It seems the wetlands in Uganda have not yet released all their secrets. Not long ago, Bigodi wetland near Kibale Forest National Park in Kamwenge District looked nothing more than a thick mass of papyrus. After interventions by Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED), the tourism and conservation initiatives won the prestigious UNDP’s Equator Initiative Award 2010. This is given to Community Based Organizations and Non-Government Organizations in recognition of their outstanding successes in reducing poverty through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The wetlands form an important wildlife corridor, and are home to more than 200 species of birds and eight species of primates such as the black and white colubus monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Baboons among others. According to George Owoyesigire, a member of KAFRED, the local people were able to halt encroachment on the wetland and create guided wildlife trails for tourists.
Some of the tourism activities noted in these wetlands are Chimpanzee Tracking Safaris Chimpanzee Tracking Safaris, Bird watching tours, wildlife safaris and many others. The revenues from tourism have been used in building a secondary school and promoting environmental education in the area, instituting a loan scheme for farming and support to a local women’s group making handicrafts.
This came in as the world commemorates the UN World Wetlands Day under the theme, “Wetland tourism-a great experience and the slogan, “responsible tourism supports wetlands and people,” wetlands like Bigodi demonstrate that conservation and improvement of livelihoods move together. “Wetlands have a great contribution to tourism,” says Regina Namakula, the spokesperson for the Wetlands Management Department. “The residents living around the wetlands are able to earn income by selling handicrafts and other products.” Apart from being Eco-tourism, wetlands offer different roles such as controlling the flow of water and avoiding floods. To enjoy such remarkable tours provided by the wetlands, look no further than Africa Adventure Safaris, you will never regret it. The company also provides Honeymoon tours, Gorilla tracking tours, water rafting among others.