Ugandan representatives seek green solutions 

WHEATON—A team of five observers from the central region of Uganda arrived in Chicago Nov. 1 for a nine-day tour of environmental endeavors that might be adapted for use in the east African nation, ranging from waste water management to horticultural projects. Led by Jack Sheaffer, hydrologist and chairman of the DuPage County Environmental Commission, the team got a first-hand look at a variety of developments that defied global warming trends in favor of preservation and conservation ideals.

Sheaffer’s interest and participation in the recent Earth Summit 2008 held on the campus of the Wheaton Franciscans sparked an ongoing willingness to collaborate with the staff at the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Office of the Wheaton Franciscans. He brought the Ugandan visitors along with a fellow water management expert from Miami, Fla., Guy Hamilton, to the Nov. 3 Dinner & Dialogue series. The topic, “Enhancing our World and Reducing our Carbon Footprint,” was led by Sr. Sheila Kinsey, OSF and Leader of the JPIC, and Covenant Member Seth Dibblee, environmental scientist.

The Ugandan contingent included: Kampala City Council members Olive Kitui and Dr. Makanga Livingstone along with Abbey Walusimbi, chairman of the Global Diaspora Advisory Council to President Yoweri Museveni and member of the Floodplain Solutions Group for Uganda; Geraldine Misanur, a nurse and occupational therapist, and Joshua Zake, also a member of the Floodplain Solutions Group.

They toured Sheaffer’s waste water management facility in Itasca, Ill., and were introduced to a variety of projects in Chicago and throughout DuPage County. The group attended a meeting of the Rotary Club of Naperville, where they gained support for efforts to bring solar ovens to Kampala.

On Nov. 7 the group met with Sr. Sheila and discussed efforts already underway by Franciscan International (FI) to assist with green development and peace initiatives in Uganda. Some in the group were familiar with FI programs and staff members and expressed satisfaction with education and health care projects.

Kitui was particularly interested in agricultural advances as they are linked to the carbon credit marketing system, which provides funds for individuals contributing favorably to the environment by planting trees and reducing greenhouse emissions. One of the country’s chief problems is a shortage of water due to severe drought conditions. Sheaffer said he would connect the group with horticultural experts who are currently working on plants and trees that not only grow well in dry conditions but also produces nutrients to enrich the soil.

Some in the group are working with universities in the east African region and participating in water solutions projects. The group is preparing for participation in the 5th annual World Water Forum slated from March 16-19 in Istanbul, turkey. For information, visit the forum Web site at: http://www.worldwaterforum5.org/