The department of Environmental Planning and Coordination (EPC) is responsible for environment planning, research, innovations, information management and public participation for sustainable environment management. Other functions include: development and implementation of environment and natural resources ecosystems, species and genetic resources management plans and strategies, coordination and implementation of research and innovations for sustainable environmental management, public education and awareness, coordinating lead agencies, non-state actors and academic, among other functions.

The department is headed by the Senior Manager Francis Sabino Ogwal whose key role is to “coordinate environment planning, research, innovations, information management and public participation for sustainable environment management”. The department comprises three divisions: The division of Planning & Coordination, the division of Environment Education & Advocacy, and the division of Information Systems and also consists of two units: The Research & Innovations Unit and the Natural Resources Specialists Unit.

The department also coordinates projects implemented by the Authority. The current projects majorly focus on enhancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable development through integrated landscape management, equitable access and benefit-sharing of genetic resources, climate adaptation and mitigation, and alignment with global biodiversity frameworks, ensuring resilient ecosystems and improved livelihoods for communities. They include: Mt. Elgon Project (Promoting Integrated Landscape Management approach for conservation of the Mt Elgon Ecosystem in Eastern Uganda), ABS (Access and Benefit Sharing), GCF (Green Climate Fund) Project on Wetland Ecosystem and Early Action Project (Alignment of National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan II (NBSAP II) to Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The department has a total of 53 staff members, 30 in the mainstream and 24 in projects.