Saving Threatened Tree Species Through Propagation

Many indigenous and medicinal tree species in Uganda are under increasing threat from overharvesting, forest degradation, and weak natural regeneration. To respond to this challenge, ECOSEV-U has piloted a focused conservation initiative in and around Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve in south-western Uganda, aimed at saving threatened medicinal tree species through deliberate propagation and restoration.

The initiative is built on strong partnerships with local communities adjacent to the forest reserve. ECOSEV-U supported the establishment of community-managed tree nurseries, where seedlings are raised from both seeds and carefully selected forest wildings. Through hands-on training and nursery management support, communities are actively involved in producing high-quality planting materials while building skills in sustainable conservation practices.

The propagated seedlings serve two clear purposes. First, they support the domestication of medicinal tree species outside the forest reserve, enabling planting on private gardens and homesteads and reducing pressure on wild populations. Second, the seedlings are used for restoring degraded areas within Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve, directly contributing to species recovery and forest landscape restoration. This integrated approach demonstrates how community-led propagation can play a critical role in conserving threatened tree species.