The International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) is leading a campaign “The Gorilla Friendly Pledge” campaign aimed at protecting and conserving mountain gorillas and their natural habitats.
The campaign targets gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Volcanoes National Park by promoting responsible tourism practices.
Henry Mutabaazi, the Country Coordinator of IGCP in Uganda, said the organization aims at securing the future of mountain gorillas and does so by facilitating collaboration, supporting conservation science and responsible tourism practices, promoting effective community engagement through emphasizing the importance of being gorilla-friendly and responsible tourists.
He added that the objective is to minimize the risk of disease transmission to the mountain gorillas during treks in the national parks.
He says the “Gorilla Friendly Pledge” campaign seeks to assist tourists, game rangers, tour guides, and others in adhering to the established rules and regulations outlined in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Best Practice Guidelines for Great Ape Tourism such as keeping a 10-meter distance and properly wearing a mask while visiting the mountain gorillas.
This approach ensures that visitors have rewarding experiences while minimizing the potential for disease transmission to the gorillas.
“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,” added Mutabaazi.
He added that through the Pledge, individuals are encouraged to acknowledge and commit to following the trekking rules and regulations for Mountain Gorillas in the national parks.
“Through the Gorilla Friendly Pledge campaign, IGCP is paving the way for sustainable gorilla tourism, ensuring the long-term survival of these magnificent creatures and the preservation of their natural habitats,” he said, adding that the pledge has had the impact on many tourists taking a pledge to ensure that they safeguard the mountain gorillas and their habitat.
“The number of people taking the pledge internationally has increased. When we look at the statistics that we access on our website, this is one way you can ensure that the international community get to know about mountain gorillas and pledge to conserve them,” Mutabaazi noted.