Uganda: Unlocking Pian UPE Wildlife Reserve
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and conservation non-profit, Space for Giants, have entered into a co-management partnership agreement to revive and promote Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve as one of East Africa's premier game parks. The game reserve found in the northeastern region of Karamoja is the second largest protected area in Uganda.
The new deal which was signed in the eastern city of Soroti on July 15, and is the first-of-its-kind in Uganda, will see UWA retain the wildlife management forte while Space for Giants, a conservation agency that has over the last 20 years partnered with 10 African governments to unlock investments in their countries' protected areas, is expected to raise money needed to run the wildlife reserve on a day-to-day basis. John Makombo, UWA's director of conservation signed on behalf of UWA while Dr. Max Graham signed on behalf of Space for Giants under the watchful eyes of the Chief Administrative Officers of Amudat, Bukedea, Bulambuli, Katakwi, Kumi, Kween, Nabilatuk, Nakapiripirit and Napak- the districts that neighbour this game reserve.
Makombo said the agreement is a major step in the sustainable conservation of the reserve. "We hope to get more benefits for the local communities which will strengthen our collaboration with partners to commit to conservation."
"If everyone plays their part, there will be visible benefits to the communities," he said.
Dr Max Graham, the Founder and CEO, Space for Giants noted that his organization has over the last seven years collaborated with the government of Uganda in the area of conservation. He expressed his confidence in the partnership with UWA, the District Local Governments and the Pian Upe Community Wildlife Association.
"Through this co-management partnership, the Ugandan Government sets in motion the process to fully restore Pian Upe as one of East Africa's premiere Parks," he said.
Graham said in addition to investing in Pian Upe's exceptional natural habitat and the conservation of its biodiversity, the co-management agreement also enhances Pian Upe's value for local communities and its economic contribution to the country.
It is not yet clear how much money is required to resuscitate Pian Upe although a figure of around US$ 8 million has been mentioned by senior government officials. However, a source close to Space for Giants told The Independent that the non-profit is yet to work out a detailed budget of how much is needed to run the park.
