Investing in forests and protected areas for climate smart development WB Investing in forests and protected areas for climate smart development WB The project aims at improving sustainable management of forests and wildlife protected areas in order for communities, who live close to these areas, to be able to benefit from and contribute to inclusive economic development. The project will contribute towards addressing the persistent high rates of forest, habitat and wildlife loss; for example the 2.5% forest loss per year and associated loss of community livelihoods. Forestry, wildlife and tourism have been hit hard in Uganda by the global Covid-19 pandemic with reported revenue loss of 7 million USD per month for Uganda wildlife Authority (UWA) and the tourism industry, due to Covid-19 related travel restrictions. UWA and the National Forest Authority, (NFA) depend largely on their own collected Non-Tax revenue to run their operations. The Covid-19 situation has reduced capacity of these agencies to finance their operations and exacerbated risks like lack of protection and monitoring of wildlife resources. The project has the objective of securing the natural resource base and preserving livelihoods of forest-dependent communities through capacity development, livelihood investments and improved capacities of mandated agencies, the National Forestry Authority (NFA) and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).  The project will focus on selected landscapes within the Albertine Region of Uganda. Despite the region being endowed with natural resources ranging from forests, oil, agricultural land and tourism resources, the area has a high degree of poverty prevalence with multidimensional poverty levels above the national average.  Twenty to thirty percent of the population live in food poverty resulting from lack of access to land, low agricultural productivity, crop raiding and environmental degradation. Environmental degradation and climate change drives several dimensions of poverty and creates deprivations in terms of people's opportunities and choice to find a route out of poverty. The proposed  intervention is expected to  contribute to poverty reduction both in the short and long term and within different dimensions of poverty. The intervention is assessed to have a balanced approach with regards to sustainable use of natural resources on the one hand and strengthening and development of sectors with potential to drive economic growth on the other hand (forestry and tourism). The  project's total budget is 30 million SEK, all of which will be funded by Sida. The project constitutes the first Phase of a planned Sida-World Bank co-funded programme. Funding for this first phase has focus on securing the resource and livelihoods of forest and protected area dependent communities and supporting preparatory activities for the second phase i.e analytical studies and designs of infrastructure to be implemented in the second phase. The first phase constitutes a period of 2 years (1 October  2020 to 30 September 2022) and it will be overlapping with the second phase. The World Bank has secured funding of 148.2 million USD (78.2M  IDA loan and 70M Grant) for the second phase. During the first phase, the WB will seek the necessary government and parliamentary approval for phase 2 and start preparations for implementation. In the interim Sida (phase 1) will support activities to address immediate challenges in the face of Covid-19. The Joint Advisory Committee is the strategic decision making body for the MDTF. Sida will participate in the committee as an observer. Reports from the project will be submitted to the committee semi-annually for approval. Based on the reports provided, bilateral follow-up and dialogue will be carried out between Sida and the World Bank. Furthermore, Sida will participate in field missions that will be conducted at least once per year as part of the follow-up of this project. Projektet syftar till att stärka hållbar förvaltning och skydd av skogs-, natur- och djurskyddsområden samt att skapa förutsättningar för att samhällen som är beroende av dessa naturresurser ska kunna bidra till och dra nytta av ekonomisk utveckling. Takten för avskogning i Uganda är hög, cirka 2,5% per år. Detta får stora  konsekvenser för såväl skogsbestånd och biologisk mångfald, som för vilda djur och människors levnadsmiljö och försörjningsmöjligheter. 

Den globala Covid-19 pandemin har slagit hårt mot Ugandas turistindustri. Bland annat rapporteras minskade intäkter med omkring 7 miljoner USD per månad för Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) och den samlade turistindustrin som till stor del är en direkt följd av Covid-19 relaterade reserestriktioner. Uganda Wildlife Authority, men även National Forest Authority (NFA) är i stor utsträckning beroende av sina egna insamlade medel (icke-skatteintäkter) för att driva sin verksamhet. Situationen som utlösts av Covid-19 pandemin, har minskat dessa myndigheters möjligheter att finansiera sin verksamhet, vilket i sin tur lett till brist på skydd av naturresurser samt skydd av vilda djur. Insatsen har som mål att säkra naturresurser samt försörjning för skogberoende samhällen genom kapacitetsutveckling, investeringar i närliggande samhällen samt förbättrad kapacitet hos ansvariga myndigheter, National Forestry Authority (NFA) och Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). 

