The East African Community (EAC) launched the EAC for Nature project on Monday, 10th March, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development across the region.
The launch event was graced by key figures, including the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) and Alicia van den Boom, Head of Operations at the German Embassy in Kampala.
The EAC for Nature project, which has received backing from the German government through GIZ, seeks to bolster regional cooperation in tackling the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.
The initiative is designed to enhance climate resilience and support sustainable livelihoods through nature-based solutions. The project will focus on integrated natural resource management, particularly around the Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika basins.
In his remarks, the representative of Dr Masinde K. Bwire, Executive Secretary of the LVBC, emphasised the region’s commitment to climate action. He highlighted key achievements, including the draughting of the State of the Basin Report, a critical document assessing the health of Lake Victoria’s ecosystem, and the mid-term review of the LVBC’s Strategic Plan (2021–2026).
The Commission has also been instrumental in securing funding from partners like the World Bank to support sustainable development programmes in the region.
Alicia of the German Embassy underscored Germany’s long-standing commitment to supporting climate action in East Africa. She noted that the initiative builds on previous efforts to implement nature-based solutions that work in harmony with ecosystems.
“Germany is proud to partner with the EAC in advancing these solutions, which promise long-term benefits not just for conservation but for the economic stability of the region,” Alicia said.
The project also aims to enhance the role of regional commissions in addressing climate-related challenges, with a focus on sectors such as agriculture, water resources, and energy.
The EAC4Nature Project launch was attended by key figures, including the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission and Alicia van den Boom from the German Embassy in Kampala.
The involvement of key stakeholders, including the World Bank and the European Union, further strengthens the project’s potential to achieve significant impact.
The EAC for Nature project is set to play a pivotal role in improving the livelihoods of millions of people across East Africa by promoting sustainable land-use practices and ecosystem
