Green Stories Uganda Newsletter | VOL 8 ??

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It's another week to reflect on our roles as sustainability advocates and celebrate the trailblazers driving impactful, sustainable change.

We're pleased to present you with another edition of our carefully curated green news stories.

Enjoy this week's exciting green stories. ??

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Patrick Seremba.

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The Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat Uganda hosted the inaugural Uganda Climate Tech Summit, making strides in positioning the country as a hub for climate innovation. The event brought together global leaders in technology, biomimicry, and scientific research to collaborate on creating a sustainable framework for climate solutions in Uganda and across Africa.

"The future lies in e-mobility, air capture, and new technologies. Let's create a multiplier effect for sustainable development," urged Minister Monica Musenero Masanza in her opening remarks. The minister emphasized the need for Africa to industrialize while minimizing environmental damage, highlighting Uganda's ambition to become a "net source of solutions and technologies, not a net consumer."

The numerous discussions explored cutting-edge climate tech, strategies for environmental sustainability, and pathways for economic growth through science and technology. A central theme was the importance of building a supportive ecosystem - from infrastructure to institutional support - to foster climate innovation.

Throughout the summit, climate-smart innovators from Uganda, East Africa, and other parts of the continent pitched their pioneering solutions to the audience. These included technologies for e-mobility, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and more.

"We need to be bold as a continent. Harness opportunities within Uganda and Africa. Address the data capacity gap. Blend government and private financing," said panelists, underscoring the multifaceted approach required.

Participants also delved into the challenges and opportunities in climate innovation, identifying policy gaps, infrastructure needs, and ways to boost ecosystem collaboration. Gender equality emerged as a crucial factor in driving innovation forward.

On the final day, the summit turned its focus to unlocking capital for climate innovation. Legacy Capital announced a $22 million fund, with $3.3 million (UGX 12.5 billion) earmarked for climate tech innovations in Uganda. Discussions cantered on financing mechanisms, investment opportunities, and the critical role of SMEs in catalyzing climate solutions.

As the summit concluded, a sense of renewed optimism and commitment permeated the halls. Uganda has positioned itself as a trailblazer, harnessing the power of technology, science, and innovation to address the urgent challenge of climate change and forge a sustainable future for the continent. For Details.

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The BimaLab Africa Insurtech Accelerator, in partnership with FSD Africa and the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda, hosted the highly anticipated Africa Innovation for Resilience (AIR) Conference 2024 in Kampala, Uganda. The event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, innovators, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and researchers, to explore innovative strategies for building resilience across African economies.

Held under the overarching theme of "Harnessing Innovation for Sustainable Resilience," the conference provided a dynamic platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy dialogue. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with thought leaders, showcase cutting-edge technologies, and co-create solutions to address pressing challenges.

"Lack of technical capacity, partnerships, funding, and regulatory barriers are today's socio-economic challenges. As we gather with bright minds, we have the opportunity to harness innovation to address these issues," emphasized Hon. Matia Kasaija, the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, who was represented by State Minister for Finance, Amos Lugoloobi.

The conference featured in-depth discussions across key thematic areas, including climate resilience, economic resilience, technological innovation, and social resilience. Participants explored strategies for adapting to and mitigating climate change, diversifying economies, leveraging emerging technologies, and strengthening community-based approaches.

"Digital solutions, especially AI, are crucial where data is sparse. FSD Africa is committed to facilitating large-scale partnerships and supporting new ideas," said Mark Napier, the CEO of FSD Africa.

Recognizing the pivotal role of entrepreneurs in driving sustainable resilience, the event also sought to empower startups and innovators. Kelvin Massingham, the Director of FSD Africa, addressed the 2024 startups, stating, "You are the centre of what we do, the heroes of this story. We are here to support you and cheer you on. You are the ones taking all the risks and solving difficult problems."

Throughout the conference, attendees engaged in interactive sessions, networked with industry leaders, and discovered cutting-edge technologies and solutions. The event served as a catalyst for fostering collaboration, exchanging best practices, and shaping supportive policies to accelerate the development of resilient African economies.

As the AIR Conference 2024 left participants inspired to harness the power of innovation and drive sustainable resilience in their respective domains, paving the way for a more prosperous and adaptable African continent. Watch Event!

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Happening today! Today at Sheraton Hotel Kampala at 6:00PM - 9:00PM EAT - In a significant step towards a sustainable future, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) announced the inaugural National Environment Sustainability Awards.? At the start of the week, the highly anticipated list of award categories and nominees was released. NEMA asserts that to develop criteria and nominate, they used the existing audit system to identify those who have been complying, excelling and investing in sustainability initiatives.

The Award Categories Include:

??Lead Agencies like Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies for Effectiveness of environment management.

??Local Government for state of environment reporting, waste management reporting.

??Financial Institutions, Development Partners and NGOs for contributions and passion for environmental conservation.

??Upstream Petroleum Companies for environment management and consideration across the value chain.

??Waste Management for solid waste valorization, use of technology and compliance with approval.

??Media Groups that offer amount of dedicated space or airtime to the environment.

??Journalists for Impactful environment reporting and coverage of environment stories.

The Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, will be the Guest of Honor. The National Environment Sustainability Awards come at a critical time as Uganda grapples with the urgent challenges of climate change and ecological degradation. Through recognizing and rewarding sustainability champions, NEMA hopes to catalyze a nationwide shift towards more eco-friendly policies and behaviors. For more details.

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Ecomak Recyclers is a pioneering company dedicated to transforming plastic waste into eco-friendly construction materials such as bricks, pavers, and roofing tiles. Inspired by the urgent need to address plastic pollution and its devastating environmental impacts, Ecomak Recyclers was founded with the mission to turn waste into valuable resources.

The initiative not only aims to reduce plastic waste in landfills and oceans but also to provide sustainable building solutions that contribute to a greener future. Through innovative recycling techniques developed by their team of engineers and material scientists, Ecomak Recyclers is committed to creating a cleaner environment and promoting sustainable development in the construction industry.

At Ecomak Recyclers, the company collects various types of plastic waste, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP). These plastics are commonly found in items like beverage bottles, grocery bags, packaging materials, and plastic containers. The collected plastic waste undergoes a thorough cleaning and sorting process to ensure consistent quality and purity before being processed into raw materials.

Ecomak Recyclers' construction materials made from recycled plastic offer several advantages over traditional options. They are more affordable, highly durable and resistant to weather, pests, and corrosion, and have a lifespan of over 50 years - significantly longer than conventional bricks and tiles. Environmentally, they significantly reduce plastic waste, lower the carbon footprint of construction projects, and decrease the demand for natural resources like clay and limestone used in traditional building materials.

Through repurposing plastic waste, Ecomak Recyclers provides sustainable, cost-effective, and resilient building materials that support environmental conservation and green construction practices. The company's products have a profound impact on the communities they serve, addressing housing affordability and accessibility while contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment and descent green jobs.

Ecomak Recyclers currently operates recycling facilities in three major cities, with plans to expand its reach across the country in the coming years. Its innovative approach has garnered recognition from environmental organizations and industry associations, solidifying its position as a leader in the circular economy and sustainable construction. For Details.

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In a sounding move to engage the next generation of energy leaders, the Youth in Energy Conference was recently held at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. The event, organized by TotalEnergies Uganda in partnership with Makerere University, the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development, and key players in the energy sector, aimed to bridge the information gap and empower youth to play a pivotal role in Africa's energy transition.

The conference brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and young innovators, to discuss the critical importance of youth involvement in the continent's energy transformation. Attendees had the opportunity to gain insights, share experiences, and collaborate on strategies to harness the tremendous potential of Uganda's and Africa's youth.

Humphrey Asiimwe, CEO Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, asserted that Youth involvement in the energy transition is not a charity cause - it's a business imperative. “By creating opportunities for young people to lead, innovate, and thrive, we are securing our future talent pipeline, driving innovation, and ensuring the sustainability of the energy sector." He added

Among the distinguished speakers was Mr. NJ Ayuk, the African Energy Chamber Executive Chairman, who encouraged the youth to reshape the energy industry and redefine Uganda's role in the energy landscape. "The transformative nature of the industry demands a new generation of leaders who are willing to challenge the status quo and pioneer groundbreaking solutions," he said.

The conference also featured interactive sessions and knowledge-sharing initiatives, empowering young participants to become active players in the energy transition discourse. Youth were exposed to the latest developments, policies, and opportunities within the sector, equipping them with the necessary tools and resources to make a tangible impact.

The Youth in Energy Conference underscored the critical role that young people must play in shaping Africa's energy future. As the continent grapples with the challenges of sustainability, accessibility, and innovation, the active involvement of the youth will be paramount in driving the necessary transformations and securing a more prosperous, resilient, and inclusive energy landscape.

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The bustling capital of Kenya played host to the highly anticipated IUCN Africa Conservation Forum, which opened its doors under the theme "African Solutions for Nature and People: Creating transformative responses to the biodiversity and climate crisis in Africa.

As delegates from across the continent and beyond gathered, the palpable sense of urgency was matched only by the determination to chart a new course for conservation in Africa. The forum, a leading platform for knowledge sharing, partnership building, and action-driven initiatives, has positioned itself as a crucial catalyst for addressing the daunting challenges facing the region's natural resources.

The forum emphasizes the central role of people in conservation efforts, underscoring the need for solutions that are rooted in the unique experiences and perspectives of African communities. This is a moment of reckoning where Africans must redefine our approach to conservation, placing the needs and aspirations of the people at the very heart of our strategies.

Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary of the Kenyan Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, welcomed the over 500 attendees and stressed the importance of locally-led and appropriate solutions. "For conservation to be truly effective and sustainable, we must ensure that local communities are not only involved but are also primary beneficiaries," he stated, acknowledging the pressing challenges of human-wildlife conflicts and inadequate funding that Kenya and other African nations face.

Delegates at the three-day forum will engage in robust discussions, share best practices, and collaborate to chart a course that addresses the biodiversity and climate crises through the lens of African ingenuity and resilience. As the IUCN Africa Regional Conservation Forum unfolds, the world watches with bated breath, eager to witness the emergence of transformative responses that will redefine the future of conservation on the continent. For Details.

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The burdens of plastic production, consumption, and management disproportionately affect poor and vulnerable communities. Tackling plastic pollution is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn how the plastics crisis impacts development. https://ow.ly/qeoG50So3KA

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