BY D SEBUNYA: In a show of environmental stewardship, TotalEnergies EP Uganda and the American Tower Corporation (ATC Uganda), a telecommunication infrastructure developer, ATC joined hands with the Ministry of Water and Environment and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to commemorate International Biodiversity Day with a large-scale tree planting event in the scenic Kapchorwa District. Under the theme “Land Restoration for Biodiversity Resilience.”
This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of both companies to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The commemoration was marked by a ceremony led by the Minister of State for Water, Hon. Aisha Sekindi.
Participants, including community members, environmentalists, and corporate leaders, gathered at Mount Elgon to plant trees and discuss the critical importance of biodiversity and land restoration. The event precedes World Environment Protection Day on June 5th, amplifying its significance and impact.
TotalEnergies EP Uganda’s participation highlighted their dedication to balancing energy resource development with biodiversity protection. The company’s approach to sustainability was articulated in their recent tweet: “As TotalEnergies, our approach is to reconcile the development of energy resources with the protection of biodiversity to build a sustainable future.” This philosophy drives their continuous efforts in environmental conservation and community engagement.
Similarly, ATC Uganda has been a proactive advocate for environmental sustainability. Since its inception, the company has planted a total of 35,000 trees, with 28,500 trees through tree adoption initiatives and over 7,500 in partnership with NEMA. This year’s event is part of the broader “Running Out of Trees” (ROOTS) campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at restoring over 2.5 million hectares of degraded forest landscape by 2030.
Jonathan Adengo, the Corporate Affairs Manager at ATC Uganda, said in a press release, adding that the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship is steadfast: “Our commitment to planting trees is part of our broader sustainability agenda, which aligns with the government’s objectives to reforest the country and combat climate change. We are proud to be part of the ROOTS campaign and to contribute to the restoration of Uganda’s forest cover.”
He further stated that “The tree planting activity at Mount Elgon is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a tangible action towards environmental restoration. The region’s biodiversity is vital for ecological balance and the well-being of local communities. By planting trees, we are contributing to the restoration of this critical ecosystem, ensuring it continues to provide essential services such as water purification, soil stabilization, and habitat for wildlife. As the world faces escalating environmental challenges, the actions of partners such as TotalEnergies EP Uganda, ATC Uganda and other ROOTS champions serve as a reminder of the power of collective efforts.”
“The commemoration of International Biodiversity Day in Kapchorwa is a significant step towards a greener, more sustainable future. It highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving national and global environmental goals. By working together, we can create a ripple effect that encourages more organizations and individuals to participate in reforestation and biodiversity conservation efforts,” Adengo stated.