Project Overview
The Bukaleba Forest Project (BFP) is an Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) initiative located in Mayuge District, Eastern Uganda.
It is implemented within the Bukaleba Central Forest Reserve (BCFR), aiming to restore degraded shrub and grassland by establishing and managing both exotic and indigenous forests.
The project is managed by Busoga Forestry Company Ltd. (BFC), a subsidiary of Green Resources AS.
The project started on March 11, 2004, with a crediting period of 42 years, ending in 2046.
Objectives and Benefits
Climate Change Mitigation: BFP sequesters carbon dioxide (CO₂) through afforestation, generating verified carbon credits under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).
Sustainable Timber Production: The project supplies high-quality wood products while ensuring responsible forestry management.
Community Development: Carbon revenues are allocated to local initiatives, including education, healthcare, and clean water access.
Biodiversity Conservation: The project protects natural forests, riparian habitats, and wetlands, preserving the region’s rich biodiversity.
Sustainable Development Contributions
The project aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and Climate Change Policy, as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to:
SDG 1 (No Poverty): Creating local employment (98% of workers from local communities).
SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Providing stable income sources for food security.
SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being): Supporting local health centers with medical supplies and providing HIV/AIDS awareness programs.
SDG 4 (Quality Education): Training locals in tree planting and sustainable forestry; supporting girls’ education.
SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Promoting equal employment opportunities (over 252 female workers).
SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation): Installing boreholes and water springs, benefiting over 4,000 households.
SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth): Providing fair wages above the national standard and promoting economic growth in local villages.
SDG 13 (Climate Action): Reducing GHG emissions through afforestation.
SDG 15 (Life on Land): Conserving natural forests and wetland ecosystems.
Conclusion
The Bukaleba Forest Project is a sustainable forestry initiative that combines carbon sequestration, timber production, biodiversity conservation, and socio-economic benefits for surrounding communities. It aligns with national policies and international sustainability goals, while actively mitigating risks and maintaining stakeholder engagement.