The bigodi wetland sanctuary; communities succeeding in eco-tourism – Uganda safari news

bigodi -village ugandaBigodi wetland sanctuary is one of the Uganda safari products that have gained considerable attention among the world travelers in the last five years. Located on the boundaries of Kibale National Park where chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda are conducted, the Bigodi wetland sanctuary is a community run initiative which has positioned its self to materialize for the benefit of the initiators.
The sanctuary covers the Magombe swamp and present itself as a popular birding spot in Uganda this attracting a range of birders to undertake safaris to Uganda. With 138 species of birds, the sanctuary shelters the unique species including the greet Blue Turaco and other papyrus dwelling species. In addition, it supports counts of primates including the colobus monkey, baboons, L’Hoest monkey among others. The Chimpanzees make occasional visits to the area.
The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a living testimony of communities succeeding in tourism. The full community engagement and taping the benefits together have elevated the status of this Eco-tourism initiative to the international standards. In fact, the sanctuary has gone ahead to win several awards including the silver medal at the last concluded awards in South Africa. This has in turn made it more popular and increasingly gaining ground on the lists of what to encounter by travelers on Uganda safaris and tours.
The local women have identified market for the local crafts. They sustainably extract the materials from the wetland, make crafts and then sell them to guests. They gain revenue and change their livelihoods. The locals have managed to secure jobs as guides and this has contributed to their living too.
Under the management of Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED), the revenue generated has been put to the optimal use and schools have been put up contributing to the community’s basic infrastructure. This is a good example of what eco-tourism can do to enhance rural livelihood.
Uganda safaris/Uganda safari News
Prime Uganda safaris & Tours Ltd

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