Uganda’s wildlife conservation achievements took centre stage at ITB Berlin, one of the world’s leading travel trade fairs.
Led by the Uganda Tourism Board, the country highlighted major gains in wildlife recovery, with particular emphasis on the resurgence of the white rhino and the steady growth of its primate populations.
Once declared extinct in Uganda, the white rhino has made a remarkable comeback through sustained conservation efforts. Carefully managed breeding programmes, strengthened protection measures and long-term investments in biodiversity restoration have enabled the species to re-establish a foothold in the country.
Officials say the recovery reflects Uganda’s strategic approach to tourism-driven conservation, where visitor revenues directly support wildlife protection and ecosystem restoration. The white rhino’s return is being positioned as a flagship success under Uganda’s broader ecotourism agenda.
Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The population of the endangered species has steadily increased, supported by tightly regulated tourism, conservation enforcement and community engagement.
Similarly, chimpanzee populations in Kibale National Park continue to thrive under structured trekking systems and strict conservation protocols. Revenue from trekking permits and park entry fees is reinvested into habitat protection, ranger deployment and anti-poaching operations.
Community revenue-sharing programmes ensure that neighbouring populations directly benefit from tourism proceeds, helping to reduce human-wildlife conflict and strengthen local support for conservation initiatives.
At ITB Berlin, Uganda presented its integrated conservation model built on three key pillars: tourism-financed conservation, structured community partnerships and effective buffer zone management.
Revenue generated from safari tourism, park access and primate trekking is channelled into habitat restoration, species monitoring and community livelihood projects. Officials say this approach not only safeguards ecosystems but also promotes inclusive economic growth.
Juliana Kagwa, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board, described Uganda’s conservation journey as one rooted in partnership and resilience.
“Uganda’s conservation story is one of resilience and partnership. The recovery of the white rhino and the steady growth of our mountain gorilla population demonstrate that when tourism is responsibly managed, it becomes a powerful force for conservation and community transformation,” she said.
Government policy backing has also played a central role. Lyazi Vivian, Commissioner of Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, said Uganda’s tourism strategy prioritises sustainability, climate resilience and community benefit-sharing.
“Our policies align tourism development with biodiversity protection and socio-economic empowerment,” she noted, adding that the country’s conservation gains are the result of deliberate and coordinated government action.
Uganda’s participation at ITB Berlin aimed not only to promote the country as a premier wildlife destination but also to position it as a model for sustainable tourism in Africa.
With global travellers increasingly seeking responsible travel experiences, Uganda is presenting itself as a destination where tourism revenue directly supports conservation and community development.
The Ugandan delegation invited international media, tour operators and investors to engage with its conservation model and explore partnerships that strengthen biodiversity protection while expanding tourism opportunities.
Officials say Uganda’s approach demonstrates that conservation and tourism can reinforce each other when backed by sound policy, community involvement and responsible visitor management.
