Mapping wetlands in Mbale town: a step towards sustainable wetland management

To address these challenges, the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) and the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA Uganda) embarked on a comprehensive Wetlands Inventory Mapping Exercise aimed at strengthening the management and conservation of these vital ecosystem. In collaboration with Digital Earth Africa, a leading initiative in satellite-based environmental monitoring, the team leveraged cutting-edge tools to map and assess wetlands in Mbale. This project not only contributes to local conservation efforts but also demonstrates the power of technology in advancing sustainable development.

Why Wetlands Matter in Mbale

Mbale, situated at the foot of Mount Elgon in Eastern Uganda, is known for its rich biodiversity and significant wetland ecosystems, including river valleys, swamps, and marshes. These wetlands act as natural water filters, support agriculture, and provide essential resources for local communities. However, they are increasingly threatened by rapid urban development, expanding agriculture, and the impacts of climate change. Altered rainfall patterns and frequent flooding further degrade wetland health.

Without accurate data on the extent and condition of these wetlands, effective management and conservation strategies cannot be implemented. This is where the Digital Earth Africa Wetlands Inventory Tools become critical.

Using Technology for Wetlands Mapping

DE Africa is an initiative that provides geospatial data and tools to support environmental management across the continent. Using high-resolution satellite imagery and remote sensing technologies, DE Africa enables organizations and governments to monitor land cover, track environmental changes, and make informed decisions.

For the wetlands inventory project in Mbale, the DE Africa Sandbox offered powerful tools for mapping and monitoring wetland areas with high precision. These tools use satellite imagery and machine learning algorithms to detect and classify wetland types, even in hard-to-reach locations. This technology allows assessment of wetland health, detection of land-use changes, and identification of areas at risk of degradation.

Key Steps in the Wetlands Inventory Mapping

The mapping exercise followed a structured process to ensure comprehensive and accurate data collection:

1. Satellite Imagery Acquisition:
   High-resolution images from the DE Africa platform were used to capture detailed and up-to-date visuals of wetlands in and around Mbale. These images provide a bird’s-eye view of wetland coverage and enable precise boundary mapping.

2. Data Processing and Classification:
   The raw satellite images were processed using advanced algorithms to classify wetlands based on their characteristics (e.g., swamp, marsh, floodplain). This step is essential for distinguishing between wetland types and assessing overall health.

3. Field Verification and Ground-Truthing:
   While satellite data provides a strong foundation, on-the-ground verification is crucial. The NEMA Uganda team validated the draft products, ensuring accuracy and improving understanding of local conditions.

4. Monitoring Changes Over Time:
   One of the major advantages of DE Africa tools is the ability to monitor changes in wetland coverage over time. By comparing historical and current satellite imagery, trends such as wetland loss, expansion, or shifts in vegetation can be identified. This information is critical for developing effective protection and restoration strategies.

Impact of the Wetlands Inventory for Mbale

The successful completion of the wetlands inventory mapping exercise is expected to deliver long-term benefits for Mbale and its surrounding environment:

• Improved Wetland Management:
  Up-to-date wetland maps will enable local authorities to make informed decisions on conservation, zoning, and land-use planning. The inventory provides a strong foundation for policies that safeguard wetlands from degradation.

• Biodiversity Protection:
  Wetlands host diverse plant and animal species. Understanding the distribution and health of these habitats enables proactive conservation efforts to protect native species.

• Climate Resilience:
  Wetlands act as carbon sinks and mitigate climate impacts. Mapping and preserving these areas will increase Mbale’s resilience to flooding, drought, and other climate-related events.

• Community Engagement and Education:
  Involving local communities in the mapping and monitoring process fosters ownership and responsibility for wetland conservation. Access to data empowers communities to appreciate the value of wetlands and engage in sustainable practices.

Looking Ahead

The mapping exercise in Mbale builds on the successful training of various stakeholders in Uganda. It marks the beginning of a broader effort to conserve Uganda’s wetlands and harness satellite technology for environmental monitoring. As wetland maps are refined and integrated into policy frameworks, stronger commitments to wetland preservation are expected—both in Mbale and across the country.

The partnership with Digital Earth Africa has been transformative, providing access to cutting-edge technology for effective wetland management. Moving forward, efforts will focus on expanding the initiative and inspiring other regions to adopt similar approaches to protect their natural resources.

Through collaboration, innovation, and community participation, we can ensure that Uganda’s wetlands continue to thrive for generations to come.