Kampala,Uganda
Ugandans are being urged to take greater care of the environment after new findings revealed that natural resources are a major driver of the country’s economy.
Prof. James Kalema, head of the wildlife conservation department at the Uganda Wildlife Authority, explained that Uganda earns about 35 billion US dollars each year from its natural resources. He noted that conservation not only generates revenue but also creates thousands of jobs, making it vital for national development.
Prof. Kalema made the remarks at the National Wildlife Conservation Conference 2026, organized by Nature Uganda. The conference brought together experts, policymakers, and conservationists to discuss how protecting biodiversity can go hand in hand with economic growth.
Speakers stressed that Uganda’s forests, wildlife, and ecosystems are more than just natural treasures, they are engines of tourism, agriculture, and community livelihoods. They warned that unchecked destruction of nature could undermine these sectors, leading to economic losses and environmental crises.
The conference concluded with a strong call for action: communities should adopt sustainable practices, while government agencies must strengthen policies to protect biodiversity. Nature Uganda pledged to continue raising awareness and mobilizing citizens to take part in conservation efforts.
