Ugandan rainforest saved from destruction: 07-11-2007
A wildlife reserve in Uganda that was due to be destroyed to make way for biofuel crops has been saved thanks to a study that showed it would earn more money from eco-tourism.
Sugar cane was due to be planted in planted in place of over 7,000 hectares of the Mabira rainforest but after protests the Ugandan government changed its mind.
"This is a tragedy averted," Paul Buckley, of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) told the Times.
"Now Uganda has a brilliant opportunity to really make the most of its wildlife jewels. The site is famous with eco-tourists and slicing it up made no economic sense whatsoever."
The study, conducted by conservation group NatureUganda, showed that the benefits of protecting the forest outstripped the potential of bio-fuel crops.
The Mariba rainforest was designated an unspoilt haven for 300 species of birds and 200 types of trees, some of which are unique to the area.
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