Trade in endangered tree species goes on in Acholi despite ban
Although the government in 2017 put a ban on trading in the endangered Shea-nut and Africana Afzelia tree species in Acholi Sub-region and Adjumani district, dealers still have not given up on the same as they now do the business in secrecy.
Shea-nut and Africana Afzelia tree species are being traded for their fine products like charcoal, which make dealers continue cutting down the endangered tree species.
Shea-nut, is liked because it produces hard charcoal when it’s burnt while Africana Afzelia, commonly known as Beyo is liked in Asian countries for its timber used for crafts and furniture.
The 2017 ban followed the public outcry due to the indiscriminate cutting of the endangered tree species that are now facing extinction.
Locals in the Lamwo where Beyo trees are being traded are worried the specie will soon disappear if nothing is done to stop the clandestine trade.
In a brief interview with this reporter, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Water and Environment Alfred Okidi, said any dealing in the endangered tree species at the moment is illegal since the government has not lifted the ban at all.
Okidi said local governments in Acholi and Adjumani districts where the protected species are found have been urged to protect their tree species.
“These are protected species and there are no plans whatsoever to lift the ban. Any dealing in them at the moment is illegal,” he said.
He said a team of experts would be sent on the ground to investigate the matter further.
Michael Ocan, an environmental officer in Gulu district advised the locals to desist from any dealing in such species.
At the moment the harsh weather is because a lot of vegetation cover has been destroyed by human activities with tree cutting being number one.
“Environment restoration is what we have embarked on in our community engagements,” he said.
According to a recent report released by National Forest Authority, Uganda’s forests and woodland stand at 24 percent of the total land area. Of these 9,242.08 square kilometres is tropical rainforest, 350.60 square kilometres are forest plantations and 39,741.02 square kilometres are woodland. 30 percent of these areas are protected as national parks, wildlife reserves or central forest reserves.
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