Arua District, Uganda – 05.11.2025 – In the rolling landscapes of Lazebu Parish, Logiri Sub-County, a once-barren hill is now slowly turning green again — thanks to the determination of Mr Abidrabo Norbert, a 27-year-old farmer whose passion for trees and restoration has transformed his community’s perception of degraded land.
Mr Abidrabo is one of the proud beneficiaries of the Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) Project, implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The project aims to reduce the climate change vulnerability of local communities by restoring degraded wetlands and forest ecosystems through nature-based solutions.
A Dream Constrained by Shortages
Long before the EbA Project reached his area, Mr Abidrabo had a deep appreciation for trees. He had dedicated part of his land to reforestation believing that restoring the hills would protect the soil, improve the microclimate and provide a sustainable source of livelihood for his family.
However, his biggest challenge was access to quality seedlings despite his efforts to raise a small tree nursery. Tree survival rate was low and he could not produce enough seedlings to re-forest his land.
He narrated that he had the land and will to plant trees but lacked the capacity and quality seedlings to make his dream a reality.
His determination did not go unnoticed so the District Forestry Officer (DFO) of Arua identified and listed him for seedling support under the next seedling supply through the MWE–EbA Project.
A Partnership That Sparked Transformation
True to the promise, Mr Abidrabo was selected as one of over 30 landowners supported to restore degraded hill slopes using climate-resilient, multipurpose tree species. Through the project, he received 12,000 pine seedlings which he planted on approximately 9 hectares of land on Olaka hill, one of the severely degraded hilltops identified for restoration.
With technical guidance from the District Forestry team, he established a thriving plantation that is already transforming the once-eroded slopes into a vibrant green landscape. The trees are helping to stabilise the soil, enhance fertility and improve local biodiversity.
“I will no longer struggle to find seedlings for planting and I am confident these trees will bring long-term benefits to my family and the community.” says Mr Abidrabo with a smile
Growing Trees, Growing Hope
The young plantation on Olaka Hill is more than just a forest in the making — it is a story of hope and resilience. For Mr Abidrabo, the trees represent future income from timber and other forest products, which he plans to use to educate his children and improve his household’s well-being.
But his impact extends beyond his own land. His efforts have inspired neighbours in Lazebu Parish to start planting trees on their own plots creating a ripple effect of restoration and environmental stewardship across the community.
Mr Abidrabo turned a degraded hill into a symbol of resilience and community-led action. His story is a perfect example of how access to the right support can empower individuals to become restoration champions, said a UNEP field officer during a recent monitoring visit.
A Greener Tomorrow
As his trees continue to grow, Mr Abidrabo remains grateful for the support from the EbA Project which not only helped him realise his dream but also contributed to Uganda’s broader efforts to restore degraded ecosystems and build climate resilience among local communities.
The story of Mr Abidrabo Norbert reminds us that when communities are empowered with knowledge, tools and trust they can restore both land and livelihoods — one seedling at a time.