NEWS- Viva! a non-government in Uganda has patterned with Viva! UK to help in protecting mountain gorillas aimed at safeguarding the gorillas from various threats as one way of promoting tourism one of the best sectors that have contributed much to Uganda’s and Africa’s economy .
VIVA! Organization was founded by Juliet Gellatley 30 years ago in the UK, and 20 years ago in Poland which was later launched in Uganda in January 2024 and as one way to boost tourism
On Saturday, September 7, 2024, it donated various items and equipment to human-Gorilla Conflict Resolution team (HUGO) at the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Visitor Information Centre boardroom.
This partnership has been done during one of her tracking tours in Bwindi where Director Juliet Gellatley discussed with Chief Warden Nelson Guma how to assist the community in protecting gorillas where she suggested that human-Gorilla Conflict Resolution team, a voluntary team that supports human-wildlife conflict mitigation in the Park-adjacent communities near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, should receive aid.
Human-Gorilla Conflict Resolution Team plays a crucial role in preventing poaching, studying gorilla behavior to guide them back into the forest when they enter local communities, strengthening Park-Community relations, and collecting data on gorilla populations.
According to Juliet, the Chief Warden’s request was honored, and after reaching out to her fr support, enough funds were raised to purchase equipment, including:
80 rain jackets, 80 raincoats, 200 surgical gloves, 80 gumboots, 180 pens, 30 notebooks,
6 data collection tablets, 20 first aid kits, 40 torches, 80 water bottles, 20 camping tents,
20 small stress-relief tools, 80 lunch boxes, 20 backpacks and 1 field camera for UWA gorilla field data capture.
Juliet added that they are looking forward to further collaboration with human-Gorilla Conflict Resolution team HUGO to find more ways on how to support the trackers and rangers in protecting the endangered mountain gorillas.
She explained that protecting any species requires collaboration with the community, ensuring they feel ownership. The rangers and HUGO volunteers work tirelessly to protect the mountain gorillas.
Cue in …….. Juliet Gellatley on Donation
Viva! Uganda aims to show appreciation to the HUGO volunteers and UWA staff by supporting their passion and commitment because mountain gorillas share over 98% of their DNA with humans, are pregnant for about nine months, and can laugh and understand some facial expressions, similar to humans.
She revealed that the world is watching Bwindi as a model for wildlife conservation hence urging Ugandans to avoid deforestation and pollution, which threaten both humans and wildlife.
Additionally, Juliet highlighted research linking red meat consumption to diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, noting that red meat is a known carcinogen. She contrasted the UK’s National Health Service, which provides free healthcare, with Uganda, where medical issues are more challenging. Eating well is vital, especially where access to healthcare is limited.
She concluded by stressing that wildlife conservation is everyone’s responsibility. Without biodiversity, ecosystems will collapse, affecting food production, pollination, natural cycles, rainfall, and ocean health. People must recognize their connection to nature, making conservation a global priority.
Cue in ……. Juliet Gellatley on Tourism
Joshua Masereka the Warden of Community Conservation, expressed gratitude for the support from Viva! Uganda, led by its Director. He acknowledged that HUGO plays a vital role in keeping wild animals away from community crops and property. He also thanked previous health partners like IGCP and CTPH.
Viva!’s donation of equipment to HUGO members from Buhoma and Nkuringo sectors is greatly appreciated, with promises to support those in Ruhija and Rushaga sectors as well.
Cue in …….Joshua Masereka
UWA is committed to using this support to strengthen the relationship between mountain gorillas and local communities, pledging to advance gorilla conservation efforts alongside HUGO.
To learn more about what Viva! does, visit their website at viva.ug/gorilla-defenders.
