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Project update - April 2006
DSWF - HELPING TO SAVE UGANDA'S
ELEPHANTS
Report from Michael Keigwin, Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF)
All too often research project reports simply
gather dust on shelves, but here in Uganda the findings of one
such project, funded by DSWF, continues to produce very practical
action. Our 'Elephants, Crops and People Programme' has been working
to stop crop raiding in southern Queen Elizabeth National Park.
With support from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and local communities,
we have started the excavation of a 2m x 2m trench along a 20km
stretch of the park boundary in order to protect the subsistence
farmers from hungry elephants.
The enthusiasm from local communities has
been encouraging, demonstrated by their digging of the first sections
of the trench on a voluntary basis one day per week. Subsequently
the revenue sharing scheme provides much welcome temporary employment
for many of these poor farmers.
The trench is not a permanent solution to
crop raiding and it must be used in conjunction with other measures
to be effective. But, it has already received the appreciation
of the local community, who report that it is keeping elephants
away from their crops. Completion of the whole project will take
time, as all excavations are carried out by hand, but it is already
improving the livelihoods of these communities. In addition the
work to protect wildlife will be greatly enhanced as proved by
encouraging reports that the killing of elephants in revenge for
crop raiding has stopped.
DSWF's provision of equipment such
as bicycles, mosquito nets and most recently a boat for anti-poaching
patrols is also having a very positive impact. The boat will facilitate
water borne law enforcement in this region which is dominated
by permanent water including Lakes George and Edward and the 24km
Kazinga Channel. It will enable rangers to patrol previously inaccessible
poaching hotspots and smuggling routes, allow easier access for
community workshops, help with wildlife monitoring and be used
for lake rescue.
Every little contribution helps wildlife
and remember 100% of your donation will go in full to the project - thank you!
You can also help by becoming a member
of DSWF. Click here for more information
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