Kampala — Civil society organisations operating in countries of the Albertine Rift Valley region have formed a coalition to make inputs in the region's mining sector.

It will work to ensure rational distribution of mineral wealth through lobbying political authorities to ensure that communities benefit from the proceeds of their countries' resources.

It is composed of organisations advocating environmental conservation and sustainable utilisation of natural resources in the development process.

The Uganda Wildlife Society and National Association of Professional Environmentalists, the local stakeholders, recently held a regional workshop to consider the modalities of their operations.

Herbert Mulyampanda, the coordinator, said the body was important in harmonising management of cross-border natural resources as a region.

"Teaming up of these organisations will create a strong synergy that will help respective governments policy makers consider environmentally friendly mineral resources exploitation," he said.