Essay_on_Bwindi_National_Park

A REPORT OF THE VIABILITY ON A NEW HABITUATED GOLILLA GROUP IN BWINDI FOR TOURIST VIEWING Introduction and Background This report will aim to provide guidance and advice to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It will look at the need to increase tourism revenue and whether the decision to habituate another Mountain Gorilla group in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is required. The mountain gorilla is one of the most endangered species in the world and as such it is paramount that the health and welfare of the gorillas not be compromised purely for the sake of monetary gain. Moreover, if another group is habituated, then the welfare and habitat should, if possible be improved and human interaction with the Gorilla’s should not adversely impact on their natural behaviour. Furthermore the forest's biodiversity should be protected as a way to maintain a healthy environment for all the species that live within it. The aim of this report will be to look at in detail the advantages and disadvantages of habituating another Gorilla group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the inevitable human interaction and ultimately the effects on the wildlife that dwell there. Uganda is one of the most densely populated areas in the African continent. This report will also look at and analyse the stakeholder's interests of increasing tourist numbers and their impact upon the Park. Finally the report will make a recommendation and present it along with other considerations regarding the sustainability of the project. Process Used In producing this report I have taken several factors into consideration. Data maps and regional maps were analysed for a greater understanding of the area involved. Areas in which there is a high amount of illegal activity that could affect tourists as well as the Gorillas were taken into consideration. Also some documentation from the UWA was considered in detail. However, by far the most important tool employed was the video based interviews with the stakeholders. These interviews revealed an extensive insight into the needs of the population of the region. The video evidence highlighted the problems affecting the gorillas exposed to the tourists and also the researchers. Evidence Pro’s Weighted Score (1 -10) Con’s Weighted Score (1-10) UWA: Ecotourism is a way to highlight the country to the world and bring in more tourists. (U116, DVD, Block 3, Pressures on UWA). 4 UWA: More availability in visas could lead to less of a demand and hence reduce revenues. (U116, DVD, Block 3, Pressures on UWA). 3 Wildlife: Poaching would be reduced due to the necessity of armed guards. (U116, DVD, Block 3, Habituation). 5 Wildlife: Too much human interaction leads to Gorillas becoming less fearful resulting in them raiding crops. (U116, DVD, Block 3, Habituation). 5 Community: Income from tourists purchasing crafts and services benefits the community. (OU, DVD, Block 3, Local Communities). 8 Community: Income would nearly all come from tourism this would make the community reliant on tourists. (OU, DVD, Block 3, Local Communities). 4 Country: Ecotourism is perceived as a sustainable type of tourism by other countries. (U116, DVD, Block 3, Pressures on UWA). 5 Country: An increase in tourist revenue and more pressure on wildlife could see a decrease in international funding. (U116, DVD, Block 3, Habituation). 5 Wildlife: Habituated groups are much easier to track and monitor and ultimately protect. (U116, DVD, Block 3, Habituation). 7 Wildlife: Gorillas that have been exposed to humans loose some of their fear. As a result they are at more risk of poaching. (U116, DVD, Block 3, Habituation). 7 Community: As tourism increased living standards rise. Health and education improve with the employment of clinicians and educators. (U116, DVD, Block 3, Local Communities). 8 Wildlife: Gorillas are at risk of contracting human diseases due to the fact they have 98.4% in common. (U116, DVD, Block 3, Gorilla Health). 7 Total 37 Total 31 Recommendation and Discussion After looking at all the available information, it is the recommendation of this report that another group of gorillas for tourist viewing should be habituated. The mountain gorillas are a now a rare and special mammal. They are in need of as much protection that can be given within the constraints of funding and that policy will allow. However, the human aspect must not be overlooked and the populous of the area is in need of assistance also. It is the view of this report that the human and Gorilla populous can have a positive symbiotic relationship whereby both parties can prosper from each other. In arriving at a conclusion for this report, paramount importance was given to the welfare of the gorillas. The risk to the gorilla’s health from over exposure to human contact is high as they share 98.4% of our DNA. Moreover, when the gorillas become habituated they are more inclined to start crop raiding. This in turn brings them into contact with other animals thus leaving them susceptible to other diseases. The habituated gorillas are also at greater risk of poaching as they become accustomed to humans and consequently lose their fear. However, gorillas that are habituated are; much easier to monitor, they can be protected from poachers more readily and if in difficulty be given treatment quickly. Commitment to protect the gorillas not only from the stakeholders but the country is paramount if they are to benefit from the rewards that the Eco tourists bring. Considerations to the populations that live around the forest were also of high importance. Many of the people live in poverty and are reliant upon the income that they generate from the tourists that visit the area. It has been shown that areas in which tourism has been established for some time that individual’s benefit and their standard of living greatly improves. Improvements in the economy lead to an improved infrastructure including the building of schools, clinics and shops. However these populations can become overly reliant upon gorilla tourism and as a result themselves become at risk if there is a downward trend in the arrival of tourists. The UWA will need to ensure that some of the profits from Eco tourism are reinvested on other projects to protect its peoples if this is not to occur. The expansion of other tourist activities such as; trekking, bird and butterfly watching in combination with the viewing of gorilla’s could well benefit all of the stakeholders by extending the stay and spend of the tourists. By introducing another group of habituated gorillas it will expand upon this. The expansion to the types of packages available to the tourist could enable the tourists to visit different places within the park and surrounding areas. It would result in a more equal distribution of benefits to all communities. Finally, this report would recommend that the gorilla group to be habituated be the Bitukura Group in the Kabale district of Ruhija as this area does not have a group of habituated gorillas. Conclusion The development and expansion of tourism is vital for the protection of the gorillas if they are to continue to be protected from poachers. Although there are risks to the gorillas the positives definitely outweigh the negatives and to this end a new habituated group will be successful. Word Count: 1145