A recent report by the Africa Institute For Energy Governance (AFIEGO) warns that oil exploration activities in Murchison Falls National Park are threatening the park’s wildlife and vegetation, including habitat loss, reduced food availability, and increased sediment run-off into water bodies.
The report, titled “Murchison Falls National Park Is Dying,” highlights the devastating impact of oil and gas exploitation, climate change, and poaching on the park’s ecosystem. The construction of well pads and supporting infrastructure has led to increased pressure on vulnerable species, while paved roads built to support the Tilenga oil project have exposed wildlife to poaching, accidents, and pollution.
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The report warns that if urgent action is not taken, the park’s biodiversity, including endangered species like elephants, could be lost. However, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda claims that the country has taken steps to ensure sustainable oil and gas development through robust policies and legal frameworks.
Critics argue that the government’s decision to allow oil exploration in the park will lead to environmental degradation and violate people’s rights. Despite this, the authority claims that technological advancements and innovative methods have been employed to minimize the environmental footprint of oil and gas operations.
Surveys conducted between 2019 and 2023 revealed no significant changes in habitat utilization, animal behavior, or stress levels. However, the report’s findings suggest that oil exploration activities pose significant risks to the park’s ecosystem, and urgent action is needed to mitigate these impacts.
