RTI-managed project bolsters conservation efforts in Uganda

USAID Biodiversity for Resilience Activity receives two-year extension

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has extended the Uganda Biodiversity for Resilience (B4R) project by two years. Uganda B4R is led by RTI International, a nonprofit research institute and leading international development organization. 

“Uganda is among the most biodiverse countries on the planet,” said Dr. Jennifer Talbot, RTI’s chief of party for the project. “We are honored that USAID has granted this extension to support biodiversity conservation and community resilience.” 

USAID B4R provides technical assistance to communities, the government of Uganda, and the private sector, to conserve and manage wildlife and forests in important ecosystems to create lasting environmental and economic sustainability and increased community and household resilience. 

The two-year extension includes an additional $8.2 million in funding to finalize construction work in support of the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the National Forest Authority by building ranger posts, low water stream crossings, visitor information centers and a canopy walk. This work will support the protection of wildlife in Kidepo Valley National Park as well as improve eco-tourism facilities in the Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve. 

The extension will also allow biodiversity conservation and community resilience efforts to continue with select private sector partners. The work includes the implementation of a new carbon credit program in the Kidepo landscape. These carbon credits will be counted based on the avoidance or removal of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases from the landscape facilitated by the program and then sold at market, providing revenue for the community. This supports sustainable forest management and global climate goals while bringing tangible benefits and income opportunities to the community members in the area. 

Dr. Talbot added, “We hope that the carbon credit project will provide long term revenue for communities and incentivize sustainable forest management and climate-friendly agricultural practices.” 

Learn more about the Uganda Biodiversity for Resilience (B4R) Activity