NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

ABOUT

The Department of Natural Resources in Mpigi District Local Government is dedicated to the effective management and conservation of the district's rich natural heritage, encompassing diverse ecosystems, forests, water bodies, and wildlife.

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to sustainably utilize and protect Mpigi District's natural resources for the well-being of its inhabitants, while fostering environmental resilience and promoting socio-economic development.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Preservation and sustainable management of forests, wetlands, rivers, and other natural habitats within Mpigi District.

• Regulation and monitoring of activities such as logging, sand mining, and agricultural practices to mitigate environmental degradation and promote sustainable land use.

• Implementation of conservation strategies to safeguard endangered species, enhance biodiversity, and restore degraded ecosystems.

• Provision of extension services, training, and awareness campaigns to local communities on sustainable forestry practices, and environmental conservation.

• Collaboration with stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations, to address environmental challenges and promote ecosystem health.

• Land management and physical planning services, including land use planning, land tenure regularization, and enforcement of land use regulations to ensure sustainable development and minimize land conflicts.

COLLABORATION WITH PARTNERS

Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE): 

The department collaborates closely with MWE to implement national policies and programs related to water resources management, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation. This partnership involves sharing technical expertise, coordinating initiatives, and aligning local efforts with national priorities.

National Environment Management Authority (NEMA): 

The department works in partnership with NEMA to enforce environmental regulations, conduct environmental impact assessments (EIAs), and promote environmental conservation and sustainability. This collaboration facilitates compliance with environmental standards and regulations, ensuring responsible natural resource management within Mpigi District.

Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development: 

Collaboration with the Ministry of Lands involves coordinating land use planning efforts, land tenure regularization, and ensuring sustainable land management practices. This partnership ensures that land-related decisions align with environmental conservation goals and support sustainable development initiatives within Mpigi District.

Other Partners: 

The department engages with a wide range of partners, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international development agencies, research institutions, and local community groups. These partnerships support collaborative projects, resource mobilization, capacity building, and knowledge sharing initiatives aimed at addressing environmental challenges and achieving shared conservation goals.

SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

   - Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, issuance of permits and licenses for activities such as tree cutting, wetland utilization and physical development plan approval. 

   - Conducting environmental screening for development projects to assess and mitigate potential environmental risks.

   - Implementation of afforestation and reforestation initiatives to combat deforestation, enhance carbon sequestration, and mitigate climate change impacts.

   - Promotion of sustainable land management practices, including agroforestry, soil conservation, and water resource management, to improve agricultural productivity and resilience.

   - Land use planning services, including the development and enforcement of land use plans, zoning regulations, and spatial planning strategies to guide sustainable development and infrastructure expansion in Mpigi District.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The Department of Natural Resources in Mpigi District Local Government is organized into sectors or units focusing on environmental compliance, water resources management, forestry, biodiversity conservation, land management, and physical planning.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

The department is led by the District Natural Resources Officer, supported by technical staff and field officers dedicated to achieving the department's objectives.

CONTACT INFORMATION

RESOURCES AND LINKS

The department provides access to relevant resources, including environmental policies, conservation guidelines, land use plans, and reports on natural resource management initiatives within Mpigi District.