provide security of tenure for the local population in National Action Plans. Article
4 further sets out a number of general obligations for the signatory parties that
include adopting an integrated approach addressing the physical, biological, and
socioeconomic aspects of desertification. Uganda has about 30% drylands cover of
its total land area stretching from the northeast to the southwestern part of the
country (known as the cattle corridor). Such an instrument is relevant for soil
protection in the case of Uganda’s cattle corridor where desertification is a threat
due to uncontrolled cattle grazing.
Domestically, Uganda has developed several policies and laws that are relevant to
soil management. These include, among others, Uganda Vision 2040, the National
Land Use Policy, the Land Policy, National Agriculture Policy 2013, Uganda
Forestry Policy 2001, the Draft National Soils Policy for Uganda, the Prohibition
of the Burning of Grass Act, Cattle Grazing Act, the National Environment Management Policy for Uganda (1994), the National Environment (Minimum Standards
for Management of Soil Quality) Regulations, National Forestry and Tree Planting
Act, Regulations on Mountainous and Hilly Areas, and Regulations on Wetlands,
Riverbanks and Lakeshores. However, a lot more has to be done.
Fortunately, the international community is awakening to the threats concerning
the soils of the planet and to the challenges that lie before us. Organizing a workshop
like this is a good example. I have read through the program and noted that this
workshop has an international dimension, which makes it important because many
problems related to the soil are of a global nature. It will also allow us to learn from
good experiences that have been adopted in other countries.
As we know, we are living a moment of construction of a post-2015 development
agenda. I believe that all efforts should be made in order to include soil in the
Sustainable Development Goals, thereby showing clearly the relevance and importance of good soil management.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Animal Industry, Entebbe
Republic of Uganda
Vincent Frerrio Bamulangaki Ssempijja
Foreword
xi
4 further sets out a number of general obligations for the signatory parties that
include adopting an integrated approach addressing the physical, biological, and
socioeconomic aspects of desertification. Uganda has about 30% drylands cover of
its total land area stretching from the northeast to the southwestern part of the
country (known as the cattle corridor). Such an instrument is relevant for soil
protection in the case of Uganda’s cattle corridor where desertification is a threat
due to uncontrolled cattle grazing.
Domestically, Uganda has developed several policies and laws that are relevant to
soil management. These include, among others, Uganda Vision 2040, the National
Land Use Policy, the Land Policy, National Agriculture Policy 2013, Uganda
Forestry Policy 2001, the Draft National Soils Policy for Uganda, the Prohibition
of the Burning of Grass Act, Cattle Grazing Act, the National Environment Management Policy for Uganda (1994), the National Environment (Minimum Standards
for Management of Soil Quality) Regulations, National Forestry and Tree Planting
Act, Regulations on Mountainous and Hilly Areas, and Regulations on Wetlands,
Riverbanks and Lakeshores. However, a lot more has to be done.
Fortunately, the international community is awakening to the threats concerning
the soils of the planet and to the challenges that lie before us. Organizing a workshop
like this is a good example. I have read through the program and noted that this
workshop has an international dimension, which makes it important because many
problems related to the soil are of a global nature. It will also allow us to learn from
good experiences that have been adopted in other countries.
As we know, we are living a moment of construction of a post-2015 development
agenda. I believe that all efforts should be made in order to include soil in the
Sustainable Development Goals, thereby showing clearly the relevance and importance of good soil management.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Animal Industry, Entebbe
Republic of Uganda
Vincent Frerrio Bamulangaki Ssempijja
Foreword
xi