Assessing the impact of wetland degradation on cultural values, a case of Nabajjuzi wetland in Masaka district.

Abstract

The study was conducted at Nabajjuzj wetland in Masaka. The wetland is globally important and contains many threatened species including the Sitatunga, swamp antelope, the Shoebill and the Papyrus Yellow Warbler. It is also the sole source of water for over half a million people living in nearby Masaka town. The study investigated the impact of the wetland degradation on the cultural values of the wetland. It is important eco-tourist attraction which is of economic and socio-cultural significance for the local people and the country at large. The methodology -involved -interviews with a cross-section of the local people, questionnaires were used to collect primary data. This was supplemented with secondary data obtained from literature and other secondary sources like the university library, internet, journals and magazines as well as research papers, The results indicate the wetland is critically threatened by the uncontrolled human activities such as waste disposal, over extraction of materials, draining the wetland for agriculture and hunting of the threatened species. This has led to the loss, of the wetland biodiversity thus leading to the loss of the cultural values. The following were recommended for the improvement of' the current status of the wetland and its sustainable management: enhancement of local participation in biodiversity conservation initiatives, initiation of public education and awareness campaigns, integration of traditional and modern knowledge system of biodiversity conservation, provision of alternative sources of income for the local population, strict implementation- of the laws and policies to punish those who violate them and fighting: corruption, The study concludes that an integrated approach provides the best management options to the continued use of wetland. However, it was noted that integrated wetland management is often framed tis a decision problem with conflicting multiple objectives, where the challenge is to identify the. best compromise management solution. Thus care should be taken when making the policies and laws, for managing wetland.