Conservationists call for restoration of forest corridors in Bunyoro, Rwenzori to protect chimpanzees

Conservationists have called for restoration of forest corridors in the Bunyoro and Rwenzori regions as a way to stop the extinction of chimpanzees in Uganda.

This was during   a national level stakeholders’ dialogue  organised by the Cross Cultural Foundation of Uganda to  focus on presenting emerging chimpanzee conservation issues from grassroots conservationists in Rwenzori and Bunyoro , devising conservation strategies and creating a platform for dialogue between national and grassroots chimpanzee conservationists, with view to influence policy and practice.

During the dialogue, the discussions highlighted the critical role of these corridors in maintaining the habitat connectivity essential for the survival of chimpanzee populations in Budongo forest.

Barbra Babweteera Mutambi, the Executive Director of CCFU, highlighted the inborn link between culture and wildlife conservation.

She said that Uganda's society being clan based, culture plays a big role in shaping attitudes and behaviors towards wildlife.

She emphasized further the importance of integrating cultural perspectives into conservation efforts.

"In Uganda we are clan based, and each clan associates with either animal or a plant. And it all comes along with the taboos, the do's and don'ts with belief systems and it is well known that in all clans, what you're taught is, you are entrusted to protect it to ensure its safety," Babweteera said.

She said in 2014 and 2018, CCFU carried out a desk study and action research respectively that confirmed a significant nexus between culture and conservation, with a particular focus on the great apes, especially the chimpanzees.

"The research highlighted cultural resources linked to ancestry, genealogy, identity, spirituality, social practices, legends and folklore and traditional medicine. It was concluded that such cultural and social attachments contribute to communities’ motivation to conserve nature, and the great apes in particular."

She  explained that in unprotected areas, chimpanzees frequently clash with humans due to  deforestation and this conflict arises from the diminishing habitat and resources, particularly food.

"Uganda is home to around 5000 chimpanzees, but they are greatly threatened because of the deforestation that has taken place in various communities. The threat is even much more bigger in nonprotected areas. Where  wildlife is operating in protected areas, the threat is less. In many areas we are  seeing increased wildlife conflict, and it's as a result of human beings and the chimpanzees competing for food ."

She stressed a need to restore forest corridors, replant and regrow trees in order to have these chimpanzee safe and away from the communities.

"We need to reforestation in spaces and communities where we have run down these forests. There is need to replant and regrow these trees so that we can have chimpanzees in safe havens away from communities."

Babweteera highlighted a need to enhance education to the communities especially the young people to learn how to treat these chimpanzee because they are not only just wild animals but contribute to the country's GDP through tourism.

She called upon all stakeholders to join in supporting sustainable development and conservation efforts in Uganda.

This dialogue is part is part of CCFU's "CultureForChimps" project funded by Arcus Great Apes Foundation centered on leveraging cultural practices to foster conservation efforts in Bunyoro and Rwenzori and addressing the complex interplay between human activities and wildlife preservation.

George Owoyesigire, the commissioner of the wildlife authority at the Ministry of Tourism,  emphasized that the loss of critical habitats does not only threaten the survival of chimpanzees but also destabilizes the delicate balance of our shared ecosystems.

He  revealed that the ministry is reviewing the Wildlife Policy with the  review process generating a number of views and recommendations that will shape the future of conservation, chimpanzees and their habitats.