-Threatening Biodiversity, Tourism, Socio-Economic Fabric Of Uganda
By Davis Buyondo
Conservationists from all corners of the world have united to safeguard Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP), one of the oldest ecological gems and top tourist destinations in the country.
At the heart of their concern lies TotalEnergies’ controversial decision to commence oil drilling activities within the park’s unspoiled boundaries.
With a deep sense of distress and a grave understanding of the consequences, these environmental advocates are steadfast in their mission to preserve the rich biodiversity, cherished tourist hub, and vital economic contributor that MFNP represents for Uganda and the international community.
StopEACOP activists express their grievances over the fact that Uganda’s tourism industry heavily relies on the presence and well-being of Murchison Falls National Park.
They stress that tourism plays a critical role in the country’s economy, contributing substantial revenue and supporting numerous livelihoods for the local communities.
In 2022, for instance, the tourism sector constituted a significant 59% of Uganda’s total exports, bringing in substantial revenue of USD 1.047 billion (Apprx. UGX3,821,956,236,000) for the country.
The activists argue that the commencement of oil drilling activities in Murchison Falls National Park jeopardises these invaluable benefits, posing a serious threat to Uganda’s socioeconomic stability and overall fabric.
Murchison Falls National Park stands as one of Uganda’s oldest, largest, and most frequented national parks, holding global significance for its irreplaceable biodiversity and breathtaking natural splendour.
Within its boundaries, a remarkable and unique ecosystem thrives, hosting a diverse array of wildlife, including 76 mammal species such as elephants, lions, and giraffes, alongside an impressive collection of over 450 bird species.
Notably, the park also encompasses the Murchison Falls-Albert Delta Wetland System, designated as a Ramsar Site of international importance.
This wetland system plays a crucial role as a spawning ground for Lake Albert’s fisheries, which accounted for an impressive 43% of Uganda’s total fish catch in 2018, making fishing a multi-million dollar industry that provides employment for over 5 million people through direct and indirect means.
However, the ongoing oil drilling by TotalEnergies within MFNP poses a significant risk to the Lake Albert fisheries as the oil company’s activities fall within the Area of Influence of the Murchison Falls-Albert Delta Ramsar site.
Despite the situation, activists argue that Total continues what they call “greenwashing.” They claim that Total is painting the drilling rig in the park with a beige colour to blend with the surrounding Savannah grasslands, supposedly to lessen its impact on wildlife.
Beige is a light-pale brown colour that can blend well with different surroundings and is often chosen for its calming and natural appearance.
Furthermore, the company consistently asserts that its oil activities will only impact a mere 0.003% of the park, conveniently overlooking the far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond the surface of the well pads.
Compounding the concerns, roads have been constructed within the park to facilitate their operations, leading to approximately 600 truck trips passing through the park each month during the construction phase.
This ongoing activity has garnered significant criticism from conservationists and environmental advocates, who fear the detrimental effects it may have on the park’s fragile ecosystems and the wildlife that call it home.
According to the activists, over 2,000 trips a day (between wells) during the exploitation phase, translating into 61,600 a month, are expected. The impacts of oil activities on wildlife are already very real.
In particular, they add, fleeing the noise and dust, elephants are increasingly going out of the national park, destroying the crops of neighbouring communities and endangering the lives of men, women and children.
The decision of TotalEnergies and its partners to proceed with oil drilling in Murchison Falls National Park, without adequately considering the importance of biodiversity conservation, the implications of climate change, and the socio-economic risks associated with their Tilenga and EACOP projects, stands in stark contradiction to the urgent global imperative of safeguarding our remaining wild spaces and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
According to Juliette Renaud, Senior Campaigner at Friends of the Earth France, it is evident that even in the face of global outcry and strong opposition from frontline communities and environmental organizations, these companies prioritize profit above all else, showing little concern for the severe environmental and socio-economic ramifications that may result from their actions.
“While the ravages of climate change are being felt more than ever, TotalEnergies is breaking every conceivable boundary by starting oil extraction in one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots,” says Renaud.
The company’s relentless pursuit of profits has blinded them, according to Renaud. They are pushing forward with their Tilenga and EACOP projects regardless of the increasing global protests against these initiatives, which are seen as causing severe environmental and climate problems. Moreover, external expert analysis has pointed out human rights violations associated with the Tilenga Project.
Charity Migwi, Africa Regional Campaigner at 350.org, strongly criticizes TotalEnergies and its partners for their actions.
She condemns the ongoing drilling that aims to exploit this valuable natural resource for immediate profit, emphasizing how it goes against the global push for sustainability, biodiversity preservation, and climate justice.
The pursuit of short-term gain through drilling stands in sharp contrast to the broader international efforts focused on creating a more sustainable and just future for our planet.
“Allowing the fossil fuel industry to operate with such impunity will lead us down a perilous path of destruction that jeopardises the wellbeing of wildlife, human beings and our planet,” argues Migwi.
Dickens Kamugisha of the Africa Institute for Energy Governance in Uganda maintains that preserving Murchison Falls National Park and maintaining its biodiversity is a matter of national interest to Uganda and a global responsibility.
“Therefore, we implore the international community, environmental activists, tourists, and all concerned individuals to join us in resisting this alarming venture,” calls Kamugisha.
In light of this recent development, he adds, activists around the world ought to remember that there is still a chance to halt oil exploitation in Murchison Falls National Park. Although drilling has already commenced, Kamugisha noted, it cannot fully reach its maximum impact without the completion of the EACOP project.
“Our mission remains clear – by putting an end to EACOP, we can effectively halt decades of oil exploitation not only in Murchison Falls but also in the surrounding regions, including Lake Albert. There’s still hope for positive change, and our efforts can make a significant difference in protecting these precious natural areas.
In his statement, Zaki Mamdoo, the StopEACOP Campaign Coordinator, emphasizes that it is our responsibility to focus on stopping the EACOP project, as doing so will effectively put an end to decades of oil exploitation not only in Murchison Falls but also in Lake Albert and the entire region.
He argues that Total and their partners should be held accountable for their actions, and they must realize the potential consequences they face. “The world has much to lose if we do not take action, making it crucial to stand united in preventing further damage to these precious areas”.
Stop ECOCIDE Campaign
The Community Transformation Foundation Network (COTFONE), a Ugandan organization actively involved in the STOPECOCIDE campaign, believes that the potential outcomes of the proposed actions in Uganda and Tanzania can be easily predicted.
According to Kayinga Yisito Muddu, the Network Coordinator, the impact on both the local populations and the diverse plant and animal species residing in the affected regions has been well-documented.
According to Kayinga, the Tilenga Oil Project and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) are situated in a sensitive natural environment with rich biodiversity, including endangered species which causes concern over potential disruptions to wildlife.
“We appeal for more engagements with international conservation organizations and experts can provide valuable insights and support in preserving the park’s unique biodiversity,” he says.
However, TotalEnergies Officials declined to give comment reacting to the ongoing StopEACOP campaign.
END
English 