EAC: Managing resources vital

EAC secretary general Richard Sezibera.

Arusha. The East African Community (EAC) says it is committed to effective management of the natural resources the region is endowed with for the wellbeing of the present and future generations.

“The natural resources play a vital role in the wellbeing of the communities and the economies of the countries in the region,” said EAC secretary general Richard Sezibera.

He was speaking in Arusha during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the EAC and the Albertine Rift Conservation Society (Arcos). The pact aims to enhance joint efforts in natural resources management and transboundary ecosystems in the region.

Arcos is a regional non-governmental established in 1995 with the mission to enhance biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources through the promotion of collaborative conservation action for nature and people.

Currently the Uganda-based network has programmes extending beyond the Albertine Rift — the western arm of the Great Rift Valley cutting through the fresh water lakes in western Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi through to Lake Tanganyika. Programmes currently under implementation include the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystems Programme and the African Mountains Programme, both targeting to protect the rich biodiversity of the region for sustainable use.

“We really recognise what Arcos has been doing and we have common interests especially in natural resources management. Our collaboration is a landmark to ensure the healthy environment and the wellbeing of the present and future generations of the communities,” Dr Sezibera pointed out.

Speaking after signing of the MoU, Arcos executive director Dr Sam Kanyamibwa said he collaboration entered into by the two parties will mainly focus on the the preservation of the transboundary ecosystem in the region.

“The signing of the agreement constitutes also an indicative example of needed partnership between government institutions and civil society organisations in the management of our natural resources”, he said, emphasizing that a healthy environment was essential for sustainablility and the equitable access of the natural resources to the local communities.

According to Mr Gilbert Muvunankiko, the regional communication officer with Arcos, projects under joint implementation with EAC have focussed on promoting sustainable mountain development, information sharing, civil society engagement and supporting the livelihood of the local communities. “This agreement builds on good existing relationship between EAC and Arcos,” he said.