To address environmental conservation, Ugandan conservationists are placing their trust in Dr. Jane Goodall to leverage her influence, empower youth in the conservation movement, and rally Ugandans to actively participate in environmental protection and restoration efforts.
Dr. Jane Goodall is set to visit Uganda again from August 20th to 25th as part of her international conservation efforts. She is renowned environmental conservationist, anthropologist, primatologist, and UN Messenger of Peace. Her visit also coincides with the 25th-anniversary celebration of the Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which she played a pivotal role in establishing.
The country continues to grapple with alarming rates of environmental degradation despite Uganda’s stringent environmental laws.
Factors affecting environmental degradation
- Deforestation rates are high.
- Wetland areas have significantly decreased thus iconic species like the crested crane are endangered due to factors
- Infrastructure development
- Urban expansion.
- Agriculture.
Ugandan conservationists hope that Dr Jane’s visit will catalyze transformative change within the country since she is an extensive expertise and influence have had a global impact through policy reforms, grassroots movements, and a global conversation on environmental preservation.
James Byamukama, the executive director of the Jane Goodall Institute in Uganda, revealed an ambitious agenda for Dr. Goodall’s visit during a press briefing prior to her visit. To advocate for intensified conservation efforts, she is scheduled to engage with key figures, including the speaker of parliament, the ministers of Environment and Tourism, and the Australian Ambassador.
To explore solutions for harmonious human-wildlife coexistence, a public dialogue will bring together influential stakeholders.
“Dr. Goodall is also expected to meet with the First Lady, who is the patron of the Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary, to advance outcomes from partnership meetings. She will engage with the European Union delegation to Uganda to announce support for a new national Chimpanzee strategy, aimed at protecting the animals, their habitat, and surrounding communities.” James Byamukama, the executive director of the Jane Goodall Institute in Uganda added.
Additionally, discussions with the US ambassador will solidify donor partnerships with the US government. A significant highlight of the visit will be the launch of the “Roots and Shoots” movement Uganda chapter, headquartered at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) in Entebbe. This initiative aims to inspire youth toward conservation.
“Conservationists eagerly anticipate Dr. Goodall’s visit, hoping it will inspire the younger generation to take a stand for wildlife conservation, particularly for chimpanzees and their habitat.” Shivan Kamugisha the partnerships coordinator at the Wildlife Conservation society-WCS, says.
Joshua Rukundo emphasizes that Goodall’s visit is timely, emphasizing the increasing need for coexistence between humans and wildlife, with humans taking the lead as the executive director of the chimpanzee trust managing the Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary.
From Tanzania to China, her work has spurred significant positive changes. In Uganda, her influence has led to vital conservation efforts in Kibale National Park and the Ngamba Island sanctuary, along with robust anti-poaching initiatives hence her global conservation contributions are undeniable.
Her advocacy has protected species like giant pandas and Bengal tigers while inspiring sustainable practices and policies across the world. Dr. Jane Goodall’s impact reverberates through generations however in a world facing ecological challenges.
Dr Jane Goodall’s steadfast commitment to conservation promises to ignite hope, inspire change, and safeguard the planet for years to come embarks on her journey in Uganda.
