EACOP has combined efforts with the Ministry of Water and Environment and other partners to combat deforestation and restore Uganda’s diminishing tree cover, under the Running Out of Trees (ROOTs) campaign. This initiative aims to plant 200 million trees over five years, with a target of 40 million trees annually  symbolising a tree for every Ugandan. EACOP has pledged to plant 150,000 indigenous trees along the pipeline route. This initiative aligns with EACOP’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) commitments to offset environmental impacts and promote diversity restoration.

The ROOTs campaign highlights the power of public private partnerships in tackling environmental challenges. By actively participating, EACOP is playing a crucial role in restoring Uganda’s natural ecosystems, curbing deforestation, and strengthening community livelihoods through a healthier environment.

EACOP is working with implementing partners to plant these trees on land belonging to schools, churches, the Bunyoro and Buganda kingdoms and other institutional landowners with a focus on indigenous and fruit trees across the 10 EACOP host districts. Hoima Catholic Diocese has offered 70 acres in Munteme, Itohya Forest, Registered Trustrees of Daughters of Mary (Bannabikira) in Masaka (70 acres), Sisters of Immaculate Heart Ggogonya (100 acres), Kooki (70 acres) and Buganda Kingdom (100 acres).

This initiative further aligns with our commitment to drive the Sustainable Development Goals; SDG 13 -Climate Action, SDG15 – Life on Land, SDG 12-Sustainable Consumption and Production, SDG 11-Sustainable Cities and Communities & SDG 17- Partnerships for the Goals.