Reforestation of the Nyamwamba Riverbanks

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Regenerative 2030

To plant adaptive trees species along the widened banks of Nyamwamba River with the aim of reducing of the impacts of flooding in Kilembe Village
To encourage conservation and Sustainability practices of tree planting among the people in the community of Kilembe spearheaded by Rwenzori Trekking Services Mountain guides
To create awareness amongst the community of Kilembe about environmental rehabilitation through tree planting.
To restore the beauty of Kilembe village through reforestation.
Build a forest buffer that protects the community, cleanses water and supports ecological health.

World Expeditions Foundation is proud to be raising funds for an impactful environmental and community resilience initiative in the Rwenzori Mountains region of western Uganda. In collaboration with our trusted local partner, Rwenzori Trekking Services, this project aims to restore degraded landscapes, reduce climate-related risks, and empower local communities through sustainable, nature-based solutions.

At the heart of this initiative is the planting of thousands of climate-adaptive tree species along the flood-prone Nyamwamba River. These trees will play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change by stabilizing riverbanks, reducing soil erosion, and acting as natural flood barriers. As the trees mature, they will help decrease the frequency and intensity of seasonal flooding that has increasingly threatened homes, farmland, and infrastructure in nearby communities like Kilembe.

Beyond environmental restoration, this project is deeply rooted in community engagement and local benefit. Over 400 local porters and 20 mountain guides from Rwenzori Trekking Services are directly involved as conservation ambassadors and reforestation team members. The project creates green jobs in tree nursery care, planting, and long-term monitoring—supporting local livelihoods while building a deeper connection to land stewardship.

The impacts extend even further. Reforestation will lead to cleaner water, improved soil fertility, and a resurgence of biodiversity, creating habitat corridors for birds, insects, and small mammals. Health outcomes are also expected to improve, with cleaner water sources contributing to reduced cases of waterborne diseases. Additionally, better road access during the rainy season will help increase school attendance and improve community wellbeing.

This collaborative effort directly contributes to several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Climate Action (SDG 13), Life on Land (SDG 15), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Sustainable Communities (SDG 11), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

By supporting this project, donors will be helping to build a more resilient, sustainable future for the Rwenzori region, while empowering local people to lead the way in conservation and climate adaptation.

Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

No Poverty: Economic growth must be inclusive to provide sustainable jobs and promote equality.

Good Health And Well-being: Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages is essential to sustainable development.

Clean Water And Sanitation: Clean, accessible water for all is an essential part of the world we want to live in.

Affordable And Clean Energy: Energy is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity.

Decent Work And Economic Growth: Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs.

Reduced Inequalities: To reduce inequalities, policies should be universal in principle, paying attention to the needs of disadvantaged and marginalized populations.

Responsible Production and Consumption: Responsible Production and Consumption

Life On Land: Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss

Climate Action: Climate change is a global challenge that affects everyone, everywhere.

Sustainable Cities And Communities: There needs to be a future in which cities provide opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.

Impacts

30–50% reduction in flood damage to farmland and infrastructure within 3–5 years, plus 20% improved soil fertility from reduced erosion and increased tree cover.
Restoration of ecosystem services such as pollination, water retention, and wildlife movement across reforested areas.
Up to 15% increase in household income over time from better agricultural yields on flood-protected land.
Improved community health through cleaner water and fewer waterborne diseases (based on ongoing health surveys).
10% rise in school attendance during rainy seasons due to improved road access.
Boost in local engagement, with more youth in eco-programs (+25%) and more households adopting conservation practices.

Outcomes

Community and Social Outcomes

Over 400 local porters employed and trained in environmental restoration and climate adaptation, actively supporting tree planting efforts.

20 mountain guides from Rwenzori Trekking Services serve as conservation ambassadors.

Local green jobs created through nursery care, tree planting, and ongoing monitoring activities.

Environmental Outcomes

3,000–5,000 adaptive trees planted along the Nyamwamba River floodplain to stabilize over 5 km of vulnerable riverbanks, reducing erosion and siltation.

Increased biodiversity through habitat creation for birds, insects, and small mammals, alongside carbon sequestration benefits from reforestation.

Water & Climate Resilience Outcomes

Expected reduction in flooding intensity and frequency in Kilembe within 2–3 years, protecting homes, farms, and infrastructure.

Improved water quality through natural riverbank filtration in 3 years and enhanced local microclimate (shade, moisture, air quality) within 5 years.

Background

The Rwenzori Mountains, often referred to as the "Mountains of the Moon," are a spectacular and ecologically rich mountain range in western Uganda, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rwenzoris are home to rare and endemic species, dramatic glacial peaks, and some of the most biodiverse alpine ecosystems in Africa. The region also plays a vital role in regulating local and regional water cycles, feeding major rivers and supporting agriculture and communities downstream.

Despite its natural beauty and ecological importance, the Rwenzori region is facing increasing environmental and socio-economic pressures—largely driven by climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable land use.

One of the most pressing issues is the frequent and intense flooding of the Nyamwamba River, which originates in the Rwenzori Mountains. In recent years, flash floods have become more severe and unpredictable, often destroying homes, farmland, roads, and essential infrastructure in nearby towns like Kilembe and Kasese. These floods are largely caused by the loss of vegetation cover on the upper slopes, which reduces the land’s natural ability to absorb rainfall and buffer water flows.

Additionally, widespread deforestation and encroachment on riverbanks have contributed to soil erosion, river siltation, and declining water quality—further compounding the vulnerability of both ecosystems and local communities.

Communities in the region, many of whom rely on subsistence farming and eco-tourism for their livelihoods, are increasingly exposed to the economic and health impacts of environmental degradation. Yet, they are also key stewards of the land, holding deep cultural and practical knowledge of the local environment.

This project recognizes both the urgency of the environmental crisis and the power of local action. By working with Rwenzori Trekking Services and the surrounding communities, the initiative aims to restore degraded landscapes, protect against climate impacts, and build long-term resilience for both people and nature.