Generation Roots Foundation: Bird Conservation in Uganda
By Godfrey Lufafa
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Africa, we are deeply familiar with the call to be stewards of the Earth. “The Earth is full, and there is enough and to spare,” as stated in Doctrine and Covenants, but with this abundance comes a sacred responsibility to care for Heavenly Father’s creations.
At Generations Root Foundation (formally known as Busoga Bird Conservation Trust), we take this principle to heart. That’s why we actively engage in conservation through two key efforts: bird awareness and tree planting.
Birds play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. They pollinate plants, control pests, disperse seeds, and much more. Sadly, habitat destruction threatens these winged friends. I remember a time when two friends of mine from UK visited Uganda. One of the things they wished to see was the Abyssinian Ground hornbill. I knew of a tree where a couple was breeding for over five years. So, we travelled with my visitors on a very bumpy dirt road for about three hours. Unfortunately, we discovered that the tree had been cut down two days ago. This beautiful palm tree in a Catholic church compound was removed by those who thought the tree was old enough. The visitors were very disappointed, I was embarrassed, but we educated those who cut it down and now they are more aware of the important role the trees play.
Through our birding programs, we educate young Ugandans about the importance of birds. We teach them to identify species, observe behaviors, and explore different habitats, even weaving in cultural insights to make learning fun and meaningful. (Stay tuned: We’ll soon launch a YouTube channel sharing how birds teach us gospel principles!)
By nurturing birdwatching skills and fostering a love for birds, we inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. As President Russell M. Nelson taught, “Our Creator expects His children everywhere to educate themselves.” Our birding activities align perfectly with this vision. The more children learn about birds, the more they appreciate and protect them.
Trees also provide clean air, prevent soil erosion, offer food and shelter for wildlife, and so much more. Generations Root Foundation supplies tree seedlings to schools and communities, restoring habitats for birds and creating healthier environments for people. So far, we’ve planted countless trees at partner schools—giving children shade and others act as classrooms.
We’re grateful for organizations like Latter-day Saint Earth Stewardship, who share our commitment to environmental education. Together, we can care for our planet and make it a better place for all. To learn more about Generations Root Foundation, email [email protected].
Godfrey Lufafa lives in Uganda and is the director of Generations Root Foundation.