Call for Lake Victoria consideration as UNESCO site is growing among environmental groups, local leaders, and international advocates who want to protect Africa’s largest lake.
A coalition of 116 organizations from over 35 countries is asking the governments of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania to study Lake Victoria for potential protection as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Rather than focusing on small areas or single features, they want a complete review that puts local communities and the environment first.
Why Lake Victoria Matters
Lake Victoria is the world’s largest tropical lake and the primary source of the Nile River. It provides clean water, food, and jobs for millions of people across East Africa. It is also rich in wildlife, culture, and spiritual history.
Key Goals of the Proposal
- Community First: Local communities and Indigenous groups should lead the process, ensuring their rights are respected and no one is forced off their land.
- Safer Investment: Instead of relying heavily on fossil fuel projects—such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)—governments should invest in clean water, fishing, wetland restoration, renewable energy, and eco-friendly jobs.
- Protecting the Future: Experts warn that fossil fuel development poses serious risks to the lake’s water and ecosystems, making a thorough environmental check urgent.
Civil society groups are urging regional governments to work together, listen to local voices, and choose a path that protects both the people and the environment for generations to come.