I visited this reserve 6 years ago. It was clear then that sugar cane was already in the ascendency - Mabira is an island of forest in an already huge swathe of cane plantation.

It is necessary for the poorer states to develop and remove people from poverty, but sugar cane doesnt achieve that. Judging by the shanties in the area it causes it, by encouraging migrant workers who are - judging by living conditions - paid very little.

If the eco-tourist dollar is so mighty, Uganda should be one the richest of states. Its surviving wildlife is awesome - one of the true biodiversity hotspots of the world. Yet it doesnt seem to be happening - lending sway to the government's argument. Uganda has suffered from past civil war and unrest, and doesnt have the tourist infrastructure that neighbouring countries - Kenya, Tanzania - have.

It is a fantastic country with fantastic wildlife. Go and visit and improve the Eco-tourism economy to the point where these arguments dont happen

Nigel Symes, Bedford,

It is sad that most of the noise about Mabira give-away is being made by “Westerners” and Western sponsored NGOs. To my mind, there is nothing wrong with cutting down a forest to give way to industrialisation. Africa’s problem is not lack of forests or birds - Africa lacks factories! Bear in mind that it is easier to plant trees than find investors to put up factories. Only those without a vision can't see this. In addition, destroying Mabira is a cheaper way of controlling bird flue. In March this year the EU extend the ban on trade in wild birds on health grounds –bird flue to be specific. Destroying Mabira, is a less costly way of controlling bird flue i.e. will deny migratory birds that fly in from Europe during winter a home and quash the potential of the deadly bird flu virus spreading and decimating the Ugandan population . Say no eco-imperialism! To president Museveni go ahead with your plans - that is the right way forward.

Abidnigo Mutekwa, Harare, Zimbabwe

It worries me to see that governments focus only on activities that willsure damage our planet.. I even though understand that that we all need energy to keep this system rolling. Why does the smart ones of countries to not focus on the future ?.
I do hope that this particular government can be made aware of the need to conserve what they have.
Fuel even if it is green, will bring more much more damage to our society. It will promote the race to comfort what some of us cannot effort.
As you stated bio fuel will be heavely subsediced by the government.So what is the competition? It is not a win win situation for that country. Gents, they better focus on a clear distribution of what is now affailable.
Safe the fauna and you will save life.
Think ahead and our children will be proud to have had ancesters.
Negociate with realy green orgnizations and look what benefits you . DO NOT WASTE YOUR FOREST.
Do not create environments for snakes and other unwelcome wild life. Think ahead

Stan Power, Paramaribo, Suriname