Conservation of a biodiversity rich wetland through ecotourism in Uganda
Case Study C0010
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| Date | 2004 |
| Agency | Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED) |
| Donor/support agency | IUCN Uganda North Carolina Zoo Uganda Wildlife Authority |
| Project type | Self implemented |
| Context(s) | Community conserved area |
| Geographic coverage | Uganda |
| Locality | Not known |
| Biodiversity focus | Ecosystem/Landscape |
| Development focus | Local Bigodi community |
| Conservation goals | Conservation of the biodiversity rich wetland outside nationally protected Kibale National Park |
| Poverty reduction goals | Benefitting communities from tourism buisness |
Summary
Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED) was founded in 1992, by an American Peace Corps Volunteer and six community members with an aim to conserve wetland of rich biodiversity outside Kibale National Park. This wetland known as Magombe swamp or Bigodi Wetland sanctuary is home to eight species of primates, 130 species of birds, 3 species of fish, 10 species of amphibians and ground mammals and several important families of plants. KAFRED believes that tourism can be an important tool for the conservation. Hence, organisation has been promoting tourism in the area through Uganda Community Tourism Assosciation (UCOTA) and other private tourist companies. A committee of seven members, elected in general assembly for two years, manages the affairs of KAFRED. Due to its organised efforts, the organisation received an average of 1000 visitors with an income of 5.8 million Uganda Shillings per year between 1999 and 2001. In the year 2002, revenue increased to 26.1 million. 40 % of the income is spent on projects chosen by the community. KAFRED has sponsored the construction and management of a school since 1993. KAFRED employs 27 people from the local community as teachers, guides, cooks and for other jobs. Groups of local women have been trained in making of peanut and handicrafts. These products are sold through direct sales and through UCOTA. Due to increase in number of tourists other business opportunities such as hotels and lodges have opened up and are providing employment to more people. Its results are apparent. The number of permanent houses has increased from two in 1995 to twenty in 2003. It has a good impact on wetland as well. Due to sensibilisation programmes and benefits from tourism and development, the level of encroachment on wetland for agriculture has been considerably reduced. The local community has stopped hunting and now depend on the meat from domesticated animals. This has led to an increase in the numbers and groups' size of wild species.
Conservation impact
The level of encroachment on wetland for agriculture purposes was considerably reduced and the number and groups' size of primates and of other species has increased.
Poverty reduction impact
KAFRED earns between 5.8 to 26.1 million Uganda shillings through tourism. 40% of the income is spent on projects chosen by the community. KAFRED has sponsored the construction and management of a school since 1993. KAFRED employs 27 people from the local community as teachers, guides, cooks and for other jobs. Local women groups have started micro enterprises and there are other tourism realted buisness opportunities which have imroved the local income. The number of permannet houses has increased from 2 in 1995 to 20 in 2003.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Local conservation enterprise opportunities
Local employment/job creation
Provision of alternative livelihoods
Partnership with private sector
Reference 1
http://www.equatorinitiative.net/files/2004-0105_Nom_KAFRED_Uganda.doc
More information
Mr. Tinka John, Ag Director, HTU, Gaba Road, P.O. Box 29846, Kampala, Email: heritage@africaonline.co.ug
Related records above this one:
- Uganda Wildlife Authority (Organisation O0086)
- North Carolina Zoo (Organisation O0056)
- Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED) (Organisation O0047)