JGI UGANDA FIELD PROGRAMMES

Wildlife Landscapes & Development For Conservation Project (Northern Uganda):

The protected areas network in the north represents a significant portion of the recently declared "Eastern Afromontane" biodiversity hotspot, notable for a large number of rare and endemic species (1500+ species). Unfortunately, there is a high degree of threat to the continued existence of these natural sresources; the past two decades of civil conflict have seriously undermined conservation and knowledge of sustainable management of resources in the north.

In collaboration with Wildlife Conservation Society and through funding from USAID, JGI is implementing a community-based conservation program integrating wildlife conservation and socio-economic development to ensure the sustainability of conservation efforts in the Otzi-Nimule Landscape (a proportion os the said Eastern Afromontane" biodiversity hotspot) .

Specific objectives of this work include:

1) increasing the area of PA that is formally and effectively protected, by involving local communities in the decision-making and practical action for the management and protection of Otzi CFR and by improving capacity for effective monitoring and law enforcement by NFA;

2) increasing understanding of the environmental issues in the younger generation of northern Uganda by providing environmental education materials and appropriate training to primary school teachers in environmental sciences;

3) improving collaboration and coordination of conservation efforts between agencies concerned with Otzi-Nimule conservation area.