A series of articles published in May and June 2024 by the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, under the title “Hunger Forest”, misrepresented ECOTRUST’s work and distorted the lived experiences of farmers participating in the Trees for Global Benefit (TGB) programme in Uganda. Here’s our statement.
During a recent visit to the Murchison Landscape with the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), we had the opportunity to explore the Ongo Community Forest, a vital conservation site spanning 192 hectares of communal land in Budongo Subcounty, Masindi District. Ongo Community Forest is one of the few community forests in Uganda with secure tenure, supporting the livelihoods of local community members and managed by the Ongo Communal Land Association (CLA). The forest also serves as a pilot site for the Darwin-funded Bio-credits project, aimed at enhancing biodiversity conservation.
As part of their visit to assess ECOTRUST’s biodiversity conservation and restoration initiatives within the Murchison Falls Landscape, representatives from the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) visited the Tree Nature Women’s Group in Kidooma on March 22nd 2025. This visit provided insights into how community-led conservation efforts are driving economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.
On Tuesday 18th March 2025, ECOTRUST, together with a team from the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), visited the Alimugonza Community Forest in Pakanyi sub-county, Masindi District. The visit aimed to assess the progress of ECOTRUST’s biodiversity conservation and restoration initiatives within the Murchison Falls Landscape.
On February 2, 2025, Uganda joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Wetlands Day, a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of wetlands in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
Pictures from the ECOTRUST Annual Stakeholders Event 2024
We’re excited to invite you to the ECOTRUST Annual Stakeholders’ Event scheduled for Thursday, 19th December 2024 — a unique opportunity for reflection, learning, and connection. This year’s event holds special significance as we not only review progress on our 2022–2026 Strategic Plan but also launch celebrations to mark 25 years of ECOTRUST as a leader in conservation financing.
A team from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in Uganda recently visited ECOTRUST project sites in the Murchison Falls Landscape and Northern Uganda. From September 29 to October 5, 2024, the delegation engaged with local communities and stakeholders, exploring conservation initiatives like the Trees for Global Benefits program, the Corridor Restoration Programme, and the TASLL project. Highlights included visits to the Alimugonza Communal Land Association in Masindi, where sustainable forestry and green enterprise models were showcased, and discussions with Agago District leaders on the future of conservation in Northern Uganda.
ECOTRUST has officially launched the Transformative Approach to Sustainable Landscapes and Livelihoods (TASLL) Northern Uganda project, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This initiative aims to create an inclusive, climate-resilient landscape across the Agoro-Agu region, spanning Agago, Pader, Lamwo, and Kitgum districts. Through forest conservation, reforestation, nature-based enterprises, and community-driven land management, TASLL seeks to foster sustainable development while enhancing local livelihoods over the next four years.
The 2023 ECOTRUST Annual Stakeholders event celebrated 20 years of the Trees for Global Benefits Programme, showcasing its achievements, featuring interactive exhibitions, honoring pioneer farmers, and emphasizing the importance of nature-based solutions and community involvement in climate adaptation efforts.
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