Uganda:Plans to tear down a Ugandan forest to make way for sugar cane production could destroy one of the country's most important wildlife habitats, according to conservationists.
Mabira forest is home to several endangered species including the Nahan's francolin, a partridge-like bird found in pairs in the darkest, densest, dampest parts of the tropical jungle. Almost a third of the country's bird life could be put at risk.
Nine primate species, including the recently discovered grey-cheeked mangabey, would also lose their habitat.
Conservationists believe dozens more species of international significance, including plants with medicinal properties, may be lurking in the 75,000-acre reserve only 32km (20 miles) from the capital, Kampala.
Dr Chris Magin, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds' international officer for Africa, said: "Slicing up Mabira would be an environmental disaster and makes no economic sense at all. Sugar production in Uganda is hugely inefficient and has to be heavily subsidised to be competitive."
The reserve forms part of the Guinea Congo Forest in central Africa, one of the region's most important wildlife habitats with some 300 species of birds.
Mabira is supposed to be protected in return for $360m of World Bank funding for construction of the controversial Bujagali hydroelectric dam on the river Nile close to Lake Victoria.
But last year President Yoweri Museveni ordered a study into whether to allow a multinational, Mehta Group, which has close ties to his government, to use about a quarter of the forest for sugar.
"Power alcohol," which can be mixed with petrol to produce a more environmentally friendly fuel, will be one of the byproducts of refining white sugar.
The plans provoked widespread hostility.First the government was forced to sack its entire National Forestry Authority after members unanimously opposed the clearance. Then in April a demonstration organised by environmentalists spiralled into racial violence directed against the Ugandan-Indian origins of Mehta.
In scenes reminiscent of Idi Amin's brutal campaign against south Asian businesses, protesters attacked a Hindu temple in Kampala and Asian bystanders were stoned.
Three people died before police firing live rounds managed to restore order.
The protests prompted ministers to announce a review of the decision, but conservationists believe the government will still lift the forest's protected status later in the year.
They warn that President Museveni will forge ahead with the plan once international attention has waned following November's commonwealth heads of government meeting in Kampala.
Destruction of even a quarter of the forest would have a devastating effect on soil erosion, rivers and the local economy, according to a survey conducted by environmentalists at Nature Uganda.
They point out that eco-tourism is now Uganda's second largest foreign exchange earner, with 62 per cent of income coming from visits to Mabira's unique landscape.
The forest is also populated with the endangered African Stinkwood tree which is used to produce treatments for prostate cancer.
"Mabira is a biodiversity heaven and conserving it is a much better option than growing sugar cane," said Achilles Byaruhanga, the organisation's executive director.
"If a quarter of Mabira is chopped down the effect on the remaining forest will be far-reaching, reducing the range of species, causing encroachment, erosion and siltation, and reducing its capacity to provide services," he added.
"There will be less water in our rivers, less rain, less carbon stored and fewer tourists."