fragment populations, disrupt ecological interactions, and reduce species diversity in affected areas. Certain bird species may be particularly sensitive to noise disturbance, leading to declines in their populations or local extinctions.
- Noise pollution can negatively impact bird reproductive success. Studies have shown that excessive noise can interfere with courtship behaviors, mate selection, nest building, and incubation, ultimately leading to reduced breeding success and fledgling survival. In some cases, noise-induced stress may also affect egg development and hatchling growth rates.
- The cumulative effects of noise pollution on bird populations can have long-term consequences for ecosystem health and biodiversity. Population declines or local extinctions of noise-sensitive bird species can disrupt food webs, alter community structure, and compromise ecosystem stability.
Therefore, understanding these long-term population dynamics is crucial for urban ecology studies and developing effective conservation strategies to mitigate the impacts of noise pollution on avian populations especially in Uganda. So, as we embark on sensitization campaigns in our activities as ACUS, let’s remember to speak about such effects that are created mostly in our cities, towns and industrial areas and look for mitigative measures for them.
@Berian Tatweebwa, a student at Muni University.
ACUS and Friends of Nature Team Up to Teach Youth About Conservation at Entebbe Botanical Gardens
In a wonderful collaboration to help protect nature and get young people excited about it, the Avian Conservation Uganda (ACUS) and Friends of Nature organized a special day trip to the beautiful Entebbe Botanical Gardens (https://visitentebbe.org/entebbe-botanical-gardens/ ). This event was attended by 35 enthusiastic young people between the ages of 9-16 and aimed to inspire them to care for the environment.
Set in the peaceful surroundings of Entebbe, the gardens provided a perfect backdrop for a day full of fun and learning. The activities included birdwatching, talks, quizzes, and games, all designed to help everyone feel closer to nature.
The main focus of the day was on birds. Led by experts from ACUS, the group went on exciting birdwatching walks to learn about different birds and why they’re so important for keeping our environment healthy.
During talks and discussions, everyone got to understand more about why it’s vital to protect our planet’s plants and animals. They learned how birds help keep nature in balance and why it’s up to us to look after them.
As the day went on, there were lots of laughs and friendly competitions, making the learning even more enjoyable.
By the end of the trip, everyone had pledged to do their bit to help protect nature in their own lives. With new knowledge and enthusiasm, these young nature lovers left the gardens feeling ready to make a positive impact.
The teamwork between ACUS and Friends of Nature shows how powerful it can be when people come together for a good cause. By inspiring young people, we’re helping to create a brighter future where nature and humans can thrive together.