Ecotourism is a form of travel
tourism that involves travelling to natural areas with the objectives of
learning, studying or participating in activities that seek to minimize the negative
impact to the environment and at the same time protecting and empowering the
host communities economically. Ecotourism is an environmentally responsible
travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed areas, in order to enjoy and
appreciate nature and any accompanying cultural features both past and present
that promotes conservation and low negative visitor impact
Ecotourism in Uganda
In
Uganda ecotourism is a new phenomenon and dates back to the 1990’s. It involves
activities such as Nature guided Walks, Bird Watching, Village/community Walks,
forest walk, butterfly watching, sport fishing, mountaineering/hill climbing,
Gorilla tracking, Chimp tracking, game viewing, boat cruises, canoeing, caving,
scenery viewing/nature photography, primate watching/walk, and any other
aspects that relate to Natural, Cultural and Rural tourism. Ecotourism
destinations in Uganda include all the ten national parks, wildlife and game
reserves, forest reserves, events/cultural centers plus community wetlands and Theme
parks.
The Current status and trends of Ecotourism
Uganda
has taken significant steps in what scholars may regard as a shift from the
traditional tourism to responsible travel to ecologically sensitive areas
especially with the development of activities like Gorilla tracking, Chimpanzee
tracking, Birding, Forest / Nature Walks, cultural trails etc. The liveliest
example of an ecotourism initiative in Uganda is KAFRED (Kibale Association for
Rural and Economic Development) a Community Based Organization which is
entirely managed and run by the local community. It was initiated with the main
theme of protecting Bigodi wetland (adjacent to Kibale Forest National Park)
while advancing health, education and economic growth in the wider local
community.
It
has contributed towards the conservation of the wetland and the park at large
and raising the socioeconomic standards of the people through setting up a
tourist reception, construction of the wetland board walk ways, advancing
conservation practices in area’s primary schools including Bigodi, Busabura,
Busiriba, Kiyoima, etc and training local guides
Ecotourism sites and places in Uganda
Uganda is endowed with many eco-tourism sites with an abundance of wildlife and ever green vegetation. First on the list of attractions is the great apes then birds, butterflies, green vegetation, reptiles, flowers and wild animals like elephants, baboons, warthogs, chimpanzees, bush backs, monkeys, bush pigs, buffaloes, mountain gorillas and cool natural fresh air below are eco-tourism sites and places in Uganda;
1)
Mabira Central Forest Reserve
2)
Budongo Central Forest Reserve
3)
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
4)
Lutoboka, Kampala and Bunjazi Central Forest Reserves
5)
Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve
6)
Mpanga Central Forest Reserve
7)
Busingiro Eco-tourism site,
8)
Bugoma Eco-tourism site,
9)
Kaniyo – Pabidi- Ecotourism site
10) Kasyoha-
Kitomi Forest Reserve
11) Rwenzori
mountains
12) Kibale
National Park
Tips for Best Eco-Tourism
As a traveller, you will have an impact on the
environment and culture of the place you are visiting.
Hence eco-tourism is about uniting conservation, communities,
and sustainable travel and the basics of eco-tourism are the same everywhere.
-
First that the tourist
is advised to minimize impact, spread awareness about the environment and the
harm caused to it.
Eco-tourism is the only way to maximize the economic,
environmental and social benefits of tourism. And below are some basic do’s and
don’ts a tourist has to adhere to:
What
to Do in the Parks
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The tourist has to carry back all non-degradable litter such as
empty bottles, tins, plastic bags etc. in order not to litter the environment and
to dispose of all the litter in authorized dustbins.
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The tourist has to cut down on noise pollution in nature camps,
sanctuaries and wildlife parks.
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The Tourist has to respect people’s privacy while taking
photographs. And Ask for prior permission before taking a photograph in the
sanctuaries or gazette parks.
What not to Do in the Parks
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The tourist should not take away flora and fauna in the forms of
cuttings, seeds or roots.
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The tourist should not use pollutants such as detergent, in
streams or springs while washing and bathing because this may harm the wildlife.
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The tourist should not use wood as fuel to cook food at the
campsite without permission from the guides.
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The tourist should not leave cigarettes butts or make open fires
in the forests because it will harm the wildlife.
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The tourist should not consume drinks, drugs or anything and
throw bottles in the wild because it will harm both the tourist and the natural
environment.
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The tourist should not tempt the locals, especially children by
offering them foodstuff or sweets.
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The tourist should not use Polythene and plastics because they
are non-biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment.
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