The USAID/Uganda Biodiversity for Resilience (B4R) Activity (2020-2025) provides technical assistance to communities, the government of Uganda, and the private sector, to conserve and manage biodiversity in target ecosystems for lasting environmental and economic sustainability and increased community and household resilience. B4R intends to support the National Forestry Authority (NFA) through infrastructure development at the Royal Mile tourist site in Budongo Central Forest Reserve (CFR) to improve on the eco-tourism potential of this forest. The planned infrastructure development in Budongo will consist of a) Visitor information center, b) Gate at the main entrance, c) Parking area, and d) Washrooms. The typical construction activities will include site clearance, excavations and earthworks, substructure and superstructure works, roofing, plumbing and electrical works, painting, fixing of furniture, site restoration, etc. Once commissioned, NFA will operate the new infrastructure including receiving/ managing bookings, receiving of visitors and providing them with information including inductions before they enter the forest. The facility will require daily cleaning and periodic repairs and maintenance to maintain its functionality.
The overall objective of the project brief was to assesses the construction project’s potential environmental impact on the forest ecosystem and outlines mitigation strategies to preserve the natural habitat. The specific objectives of the Project Brief were as follows:
- To identify and assess the potential environmental and social impacts for the project;
- To recommend enhancement measures for positive environmental and social impacts; and mitigation measures for the adverse negative environmental and social impacts;
- Seek views of the relevant project stakeholders;
- To prepare an Environmental Project Brief based on the above analysis for approval by NEMA.
