Uncontrolled illegal mining of coltan (columbite-tantalite) in Mukura Forest threatens its future existence, conservationists have warned. The 160-hectare natural forest spreads across Rutsiro and Ngororero districts in the Western Province.Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS), a regional organisation dedicated to conserve the Albertine Rift biodiversity that stretches from the north of Lake Albert in Uganda to the southern tip of Lake Tanganyika, says that besides encroachment and illegal grazing, illegal mining poses the biggest threat to the forest.Subsequently, the organisation last week, organised an urgent consultative meeting involving district authorities and other stakeholders including the private sector, civil society organisations and community group representatives to address the issue.The focus of the meeting was to devise appropriate measures to protect the forest for the benefit of the ecosystem and the communities.“For possible implementation of other conservation measures in the forest, there is urgent need for measures or steps to be taken to root out illegal mining which is seriously affecting it,” ARCOS Communications Officer, Faustin Gashakamba, pointed out.In addition to preservation of the local environment and being a pillar for sustainable development among surrounding communities, ACROS says that Mukura Forest is a great natural resource for the Great Lakes region and the international community.During the meeting, stakeholders identified different Payment for Ecological Services (PES) schemes and also conducted an analysis of issues related to them. Among the schemes identified were payment for water services, exploration of probable ways to enter into the carbon market and control of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in the forest.Addressing participants, Vice Mayor in charge Economic Development at Ngororero District, Emmanuel Mazimpaka, warned against illegal mining of coltan saying the law would take its course against anyone caught in the act.He said that in addition to breaking the law, the practice was highly risky noting that many illegal miners had lost their lives as a result of landslides. He briefly highlighted the importance of the forest, calling on the general public to take personal responsibility and report cases of illegal mining. He further encouraged residents to coordinate with authorities in combating the crime.“We already have mechanisms in place to arrest illegal miners; we are also coming up with others to intensify the exercise that also involves regular patrolling (of the forest),” he disclosed.
