Uganda has endorsed a new national framework aimed at reversing decades of forest loss while opening pathways for sustainable economic growth through carbon crediting.
Scenic green forest in Uganda. AI generated picture.
The National Strategy on Integrated Forest Landscape Restoration (IFLR) 2025–2050 was officially validated last week after a four-day workshop hosted by the UN Forum on Forest Secretariat, Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment, and the National Forest Authority.
According to a UN statement, ‘The IFLR Strategy aims to restore degraded forests and landscapes through afforestation, agroforestry and sustainable land-use projects, while enhancing climate resilience, conserving biodiversity, and improving livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.’
The validation of the strategy signals a shift from design to implementation. ‘With the strategy now validated, the focus turns to action—translating plans into tangible results that protect Uganda's natural heritage and create sustainable opportunities for communities across the country,’ the statement added.
A UN briefing prepared ahead of the workshop highlighted that the plan includes opportunities for carbon credit programmes alongside other livelihood initiatives. It stated that the IFLR ‘will create sustainable economic opportunities for forest-dependent communities through carbon credit sales programmes and other economic activities.’
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Uganda’s forests have experienced sharp declines over the past three decades. National forest cover fell from 4.9 million hectares in 1990 to just 1.3 million hectares by 2005. Between 2000 and 2015, a further 775,069 hectares of natural forest were lost, driven largely by human activity, weak enforcement, and limited funding for conservation.
By restoring degraded landscapes, the IFLR is designed not only to halt further deforestation but also to position forest management as a driver of sustainable development. The approach combines ecological restoration with economic opportunity, aligning environmental goals with community well-being.
The validation process brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including NGOs, academic experts, development partners, and other UN agencies, reflecting the multi-sectoral approach needed to restore landscapes at scale.
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As Uganda moves to restore millions of hectares of degraded landscapes and integrate carbon crediting into national policy, the message for buyers is clear: Credible, high-impact projects are more valuable than ever. Selecting the right initiatives—those with permanence, robust monitoring, and tangible community benefits—will define who secures real, verifiable outcomes. At Green Earth, we deliver exactly that: premium, nature-based projects that regenerate ecosystems, strengthen biodiversity, and uplift local livelihoods. Backed by transparent oversight and measurable results, our credits offer both environmental integrity and reputational value. Ready to support restoration that counts?
