Gorillas are considered to be the largest living primates and among the top most endangered species on Earth. They have been protected by international laws thus killing of gorillas is ILLEGAL. You should not fall a victim of this. These primates share a common lineage with humans after Chimpanzees and are our closet living relatives among the world’s apes.
There are several conservation programmes in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP). The it was was declared in 1991 a lot of effort has been put in by the governement and conservation organizations to protect endangered mountain gorillas. There is a great history to learn about gorilla conservation and the general protection of Bwindu Impenetrable National Park.
Just after gazetting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as a national park, the community of Mukona Parish protested by setting fire to around 10 sq kms of forest. In 1998, the same villagers walked five hours without any remuneration or incentive to put out a fire that had started accidentally, a great lesson to learn from promoting sustainable tourism in Africa. The change of attitude is due to the socio-economic benefits associated with gorilla tourism. More than 60 per cent of people in most communities bordering protected areas of gorilla habitat now feel that they benefit from the forests, and could name several forms of benefit.
Habitats for gorillas
African great apes do live in diverse habitats including lowland tropical forests, montane forests and dry savannas. Gorillas which live in lowland tropical forests build their nests, they either build on grounds or on tress. They start building nests at the age of three after sharing their mother’s nest.
Gorilla Watching Rules
There are set rules and guidelines to all tourism activities that are done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park so that the mountain gorillas can be conserved. All gorilla safaris are highly regulated and a carrying capacity is highly respected. Only 8 tourists are allowed to visit a habituated gorilla family in Bwindi.
Organizations that have conservation of mountain gorillas
Different organizations have been taken a lead in the conservation of mountain gorillas The most noticeable conservation group is the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund (MGCF).This is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the highly endangered Mountain Gorillas in Africa and the World as a whole.
Community Projects Around Bwindi
Bwindi protects almost half of the world’s population of the mountain gorillas. On your gorilla safari in Uganda, it is important to consider visiting a local community project or staying at a community based lodge.
Here are some of the top COMMUNITY INITIATIVES IN Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Community initiatives are non-profit-making projects that use their profits to benefit the surrounding areas with the aim of promoting tourism in their areas of operation. There are a number of community-based projects in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and below is some of them:
- Bakiga Lodge – Its is situated in Bwindi area and all its profits are used to fund the installation of clean water in the area. The Lodge offers accommodation to the tourists and was registered as NGO in Uganda
- Bwindi Back packers Lodge – The lodge offers accommodation to visitors in Bwindi area. However, part of the profits is given to the local people through replacements, Volunteering opportunities, music, dance and drama among others.
- Africa community Based Development Initiative – Based in Nkuringo areas aimed at empowering residents to plan tea plantation covering 17kms buffer zone separating them from the park. The tea plantation controls animals from getting into the community to eat their animals and food stuffs. This project is funded by Forest policy and institutional Branches of Food Branches of Food and Agriculture organizations of the United Nations.
- The Mgahinga Bwindi Impenetrable Trust – This is a none government Organisation which is founded in 1995. The project is funded by the world Bank through global environment Fund. The aim of this project is to improve the livelihood of the people in the area by creating awareness and education, Research projects and park management projects.
- Buhoma’s “Ride 4 a Woman” – This project is based in Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It’s an NGO aimed at supporting women struggling with poverty, HIV and Domestic Violence.
- Bwindi Plus school– the school started in 2015 by Mr. Agaba Moses who grew up as an organ after loosing his parents at the age of 3 yrs. Agaba was raised by the community members and in return he appreciated them by setting up a school to help the disadvantaged children in the surrounding areas.
- Batwa Tribe project – It’s a none Government project which aim at improving the live hood of the Batwa people. The Batwa people are the original inhabitants of Bwindi forests. The project was set to facilitate clean water in the area, education and health centres among others.
- Nkuringo Women’s Sewing Co-operative – Situated in Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It’s an initiative of women’s sewing machines aiming at developing the area socially and economically. The sewing machine project has grown due to continuous donations from well wisher among others. The proceeds are used to pay school fees, meeting the basic needs of women and buying land for investments among others.