Project Update: June 2008

From Community Awareness and Education, we moved into community organising. The eight groups at the grassroots level and the umbrella association (Mabamba wetland Eco-tourism Association – MWETA), are being consolidated into strong community structures to empower the community to sustainably conserve the resource. We have managed to negotiate with Kasanje sub-county leadership and the association was given the responsibility of collecting some fees from the tourists who come to visit. Part of this income goes to the association’s treasury for conservation and community development work.

Two volunteers (Billy and Kevin) have been trained in computer skills and Information management. The centre is now functional. We have, however planned for the official launch to coincide with this year’s World Environment Day of 5th June. This occasion will be used for increased awareness about Mabamba to the wider layer of the population especially the policy makers at District and the Central government.

"In our efforts for continued networking and promotion of eco-tourism for empowerment of the community of Mabamba we have successfully initiated our networking efforts with Uganda Safari guides - a network of private tour operators. They requested that we create a link to our website to theirs, which we have already done. They will also do the same. For this reason they requested for a brief about Mabamba and nature Palace Foundation in regard to eco-tourism activities. Am glad to share it with you".