Satoyama Initiative National Network Workshop for Uganda

Overview

The Project organised a workshop to launch the Satoyama Initiative National Network (SINN) for organisations and institutions working in Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes. The theme of the workshop was “Enhancing benefits for people and biodiversity in Socio Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes in Uganda. It introduced the concept of the Satoyama Initiative to over 50 participants from various institutions and organisations working in SEPLS in the country, which seeks to realise societies in harmony with nature through revitalisation and sound management of SEPLS.

Key achievements

• The workshop responded to the critical needs of target groups by introducing the concept of SEPLS and sharing knowledge and a science base related to SEPLS management in the country. Most of the participants did not know anything about the Satoyama Initiative.
• The newly formed SINN- Satoyama Initiative National Network established a Secretariat charged with the creation of a mechanism for information and knowledge-sharing in the form of regular meetings and a newsletter.
• The excursion functioned as a study tour that created an opportunity for participants to interact and exchange views with lakeside communities on threats facing the Lake Victoria region and to test the three-fold approach of the Satoyama Initiative.
• The workshop recommended that an independent body of development practitioners, environmentalists, conservationists and indigenous people leaders, should be set up to oversee the management of SEPLS in the country and advise policymakers accordingly.

Lessons

• The timing of the study tour, which took place on the third day of the workshop, turned out to be ideal, as it gave participants a chance to share their findings during the plenary session on day four of the workshop.
• The workshop served to equip participants from various organisations and institutions from different regions of the country, with knowledge and the science base related the concept of SEPLS.