Conservation issues About 21% and 26% of the reserve have been designated as Strict Nature Reserve and Buffer Zone, respectively, and forest in these areas is currently recovering, helped by extensive plantings of native tree species. The forest is surrounded by a densely populated area and there are several villages within its boundaries, all of which existed before its designation as a Forest Reserve. Mabira has been mechanically harvested for timber since 1906, but the management has often been poor. The forest was one of the main sources of charcoal to the nearby towns of Jinja and Kampala, and produced an estimated 1,500 tons (60,000 bags) per year in the 1960s. In the 1980s, the forest was heavily encroached by settlers and subsistence farmers, encouraged by politicians. In 1988, the Forest Department enumerated a total of 3,506 families who lived or cultivated in the reserve. As a result, over 25% of the reserve was heavily degraded or cleared. However, the encroachers were evicted in 1988. Despite this, illegal activities such as pit-sawing, charcoal-burning, collection of poles (for building) and of medicinal plants have continued, although on a reduced scale. Mabira represents the best opportunity to maintain a complete forest community characteristic of this important biogeograghical region. Also, by virtue of its location between two main urban centres, the reserve is likely to assume increasing importance as a recreational area; it is already popular for picnics, walks and trail-biking. |
