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As Uganda prepares to commemorate Wildlife Day on March 3, the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC), formerly known as The Zoo, has embarked on an educational campaign targeting schools. Recognizing the importance of instilling conservation values in the younger generation, UWEC has taken proactive steps to raise awareness about environmental conservation and wildlife preservation among students.
Throughout this initiative, secondary school learners have been sensitized to the significance and benefits of conserving the environment and its diverse wildlife. The campaign kickstarted at St. Mary’s College, Kisubi, located in Wakiso district along the Kampala-Entebbe Road, where students were engaged in interactive workshops focusing on wildlife conservation.
Phillip Katabulawo, the UWEC outreach conservation education officer, emphasizes the pivotal role of youth engagement in fostering sustainable environmental conservation practices. By empowering young minds with knowledge and appreciation for nature, UWEC aims to cultivate a generation committed to preserving Uganda’s rich biodiversity.
In collaboration with various conservation organizations and agencies, UWEC has extended its outreach efforts to encompass schools across the central region, including Mary Reparatrix Girls SS, Entebbe Secondary School, and Kitante High School, among others. These initiatives aim to broaden students’ understanding of conservation issues and inspire active participation in environmental stewardship.
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Venturing beyond classroom engagements, UWEC organized a primary school quiz competition in Kyenjojo district, ahead of the national celebrations for Wildlife Day. This year’s theme, ‘Digital innovation for conservation,’ underscores the importance of leveraging technology to enhance conservation efforts and foster a deeper connection with nature.
Isaac Mujasi, a coordinator for USAID’s wildlife crime combat program, emphasizes the need for responsible stewardship of wildlife resources. He underscores the human role in habitat preservation and urges individuals to take accountability for wildlife protection and recovery efforts.
Dr. Caroline Asiimwe of the Biodiversity Resilience Organization highlights the impacts of climate change on wildlife and emphasizes the importance of coexistence between humans and wildlife. While acknowledging instances of human-wildlife conflict, she emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions that prioritize conservation efforts.
Students, such as Sandra Namara of Kyambogo College and Ryan Kaweesa, a member of the Wildlife Clubs of Uganda, commend UWEC and its partners for their educational initiatives. They advocate for continued engagement with schools nationwide, emphasizing the importance of integrating wildlife studies and conservation into the education curriculum.
In line with its commitment to conservation education, UWEC launched the first volume of conservation education books for secondary schools in Uganda in 2021. These books address various environmental topics, including biodiversity, ecosystems, pollution, waste management, and emerging environmental issues, with future volumes planned to cover wildlife conservation, tourism, water, energy, and technology.
Tourism Minister Col Tom Butime underscores Uganda’s exceptional biodiversity and the importance of nurturing a conservation culture, particularly among the youth. By fostering environmental consciousness and promoting conservation education, UWEC endeavors to inspire a generation of conservation-minded individuals dedicated to safeguarding Uganda’s natural heritage.
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