Projektet kommer att fokusera på utvalda områden inom Albertine-regionen i Uganda. Trots att regionen är rik på naturresurser så som skog, olja och jordbruksmark, och trots utvecklad turistnäring, så är fattigdomen utbredd. Orsaker till att en stor andel av befolkningen (över det nationella genomsnittet) är multidimensionellt fattig, kan bland annat kopplas till bristande resurser, exempelvis tillgång till mark, låg jordbruksproduktivitet, skador på lantbruk orsakade av vilda djur samt miljöförstöring och klimatförändringar. Miljöförstöring och klimatförändringar driver fattigdom i flera dimensioner och minskar människors val och möjligheter att ta sig ur fattigdom. Genom föreslagen insats bedömer Sida att det finns förutsättningar att bidra till fattigdomsminskning på både kort och lång sikt och ur flera av fattigdomens dimensioner. Insatsen bedöms ha en väl balanserad ansats med avseende på bevarande och hållbart utnyttjande av naturresurser å ena sidan och stärkande av två sektorer (skogs- och turistindustri) med särskilt goda förutsättningar för inkluderande ekonomisk utveckling å andra sidan. 

Projektets totala budget är 30 miljoner kronor och insatsen är fullt finansierad av Sida. Projektet utgör den första fasen av ett planerat samfinansierat program med både Sida och Världsbanken som finansiärer. Fokus för den första fasen är att säkra naturresurser samt försörjning för de samhällen som är beroende av de aktuella naturskyddsområdena. Fokus är också att stödja förberedande aktiviteter, centrala för projektets andra fas, exempelvis studier samt utformning av infrastruktur som är del av implementering av projektets andra fas. Insatsen sträcker sig över två år (1 oktober 2020 till 30 september 2022) och den kommer att överlappa med starten av fas två. Världsbanken har säkrat finansiering på 148,2 miljoner USD ( 78,2mUSD IDA lån 50mUSD gåvobistånd) för den andra fasen. Under implementering av fas 1 kommer VB att säkra godkännande från den ugandiska regeringen och parlamentet samt påbörja förberedande aktiviteter för den andra fasen. Sidas stöd kommer att påskynda implementeringen och fokusera på omedelbara och eskalerande utmaningar kopplade till den globala pandemin (Covid-19). 

Världsbanken är Sidas avtalspartner. Sidas finansiering kommer att bidra till det femte "fönstret" i Världsbankens givargemensamma fond (MDTF) “Partnerskap för stöd till genomförandet av Ugandas nationella utvecklingsplan II och III, en givargemensam fond (TF073022) ”. Den svenska ambassaden i Kampala kommer å Sidas vägnar att underteckna ett administrativt avtal med Världsbanken. VB kommer att vidareförmedla cirka 23 miljoner kronor till de två statliga myndigheterna NFA och UWA för genomförandet av överenskomna aktiviteter. Cirka 4.5 miljoner kronor kommer att användas av VB för finansiering av verksamhet som de själva implementerar. Cirka 2.7 miljoner SEK kommer att utgöra administrationskostnader samt kostnader för uppföljning. 

VB har bedömts ha gedigen erfarenhet och god kapacitet att genomföra insatsen både vad avser personalresurser och teknisk expertis. VB har tidigare stöttat Ugandas regering i förberedelserna för REDD + -strategin, vilken syftar till att adressera skogsavverkning och de har tidigare även stöttat turistsektorn. VB bedöms också ha kapacitet att skapa synergier/förmera effekterna från sin breda involvering i ett flertal sektorer i Uganda. De bedöms även kunna bidra till goda utvecklingseffekter genom användandet av en kombination av finansieringsmöjligheter så som gåvor, riskkapital och lån. Ytterligare bedöms de ha förmåga att bidra till positiva attityder och normer i de sektorer där de kommer att vara verksamma. 

Världsbanken bedöms ha god styrning och kontroll, exempelvis vad avser finansiell uppföljning, upphandling, konsultationer och koordinering med andra aktörer samt mekanismer som säkerställer social- och miljömässig hållbarhet. Alla dessa faktorer bedöms vara av stor vikt för projektets genomförande. 

Insatsen bidrar till flera av Rio-markörerna och givet insatsens fokus på miljö, klimatförändring, klimatanpassning samt biologisk mångfald har "Stöd till miljön" valts som huvudsyfte. Insatsen bidrar även konfliktförebyggande, särskilt med avseende på konflikter kopplade till naturresurser och ökenspridning och därför har freds-/konfliktmarkören valts som delsyfte. 

