Human survival, security and well-being are underpinned by the state of the environment and the health of its ecosystems. Poor environmental quality affects economic growth and well-being by diminishing resources and impacting health. Uganda has a multitude of environmental challenges and opportunities. The agriculture sector employs over 66% of the population, 80% women and 63% youth (The state of the National Environment 2018-2019). However important it may be, this sector has contributed to changes in vegetation and land degradation through poor land management practices, which convert natural vegetation, such as forests and wetlands, into agricultural fields without long-term planning. Urbanization and infrastructure development have also significantly impacted natural resources and the environment.

By participating in Environmental Sustainability projects, you will first learn about the environmental challenges facing Ugandan communities. You will then participate with your host community as custodians of your surroundings by working with local groups to create awareness, increase knowledge and promote the utilization of environmentally friendly social and economic practices using sustainable development approaches as your guide. Finally, you will increase the local communities’ capacity to manage environmental resources sustainably.

Your community transformation experience starts here. Using best practices in the environment field, you will work with local Ugandan communities striving to conserve their environment and increase sustainable social and economic activities, while making friends in the context of cultural immersion.