Ugandan Trust Funds Local Biodiversity Restoration

Why this is here: ECOTRUST has successfully placed over 34,000 hectares of land under active restoration through its work with smallholder farmers in Uganda.

The Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda (ECOTRUST) empowers smallholder farmers to restore ecosystems across the country. For 27 years, ECOTRUST has channeled international funding directly to Ugandan households.

The organization’s Trees for Global Benefits program integrates native trees into family farms. Over 51,000 households in 26 districts now participate, restoring roughly 34,000 hectares of land.

ECOTRUST also supports sustainable businesses like beekeeping and shea nut production. These efforts improve livelihoods while encouraging environmental conservation.

In the Murchison-Semliki landscape, the group maps and restores forest corridors. This work creates safe passages for chimpanzees and reduces conflict with farmers.

Currently, ECOTRUST is launching a project to conserve 65,000 hectares of forest. The initiative includes integrating refugees into conservation efforts.

ECOTRUST continues to develop new ways to measure environmental impact beyond carbon capture. The organization believes lasting ecological change starts with local ownership and will continue to refine its approach.