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Under the theme Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation” Uganda will join the rest of the world to commemorate World Wildlife Day 2024 with national celebrations in Kyenjojo District.
Tourism Minister Tom Butime emphasized how digital conservation technologies and services can drive wildlife conservation, sustainable and legal wildlife trade, and human-wildlife coexistence.
World Wildlife Day is annually celebrated on March 3rd.
On 20 December 2013, the Sixty-eighth session of the United Nations General Assembly decided to proclaim 3 March as World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora.
Uganda ranks 3rd in biodiversity hosting mountain gorillas with
11%of world bird species in Uganda
Butime said Uganda stands to showcase her rich biodiversity and embrace digital innovations in wildlife conservation.
The minister said this event aims to highlight Uganda’s extraordinary natural endowment, which includes hosting over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and a remarkable array of bird, mammal, amphibian, and reptile species.
“This year’s theme underscores the pivotal role of digital technologies in redefining the relationship between humanity and the environment.
The celebrations will give a special focus on engaging Uganda’s youth, recognizing their crucial role as future leaders in shaping the future of digital wildlife conservation, “Butime said.
He pledged to partner with schools, communities, civil society organizations, and political leaders to disseminate information on the importance of technology in safeguarding Uganda’s natural heritage.
Butime said government is commitment to leveraging digital innovations to secure a sustainable future where humans and wildlife coexist harmoniously.
Planned activities
A series of activities leading up to the main event will include a wildlife research conference, conservation competitions for schools, national conservation awards, and the National Wildlife Marathon, all designed to raise awareness and promote active participation in conservation efforts.
Tourism status
Tourism in Uganda is an increasingly important contributor to its economy. The 1.5 million international arrivals, combined with a growing number of domestic tourists, generated 7.75% of GDP and 6.7% of total national employment in 2018 (CBI, 2020). COVID-19 has been a disaster for the tourism industry in Uganda.
