For sustainable mountain development in Africa
18.08.2015
The Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS) and the East African Community (EAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to join their efforts in enhancing environment and sustainable natural resource management in the Albertine Rift region and other transboundary ecosystems of East Africa. The parties agreed on the collaboration in the activities pertaining to wise management of transboundary ecosystems, particularly to sustainable mountain development.
The natural resources play a vital role in the wellbeing of the communities and the economies of countries in the region through the ecosystem services they provide. The healthy environment is very essential for sustainability and the equitable access for the present and future generations. Looking at the overlap interests and goals, ARCOS and EAC have joined efforts for collaboration in the areas of common interest especially in promoting sustainable mountain development, information sharing, civil society engagement and supporting sustainable community livelihoods in the region. This agreement builds on good existing relationship between EAC and ARCOS, including the joint organization of the Africa Regional Mountain Forum, held in Arusha, Tanzania, in October 2014.
In his remarks, Ambassador Dr Richard Sezibera, Secretary General of EAC emphasized on the need for sustainable management of natural resources for the wellbeing of present and future generations. “We really recognize what ARCOS has been doing and we have common interests especially in natural resource management and our collaboration is a landmark to ensure the healthy environment and the wellbeing of the present and future generations of the communities in the region; I am sure this will result in outstanding outcomes”.
Dr Sam Kanyamibwa, the Executive Director who signed the MoU on behalf of ARCOS, said, “The collaboration with EAC will certainly result in fruitful results especially in preservation of the transboundary ecosystems in the region. The signing of this agreement constitutes also an indicative example of needed partnership between government institutions and civil society organizations in the management of our natural ecosystems”.
Given the importance of ecosystems to sustainability, the wellbeing and economic growth, and the transboundary aspects of these entities, collaboration is a key to their health and continuous supply of their services to ensure the wellbeing of communities and sustainable development. The parties agreed on the collaboration in the activities pertaining to wise management of transboundary ecosystems, particularly to sustainable mountain development as the mountains are the main source of freshwater and host rich and diverse biodiversity in the region.
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