Conservation practitioners, scientists, government officials and policymakers have called for increased investment in research, innovation and collaboration to address the growing threats facing Uganda’s biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
The call was made during the inaugural National Biodiversity and Conservation Research Symposium 2026 currently underway at Kampala Nile Resort in Namanve, Mukono District.
Held under the theme “Biodiversity Under Threat: Science, Innovation and Collaborative Responses,” the symposium has brought together researchers, conservationists, government agencies, academic institutions and development partners to discuss practical solutions to emerging environmental and wildlife conservation challenges.
Speaking at the opening session, the Principal of the Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College (UWRTC), Mr Robert Baluku, warned that Uganda’s biodiversity is facing increasing pressure from climate change, habitat destruction, invasive species, illegal exploitation of natural resources, human-wildlife conflicts and changing land-use patterns.
“These challenges threaten not only wildlife and ecosystems but also the livelihoods and well-being of millions of people who depend on natural resources,” Mr Baluku said.
He noted that UWRTC has expanded its research activities in recent years to generate scientific information that supports wildlife management, conservation planning and policy development.
Mr Baluku also proposed the establishment of a centralized wildlife research repository and a Uganda Wildlife Research Journal to improve access to scientific knowledge and reduce duplication of research efforts.
The symposium’s chief guest, Dr Bashir Ajer, who represented the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, emphasized the need to ensure that scientific findings are translated into practical conservation interventions.
According to Dr Ajer, generating evidence alone is insufficient if research outcomes are not applied to address environmental challenges.
“Evidence without adaptation changes nothing,” he said.
He urged researchers and institutions to strengthen efforts to disseminate scientific findings and ensure that research informs the work of both the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Dr Ajer stressed that science should guide decisions on species recovery, climate adaptation, disease monitoring and the management of human-wildlife conflicts.
“Science must come first because without evidence we are merely guessing. Innovation must follow because evidence without application changes nothing. Then collaborative response must complete the chain because no single ministry, agency or country can protect biodiversity alone,” he said.
He also commended researchers, scientists and academic institutions for generating evidence that supports sustainable development and environmental protection.
Reaffirming government’s commitment to research and innovation, Dr Ajer said investments in science, ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation should result in measurable improvements in environmental management and conservation outcomes.
Similarly, UWA Executive Director Dr James Musinguzi called for evidence-based approaches to conservation, arguing that wildlife and biodiversity resources continue to face numerous threats that require informed responses.
“There are many threats afflicting our biodiversity and our wildlife. These threats and gaps must be closed by using empirical data and evidence picked from research, not assumptions, not politics. Science,” Dr Musinguzi said.
Throughout the symposium, participants have examined issues including wildlife crime, habitat fragmentation, climate change, invasive species and escalating human-wildlife conflicts.
Speakers repeatedly emphasized the need for stronger partnerships among government agencies, research institutions, conservation organizations, local communities and development partners to effectively address these challenges.
Delegates also called for greater investment in emerging conservation scientists, increased sharing of research findings and the establishment of platforms that promote innovation and knowledge exchange within the conservation sector.
According to the organizers, the symposium is intended to become a permanent national platform for promoting science-driven conservation and ensuring that research remains central to wildlife management and environmental policymaking.
The event has attracted participants from various institutions, including Makerere University, the Jane Goodall Institute, the Wilderness Project and several government agencies and international conservation partners.
As discussions continue, stakeholders expressed optimism that recommendations emerging from the symposium will help shape future biodiversity policies, strengthen conservation strategies and contribute to the long-term protection of Uganda’s natural heritage.