International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP), Uganda
Case Study C0207
[edit]
| Date | 2006 |
| Agency | WWF, African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), and Fauna and Flora International (FFI) |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Protected area |
| Geographic coverage | Uganda |
| Locality | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, southwest Uganda |
| Biodiversity focus | Species, particularly the mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) |
| Development focus | Rural communities |
| Conservation goals | Conserve the mountain gorilla populations and, more generally, the biodiversity of BINP |
| Poverty reduction goals | Promote the flow of benefits from conservation to local people |
Summary
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), located in southwest Uganda, covers an area of 330.8sq kms and is characterized by a great diversity of plant and animal species. Bwindi hosts at least twelve species known to be threatened with global extinction, including the critically endangered mountain gorilla, while its forest has various ecological values including soil conservation, water catchment, and biodiversity. The rural areas around the parks are among the most densely populated areas in Africa. Agriculture is the main economic activity of the largely poor, rural communities around Bwindi, and fuelwood is the main source of energy for cooking. As a consequence, agriculture encroachment, poaching and illegal exploitation of the forest's resources have often occured in Bwindi, even after it was gazetted a national park in 1991.
To address this situation WWF, in partnership with African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and Fauna and Flora International (FFI), launched the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP), with the aim of identifying environment-livelihood linkages to generate dual benefits for conservation and rural communities. The main strategy adopted by IGCP to achieve its objectives was to develop a Collaborative Forest Management (CFM) approach through the creation of Multiple Use Zones (MUZ). Through this mechanism, locals were given: access to the forests for collection of NTFPs, and the placement of hives for beekeeping; employment and responsibility to help park managers in their duties; employment and income from gorilla tourism.
A recent socio-economic study reported that over 60 per cent of people in most communities bordering protected areas felt that they benefited from the project. One of the benefits is the development of a strong cooperation between the various agencies in the area and the local community.
Conservation impact
The massive destruction of forests through illegal clearing and unsustainable practices have been greatly reduced and even halted in critical areas. Degradation of the environment has stopped, and signs of regeneration are visible in some patches. In 2004, gorillas showed an increase of 17%, while the numbers of other wildlife are also increasing.
Poverty reduction impact
IGCP has helped to develop a revenue-sharing mechanism for the local communities who now receive 20% of the park entry fee. This income has been invested in infrastructure development: school buildings and health centres were renovated, two community campsites were built, a gravity drinking water scheme was implemented. Gorilla tourism is delivering significant economic benefits at household level by providing employment and income, either directly and indirectly. IGCP has helped people developing their capacity building, which resulted in improved organization, negotiation and business skills. Finally, the IGCP has helped to support various enterprises that contribute to improved livelihoods, such as: beekeeping, mushroom farming, rearing pigs, sheep and poultry, and operating small shops.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Enabling local participation in policy-/decision- making processes
Provision of alternative livelihoods
Reference 1
http://www.worldwildlife.org/pubs/wwfmdgreport2006final.pdf
Related records above this one:
- Fauna & Flora International (FFI) (Organisation O0022)
- African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) (Organisation O0002)
- WWF International (Organisation O0115)