Experts have noted that the tourism sector needs conservation efforts to flourish.
Speaking at a gorilla friendly engagement in Kampala, Henry Mutabazi, the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP), country director, noted that for tourism to flourish particularly for Mountain Gorillas, there is need to ramp up conservation efforts but also practice and promote sustainable tourism.
“Conservation is complimentary to tourism, the two need each other, but we must also support conservation exercises, practice sustainable responsible tourism and engage communities in the different activities,” he said.
He noted that tourism should not only be tied to generating revenue for the country but also viewed as a responsibility for humanity and conservation.
“Our aim is to enhance the effectiveness of protected areas by preventing illegal encroachments and garnering increased support for gorilla conservation among local and international communities,” he said.
IGCP also used the opportunity to ask tour operators and guides to take up the Gorilla Friendly Pledge, an initiative that aims at safeguarding the gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Volcanoes National Park by promoting responsible tourism practices.
The Gorilla Friendly Pledge is an online awareness raising campaign aimed at encouraging all those planning to visit the mountain gorillas and even those who are not! – to pledge to observe gorilla tourism rules during treks and to share feedback on their trekking experience after the visit through the Gorilla.
