Local groups and Uganda Wildlife Authority distribute tree seedlings and teach planting to reduce forest use around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, aiming to protect habitat for about 450 mountain gorillas.
Communities surrounding Bwindi are receiving tree seedlings—selected for medicinal, timber and firewood uses—to reduce reliance on the park.
Tourism revenue and gorilla-viewing permits (about $800 for non-resident foreigners) create economic incentives for conservation.
Local organisations, schools and women’s groups are involved in planting and environmental education to expand indigenous tree cover near the park.
# What's happening
# Why this matters The mountain gorilla population has increased over recent years, and tourism linked to gorilla viewing provides substantial income for the country and local people. However, forest area available to gorillas has not grown with their numbers. Continued tree loss at the park edges risks biodiversity loss and increases potential conflict between people and wildlife.
# Who is involved and what they are doing Authority (UWA) is working with nearby communities to supply seedlings of tree species that locals value. Joseph Muhindo, an assistant tourism and hospitality officer for UWA, describes the approach as giving communities access to medicinal and other trees so people can harvest outside the park rather than entering it.
Change a Life, a community-based organisation founded by Christina Katushabe, coordinates tree-donation projects. The organisation prioritises species requested by local people—trees used for medicine, timber and firewood—that also support ecological goals near Bwindi.
Women's craft groups and schools are actively planting trees near the park boundary. Students gain practical conservation skills through school-led planting projects. A member of a women's group, Owembabazi Eunice, said they planted species such as grey goosefoot (Amakwatangwe) and eucalyptus near the park to avoid inconvenience to both people and gorillas.
# Practical mechanics
# Connections to tourism and conservation outcomes
# Where this fits in the bigger picture
# Concrete implications for readers
# Closing note Planting trees outside Bwindi is positioned as a direct, practical measure to reduce encroachment on gorilla habitat by offering communities nearby sources of medicine, fuel and raw materials while reinforcing the economic value of conserving mountain gorillas.
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