Environmental protection a major goal for Tourism promoters

Overgrazing, deforestation, and primitive agricultural methods are major environmental problems in Uganda which lead to Environment degradation.However,to ensure the rational sustainable utilization ,development and safeguard of Land and water resources and environment, for social and economic welfare and development as well as for regional and international peace. The Promoters of tourism have called for environmental protection as they bid to conserve biodiversity for the growth of the sector. Speaking during the 2nd Big Birding Day celebrations at Katoma Kingdom Resort in Entebbe last week the promoters said the high rate of environmental degradation is likely to affect Uganda’s tourism potential. Yet, although tourism contributes about 8 per cent of Uganda's GDP and is seen as one of the sectors with the most promising growth prospects.” It is time Ugandans embarked on the protection of biodiversity for future generations,” said Mr Stephen Masaba, the business development manager, Uganda Wildlife Authority. uganda gorilla trekking

Several Tourism development plans have been laid by the government to improve the Tourism industry. For example in 2008, the government of Uganda promised to ensure environmental concerns are put at the centre stage of the country’s efforts to promote tourism. The Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry, Janat Mukwaya said the government will work with all stakeholders in the tourism sector to promote responsible tourism. She was speaking in Kasese, western Uganda during the 2008 World Tourism Day Celebrations. Uganda is celebrating this year’s tourism day in Kasese, the home of the Rwenzori Mountains, one of the world’s top tourist attractions. The mountain, the 2nd tallest in East Africa is uniquely covered with glaciers, despite being along the equator. 3 day gorilla safari

However, this year’s Big Birding Day, also attracted 50 groups covering all sites of Uganda’s national parks and game reserves, and enabled the identification of 655 bird species compared to 450 identified last years.The highest number of bird species was recorded around the Kampala-Entebbe area with 175 bird species followed by Murchison Falls National Park with 162 and Queen Elizabeth National Park 160 bird species.Kidepo National Park recorded 150 bird species, Mabamba Ramsar site 138, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 137 and Mabira Forest Reserve 136 bird species. Tanzania safari packages

More so, Bahai temple-Park, Kibale and Lake Mburo National Parks also recorded a number of bird species. This year’s celebration organized under the theme: “connecting birds to people and nature” aimed to promote awareness of the country’s tourism potential. Besides, the Uganda Wildlife Authority earlier this year called for interested investors to bid for development of high end hotels in the protected areas to end accommodation shortage in national parks. A few days ago the Uganda Tourism Board removed restrictions to constructing more accommodation facilities in the park. According to Masaba, UWA would go into joint ventures with potential investors for the development and operation of accommodation facilities in the selected areas so that tourist arrivals increase per year. By so doing all the tourism stakeholders will work hand in hand to promote the development of the Tourism sector together with environment protection. Safari masai mara tour