Det strategiska beslutsorganet för den givargemensamma fonden är den så kallade rådgivande kommittén (Joint advisory committee, JAC). Sida kommer att vara representerade i kommittén som observatör. Rapporter från projektet kommer att skickas till kommittén halvårsvis för godkännande. Baserat på rapporterna kommer bilateral uppföljning och dialog att ske mellan Sida och VB. Dessutom kommer Sida att delta i uppföljning genom fältresor som genomförs minst en gång per år som en del av uppföljningen av detta projekt. The project is implemented in two phases with the same objective and  is  co-financed by Sweden, the World Bank., Governments of Ireland and Germany through KfW.  Phase 1 aims at securing Uganda's forestry and tourism resources in the Albertine region of Uganda from the prevalent threats of illegal logging, mining, encroachment, poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking that have spiked due to the  global Corona 19 outbreak. The project  further support s timely community livelihood programs in the face of loss of shared revenue from tourism and forestry generated revenues with UWA and NFA, employment in tourism facilities, sale of handcrafts and produce to hotels and restaurants due to effect of the global Covid 19 outbreak. The project further supported preparatory actions for the envisioned Sida-World Bank funded Phase 2 by supporting a number of analytical studies and designs for tourism and forestry infrastructure. The World Bank Board  approved a 148.2 million USD project in  April 2020 developed with the Ministries of Water and Environment,  Wildlife, Tourism and Antiquities, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the National Forestry Authority (NFA)  with consultation with Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic development (MFPED). In the face of of 2021 general elections and the covid19 situation,  approval of the project by government was delayed.  Sida' s first phase was fundamental to  securing the resource from current pressures and securing community livelihoods as a basis for planned investments in the second phase after the main World Bank Project was approved.

It was imperative to support UWA and NFA in implementation of their core resource protection activities to ensure the protected areas are shielded from encroachment, illegal exploitation, settlement  and poaching. Equally it is important to promptly address human wildlife conflicts to minimize damage, attacks and maintain good relationships with communities neighboring such resources. The protection of forests and wildlife was to ensure that post Covid 19, forestry and wildlife resources are still available for tourists, ensure satisfaction and generate the much needed tourism revenue and provision of other forest goods and services.

The Project Investing in Forests and Protected areas for Climate Smart Development (IFPA-CD) aims at improved management of forests and wildlife protected areas to increase benefits to communities in target landscapes within the Albertine Region of Uganda.
Sweden's support to the project is managed through Window 5 (Promoting Green Growth) of the World Bank's Multi-donor Trust Fund for Implementation of Uganda's National Development Plan and is managed through two overlapping phases:
Phase 1 approved in 2020 and equivalent to 30Million SEK (3.5 million USD) aimed at Securing the Natural Resource Base in Protected Areas (2020-2024) in response to impacts of Covid 19 pandemic and 
Phase 2 approved in 2022 and equivalent to 100million SEK (USD 9million) as additional financing to the World Bank's Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate Smart Development (IFPA-CD), a USD 178.2 million World Bank-funded project. Sweden's phase 2 contribution aims at  expanding the scope of planned activities and bridging gaps in the aforementioned WB project. Phase 2 builds on the preparatory activities developed during phase 1 particularly analytical studies and infrastructure designs. Sweden's second funding is fully integrated as part  of the IFPA-CD.
Sweden's support as  indicated above contributes to components 1 and 2 of IFPA-CD which are (i) Improved management of protected areas and (ii) increased revenues and jobs from forests and wildlife protected areas while phase 2 contributes to all re
Key achievements of the phase 1 of Sweden's funding are  as shown below in accordance with project components: 
Component 1 Enhanced Monitoring of protected areas
This component aims at ensuring protection of forests and wildlife resources through monitoring and control of illegal activities and reduction in impacts to communities arising out of protected areas. Targets achieved under this component include:
1.1 Procurement of field equipment and logistics to support monitoring in 3 protected areas (PAs) and 13 Central Forest Reserves (CFRs) 
-3 motorcycles were procured to aid transportation and monitoring under NFA
-Procurement of protective wear and equipment to facilitate patrols in project sites such as  camping tents, rain coats, warm suits, gum boots, camping gear and food rations and vehicle fuels and maintenance to aid both UWA and NFA to carryout monitoring and patrols in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls National Parks and Toro-Semliki wildlife reserve  and in 13 Central Forest Reserves. 
- Installation of 2 guard towers fitted with 2 telescopes in Queen Elizabeth National Park and 2 drones and 2 computer IPADs for surveillance and monitoring.
The above actions have reduced the level of illegal activities in the target protected areas. For example, under NFA, 84 suspects have been apprehended and 6 have been convicted of forest related crimes while 50 hectares initially encroached in Bugoma were recovered and restored.
1.2 Prevention of people-wildlife conflicts 
-In order to reduce impacts of protected areas on surrounding communities, 21.2km of trenches have been excavated (QENP-10km, MFNP-11.2km) and these have been instrumental in reducing crop raiding by elephants, a situation much appreciated by the community.  In addition, 500 bee hives have been provided (QENP 200, MFNP 200 and TSWR 100) as further deterrent to crop raiding by elephants. This has been enhanced further by the construction of a 5km out of targeted 21Km of electric fencing in QENP funded by the World Bank.
-Support has been provided to at least two problem hot spots in 6 sub-counties around each of the 3 protected areas to develop and implement land use plans, and 6 sub-counties have been covered. The Plans developed have identified deterrent crops like onions, red pepper, tea and coffee that could be grown around the protected areas.
-The project established and trained 283 community members as part wildlife scout groups to deal with problem animals outside the national park. They were provided with equipment for chasing away wild animals like vuvuzelas and are a primary contact with UWA when animals stray out of the protected areas.
1.3 Fire prevention and fire management in cooperation  with communities in protected areas

