Assessment of communities knowledge and perceptions on impacts of Hoima- Tanga crude oil pipeline to biodiversity in Swagaswaga Game Reserve

Abstract

The Hoima - Tanga crude oil pipeline also known as the East African Crude Oil is under construction and intended to transport crude oil from Uganda s oil fields to the Port of Tanga in Tanzania on the Indian Ocean following the discovery of a larger oil deposit in the lake Albert region of Uganda. Despite of its contributions in increasing economic and improving human-wellbeing in the region, the proposed pipeline route is found to overlap with critical environmental and biodiversity assets that have provided millions of local livelihoods for several generations. Base line information on the current status of biodiversity was collected and the impacts of the pipeline construction project through Swagaswaga Game reserve to biodiversity were explored by interview conducted to local communities vicinity to this PA as well as local community far from PA. Results indicated differences in awareness, attitude and expectations toward the crude oil pipeline project where local communities closer to PA were more aware than those residing far from PA , they were also with negative attitude on the project toward loss of biodiversity and their livelihoods. Land alienation for the pipeline infrastructures was the serious concern by the local communities vicinity to PA. Again, communities near the protected area were having knowledge on how the crude oil pipeline will have effect on environment and wildlife population viability, where the project was thought to cause biodiversity loss through rapid population growth, accessibility, animal accidents, pollution, habitat loss and fragmentation, increased poaching and illegal hunting. This study suggests that these two governments should come up with concrete strategies in conserving these ecological biodiversity, proper actions should be kept under consideration to make sure that pipeline project should not harm these natural population as well as safeguarding wildlife sustainability.