East African Community (EAC) has launched the ‘EAC for Nature’ project in Entebbe, Uganda, a regional initiative aimed at protecting natural resources, enhancing climate resilience, and securing sustainable livelihoods.
The transformative three-year initiative designed to enhance sustainable natural resource management across the region titled “Support to Management of Nature-Based Solutions with the East African Community” will run from January 2025 to June 2028 with a total funding of 8 million euros (5.5 million Euros from BMZ and 2. 5 million Euros from the EU).
The project backed by the German government through GIZ brings together environmental leaders, policymakers and international partners to tackle the pressing climate challenges facing East Africa particularly in the Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika basins.
The launch event attended by Dr. Masinde K. Bwire (Executive Secretary of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission LVBC), Alicia van den Boom (Head of Operations at the German Embassy in Kampala) and other high-profile stakeholders showcased East Africa’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
East Africa is at the frontline of climate change with rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall and severe droughts wreaking havoc on agriculture and water resources.
The EAC4Nature project aims to reverse environmental degradation and promote nature based solutions by strengthening regional collaboration, scientific research and policy implementation.
The initiative is designed to enhance climate resilience and support sustainable livelihoods through nature-based solutions with a primary focus on integrated natural resource management in the Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika basins.
Speaking at the launch, a representative of Dr. Masinde K. Bwire, Executive Secretary of the LVBC, reaffirmed the region’s commitment to climate action. He highlighted key achievements, including the drafting of the State of the Basin Report, which assesses the health of Lake Victoria’s ecosystem, and the mid-term review of the LVBC’s Strategic Plan (2021–2026).
He also noted the Commission’s success in securing funding from partners such as the World Bank to support sustainable development initiatives across East Africa.
Unlike previous climate action plans that were often disjointed and poorly enforced, EAC4Nature project adopts a transboundary approach ensuring that all EAC member states work together to restore vital ecosystems, combat pollution, and adapt to climate change.
Key focus areas will include restoring the Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika Basins two of Africa’s most critical water bodies which are under severe ecological threat, empowering women, youth, and vulnerable communities ensuring that marginalized groups play an active role in conservation efforts and enhancing climate resilience in agriculture, water and energy sectors protecting livelihoods from climate induced disasters.
Alicia van den Boom of the German Embassy underscored Germany’s long-standing commitment to climate action in East Africa. She emphasised that this new initiative builds upon previous efforts to implement nature-based solutions that harmonise with ecosystems.
“Germany is proud to partner with the EAC in advancing these solutions, which promise long-term benefits not only for conservation but also for the economic stability of the region,” she stated.
Germany’s financial and technical backing is expected to accelerate conservation programs and influence policy reforms that will ensure climate resilience becomes a permanent feature of East Africa’s development agenda.
As part of this initiative, EAC plans to present a unified climate strategy at the upcoming COP29 Conference pushing for stronger international commitments to protect Africa’s ecosystems.
With global climate negotiations often dominated by Western and Asian economic interests, EAC4Nature project gives East Africa a stronger voice on the world stage ensuring that local environmental concerns are prioritized in global discussions.
Many people argue that all past environmental projects in East Africa have failed due to weak enforcement, corruption and lack of political will. However, the EAC insists that this initiative is different as it is backed by solid funding, a clear regional strategy and international accountability mechanisms.
For the millions of East Africans whose lives depend on healthy ecosystems, clean water and sustainable agriculture, the success or failure of the EAC4Nature project could mean the difference between survival and catastrophe.
