Green Stories Uganda Newsletter | VOL 21 ??

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True independence lies not only in our national achievements but also in our commitment to environmental stewardship & social impact.

We are committed to aggregating and sharing impactful sustainability stories across Uganda and beyond. This edition features a diverse array of green stories.

Enjoy this week's exciting green stories. ??

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Thanks,

Patrick Seremba.

Green News Curator

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On October 7-8, 2024, the inaugural African Climate Change Adaptation Conference, organized by the Agape Earth Coalition, served as a beacon of hope and a springboard for action toward a climate-resilient Africa, framed under the compelling theme "Actionable Knowledge for a Climate-Resilient Africa."

Drawing a diverse crowd of stakeholders from policymakers and development experts to civil society advocates and indigenous representatives, the two-day event provided a conducive environment for sharing insights and forging partnerships around the myriad challenges posed by climate change in Africa, with a clear focus on innovative strategies for adaptation and real-world solutions.

Attendees were treated to a series of thought-provoking keynote addresses, presentations, and engaging panel discussions aimed at equipping them with the tools necessary to drive change in climate action.

Key discussions at the ACCAC2024 included the pivotal role developing nations play in climate adaptation, an insightful overview of climate justice, and an examination of whether the Global North has adequately addressed its climate obligations. Other topics included the potential of carbon markets and the Just Energy Transition.

The conference galvanized the spirit of youth activism, with many young voices emerging as champions for environmental sustainability. The pressing concerns of unemployment and poverty were highlighted as obstacles preventing the swift adoption of sustainable practices, often driving communities back to harmful behaviors such as charcoal usage, which fuels deforestation.

Among the key takeaways was the need to embrace community-led solutions that are essential for sustainable change by engaging communities in policy-making and truly understanding their needs. Advocacy for aligning Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with nature-based solutions, such as climate-smart agriculture, was emphasized to meet targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The overarching message from the conference was that, in order to build resilience, we must prioritize climate education as the most potent tool to equip the younger generation in their fight for a sustainable future.

The conference concluded with a call to action, urging participants to carry with them the knowledge and insights gained, accompanied by a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility.

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Following the recently concluded launch of an ESG framework for financial institutions regulated by Bank of Uganda (BoU), the public and private sector have come up with all the necessary tools to enhance the credibility of the sector.

Every October, commercial banks celebrate customer service week as a platform to give back to their clients. This October, the public has also given back to the banks through conducting a public opinion poll on ESG and sustainability efforts of the banks.

In an online survey conducted by GRO Foundation Uganda, categorized in 4 cohorts, over 4000 votes have been registered as shown below. The leading financial institutions with approximately 40% are Stanbic Bank and Centenary Bank.

Over 15 banks will be subjected to the same exercise, graded and awarded a certificate of public compliance and appreciation from the public. This exercise is expected to continue, stretching to other sectors to check their positions and what the public perception in line with ESG.

GRO Foundation is a social impact organization dedicated to alleviating poverty in grassroots communities through unlocking climate finance.

With ESG and Sustainability being one of the core pillars, Laban Joshua Musinguzi, Country Director has encouraged financial institutions to streamline and embrace policies to the recently launched frameworks so as to regain regulator, investors and public confidence.

There is dire need of training, capacity building and awareness to be conducted so as to position the financial sector and other sectors to benefit in the global green economy and achieving the SDG agenda for economic transformation of low income economies. TO VOTE!

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Article by: Umoja Wildlife Conservancies of Uganda

Local communities are true Climate Change Champions. They experience its effects firsthand—unpredictable weather patterns, reduced agricultural yields, and the strain on their livelihoods.

This firsthand understanding positions them to design practical solutions grounded in local realities, using an integrated approach that includes conserving natural resources and land-use planning, balancing conservation objectives with the socio-economic needs of their communities.

To make these solutions effective, communities need support—access to additional resources, new technologies, and, most importantly, a voice in decision-making processes for climate change solutions.

However, these solutions are not sustainable without policy reform. As an umbrella body empowering local communities in Uganda to manage and conserve wildlife, Umoja advocates for Climate Smart policies that prioritize local people over corporations. This includes considering the framework of climate justice—recognizing the land rights of indigenous people and rural communities, giving them greater control and ownership over natural resource management.

These policies must also address the impacts of climate change on hunger and poverty and enforce regulatory frameworks that commit people and institutions to these new standards. These changes will create an enabling system that drives positive impact for local communities.

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Tree Adoption Uganda | The much-anticipated 2nd Health and Climate Symposium 2024 is poised to take place on 15th October 2024, as leaders and community members convene to address the urgent nexus of climate change and health. This significant event invites participants to harness collective strengths in fostering resilient health systems capable of tackling the growing health risks associated with climate change. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with experts, share insights, and collaborate on sustainable solutions that can make a profound difference in communities.

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Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda | This year's Corporate Governance Awards, set to take place on 18th October, 2024 at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, aim to spotlight the resilience and significant impact of corporate leaders championing sustainability in Uganda. With the theme "Recognizing Resilience and Sustainable Impact," the awards will celebrate and promote prosperous governance practices that create lasting benefits for both organizations and the communities they serve.

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Organized by Global Rights Alert and partners, this significant event will take place on 23rd October, 2024, at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala. The Annual Citizens' Convention on Extractives promises to ignite bold discussions and innovative solutions under the theme "Towards A Cross-Generational and Just Energy Transition for Africa."

With energy at the heart of global efforts to shift toward low-carbon systems and sustainable development, this year’s theme invites participants to explore how Africa can align its energy practices with the Sustainable Development Goals (#SDGs).

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Philippe Groueix | General Manager TotalEnergies EP Uganda

I am delighted to present to you all our inaugural Biodiversity Report 2024 ??. This Report describes all actions taken towards our commitment to protect and improve Biodiversity and Tourism activities in our area of operation. REPORT!

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