NFA and Bugoma Primate Project Launch Eco-Tourism Initiative to Boost Conservation

The National Forestry Authority (NFA), in collaboration with the Bugoma Primate Conservation Project, has launched a new eco-tourism initiative aimed at preserving the Bugoma Central Forest Reserve and promoting sustainable tourism. The initiative includes the official opening of chimpanzee tracking in the forest to enhance conservation efforts and local economic development.

The forest, home to two communities of chimpanzees that have been under habituation since 2015, will offer chimp tracking as part of its eco-tourism activities. According to NFA, the Mwera North chimpanzee community is primarily used for research, while the Mwera South community, consisting of 60 to 70 individuals, has been prepared for tourism purposes.

"This new addition to our tourism offerings will not only raise awareness about conservation but also provide much-needed economic opportunities for communities around the forest," an NFA spokesperson stated during the launch.

Economic and Conservation Benefits

The introduction of chimpanzee tracking is expected to attract more visitors to Bugoma Forest, generating revenue that will support both conservation initiatives and the livelihoods of local communities. By providing market opportunities for local products and creating jobs, the initiative aims to improve the lives of those living near the forest.

Tour operators have expressed enthusiasm for the new offering, noting that the $80 rate for chimp tracking is affordable compared to other similar experiences in Uganda. Several operators noted that Local lodges such as Bugoma Jungle Lodge, Lake Albert Safaris, and Kikonko Lodge, along with cultural sites in Hoima, are set to collaborate with NFA to promote this new attraction.

"The addition of chimpanzee trekking to Bugoma Forest is a game-changer for eco-tourism in the region," said a local tour operator. "It’s an opportunity to showcase our natural heritage while also contributing to the protection of endangered species."

A Broader Vision for Conservation

In addition to chimpanzees, Bugoma Forest is home to other primate species, including baboons and mangabeys, as well as a variety of tree species. The NFA hopes that the success of this eco-tourism initiative will bolster conservation efforts across the forest, helping to preserve its biodiversity for future generations.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the NFA and conservation partners to leverage tourism as a tool for conservation while ensuring that local communities benefit directly from the protection of their natural resources.