-60km of fire breaks were established and maintained for fire prevention in QENP, MFNP and TSWR. In addition, sensitization  meeting with communities were carried out on why fire should be prevented. The project further supported acquisition of fire equipment to control fires.

-Fire management plans for QENP, MFNP, TSWR were reviewed and updated and assorted fire equipment has been procured, community sensitization meetings held.

1.4  Restoration of forest cover through enrichment planting
-Restoration planting of 1,136.5 hectares of natural forest was completed in Kasyoha-Kitomi and Bugoma Central Forest Reserves beyond the planned target of 400 hectares. The areas were re-stocked with indigenous trees to enhance fast recovery, increased stocking and enhancing biodiversity. In addition, 307,200 seedlings have been raised for restoration planting in Kitechura (200ha) Ibambaro (200Ha) Kibego (100ha) and Rwensambya (100Ha) CFRs and planting is planned in the April-May 2024 rains. The total area restored is expected to reach 2,136 hectares by June 2024.
-Prepared new fire management plans for and established 60Km of firelines in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls National Parks and Toro-Semliki Wildlife reserve to reduce incidences and negative impacts of fire on wildlife protected areas. 
-NFA as under the project carried out conservation management zoning in Kalinzu and Budongo into Strict nature reserves, buffer and production zones which expected to enhance biodiversity conservation and management.

1.5 Support livelihoods of communities living around protected areas
-10 Collaborative Forest Management groups (CFM) groups have been supported to review and sign new agreements with NFA allowing them to co-manage specified areas of the forest with NFA
-18 CFM groups have been supported to establish nurseries to raise 1,040,000 seedlings annually as a way raising income and to supply seedlings to plant on their farmlands.
-The Project Established a network of informers around target forest reserve to support monitoring illegal activities in CFRs
-13 CFM groups have been supported to develop bee value chain through training, establishment of apiaries, provision of apiary equipment like KTB hives, honey harvesting tools and packaging materials.
-Six  problem animal hot spots were identified in 6 sub-counties around each of the three PAs to and hot spots and land use plans for these areas have been developed. The plans have identified growing of problem animal deterrent crops like  Onions, tea, coffee and red pepper.
- Community Resource Management groups were supported with alternative wood and nutritional requirements (Mixed tree and fruit and rabbit farming)
- Promote value addition on products associated with conservation (income generating practical skills like liquid soap, briquettes, paper bags, Honey processing and candle making) 
- Compiled a publication for each PA on community resource access monetary value equivalents for QUENP, MFNP and TSWR
- Established and supported community wildlife scout groups to deal with problem animals outside PAS
- Supported  6 existing community eco-tourism groups around MFNP, QENP, TSWR, and along major tourism roads in the region
- Provide incentives for three community groups/individuals/Clans in Bunyoro & Toro regions who conserve habitats for Chimpanzees & other endangered wildlife (Youth & Women Skilling). 

-Supported existing private conservation-livelihood model initiatives along the Murchison-Queen tourism road-including Marketing materials for Katoosi Uganda Myths shrine.

- Supported  80youths around MFNP, QENP, TSWR and wildlife hot spot region of Kagadi in job skilling activities to reduce redundant labour that would engage in poaching. Skills training included tailoring, phone repairing, motor-cycle repair, Brick laying and concrete practice.

1.5 Civil works of priority infrastructure supported in forests and protected areas
The project supported design of key infrastructure to be established to be established in protected areas including staff houses, visitor centres, park entry gates and bird hikes. Designs have been completed and await approval by UWA board and will be constructed with World Bank Funding under IFPA-CD.
In addition, under NFA the project has supported the acquisition of boundary survey equipment to aid resurvey of forest boundaries and ArcGIS Advanced Concurrent perpetual license to enable monitoring and mapping.