Key Highlights:
- Uganda Airlines has launched the Flight Path Sustainability Project, aimed at reducing bird strikes near Entebbe International Airport by 40% through strategic waste management.
- The project addresses the aviation safety challenge posed by bird strikes, which cost the global industry $1.2 billion annually.
- Environmental conservation is a core focus, with efforts to protect Mabamba Bay, a critical wetland ecosystem near the airport.
- The initiative emphasizes community involvement, including empowering women fish traders in Kigungu with improved sanitation and innovative recycling practices.
- The project aligns with Uganda’s commitments made at COP29 to enhance climate resilience and promote sustainable development.
Uganda Airlines has officially launched the Flight Path Sustainability Project, a pioneering waste management initiative aimed at bolstering aviation safety and promoting environmental sustainability around Entebbe International Airport. This endeavour underscores the airline’s commitment to ensuring “Safety in the Skies” while supporting local communities and ecosystems.
Bird strikes present a significant global aviation challenge, causing approximately $1.2 billion in damages annually, with up to 90% occurring near airports during takeoff and landing phases. Entebbe International Airport, situated near the biodiverse Mabamba Bay wetlands, has experienced 21 bird strikes as of June 2024, many involving Spur-winged geese attracted by improperly managed fish waste along Lake Victoria’s shores.
The Flight Path Sustainability Project aims to address this issue by reducing bird activity near flight paths, improving waste management practices, and fostering sustainability within surrounding communities. The project seeks to:
- Reduce Bird Strikes: Achieve a 40% decrease in bird concentrations around Entebbe International Airport through strategic waste management solutions.
- Environmental Conservation: Protect Mabamba Bay, a critical ecosystem for diverse bird species, while maintaining ecological balance.
- Sustainability: Promote sustainable waste practices to create a cleaner and safer environment for aviation operations and local residents.
- Community Support: Empower women fish traders in Kigungu by enhancing hygiene and encouraging innovative recycling solutions.
Kigungu Central, a key area within Entebbe Municipality, generates substantial waste due to its active fishing industry, processing 4–5 tonnes of fish daily. Despite the local fish processing plant’s compliance with waste disposal standards, challenges such as plastic pollution and improper waste practices persist. The project aims to transform waste management in Kigungu by inspiring behaviour change, fostering recycling, and introducing innovative waste repurposing solutions, such as converting fish scales into industrial raw materials.
The Flight Path Sustainability Project is expected to deliver transformative benefits, including cleaner shores along Lake Victoria through eco-friendly waste disposal practices, improved sanitation and quality of life for over 2,000 residents, particularly women fish traders, enhanced aviation safety through reduced bird activity near flight paths, and increased awareness and strengthened partnerships among stakeholders to support sustainable development.
Speaking at the launch, Uganda Airlines CEO Mrs. Jenifer Bamuturaki stated,
“Today marks a significant milestone for Uganda Airlines as we reaffirm our commitment to aviation safety and environmental stewardship. The Flight Path Sustainability Project goes beyond safety, addressing environmental conservation, sustainability, and community support in a holistic way.”
Mrs. Shakila Rahim Lamar, Head of PR and Communications at Uganda Airlines, emphasised,
“Public awareness and collaboration are at the heart of this initiative. By tackling waste management challenges in Kigungu and inspiring sustainable practices, we are setting an example for the aviation industry and supporting community well-being.”
His Worship Rulinda Fabrice, Mayor of Entebbe Municipality, expressed his support, stating,
“This initiative provides an opportunity to transform waste management in our Municipality, improve the quality of life for residents, and protect our local ecosystem. It is a vital partnership for the safety of our skies and the sustainability of our community.”
The launch of the Flight Path Sustainability Project aligns with the recent outcomes of COP29, where nations, including Uganda, committed to enhancing environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Uganda’s active participation at COP29 underscores its dedication to sustainable development and environmental conservation, reinforcing the significance of initiatives like the Flight Path Sustainability Project in contributing to national and global climate goals.
