May 22 , 2015 The Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development in Uganda has won a Silver Award at the 2015 African Responsible Tourism Awards in Cape Town, South Africa.
The community-based tourism and conservation organization manages and promotes sustainable tourism around the Bigodi wetland sanctuary in Kamwenge district.
George Owoyesigire of KAFRED who spoke to pressmen at the offices of Uganda Tourism Board is quoted as saying “This wetland is not a national park but it is protected by locals. We receive over 4,000 visitors every year to view close to 200 unique birds, butterfly and primate species as well as to take guided walks. Proceeds from KAFRED are used to build bridges, and schools. We also subsidize school fees to enable rural poor children attain good education,”
The venture has created 35 direct tourism jobs while providing clean water for 80 homes and managing a school of over 300 students from 250 families. It
generates a revenue of $50,000 yearly and is globally celebrated for reducing poverty through conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
The organization has also won the United Nations Development Programme equator initiative twice, in 2004 and 2010. KAFRED also supports 2 local women’s groups with a total of 70 members producing artisan handicrafts.
The conservation centre is home to primate species such as the Black and White Colobus, Red Colobus, Baboon, Grey Cheeked Mangabey, Red Tailed Monkey, Blue and Velvet Monkeys and the L’Hoest Monkey. It also hosts birds like the elusive Great Blue Turaco and the Crested Crane.