Uganda and Kenya have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly conserve the Mt. Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve. Signed at the Suam border, the agreement promotes sustainable management and eco-economic development in the region. Doreen Katusiime (Uganda) and Silvia Museiya (Kenya) represented their countries, formalizing years of informal cooperation.
The MoU establishes a framework for addressing environmental issues such as land degradation, climate change, and biodiversity conservation. It emphasizes community involvement in natural resource management, aiming to benefit local communities. Recognized as Africa’s second transboundary biosphere reserve by UNESCO, Mt. Elgon spans over 588,000 hectares and is vital for ecosystem services like water purification and climate regulation. The agreement highlights both nations’ commitment to sustainable development and community-led conservation efforts for the long-term protection of the ecosystem.