WWF Calls for Green Tourism in Uganda

Posted on 5 October 2021

Last week, WWF in Uganda led by the Country Director, David Duli joined the rest of the conservation world to commemorate the World Tourism Day 2021 under the theme, “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”.

Speaking at the celebrations held at Sheraton Kampala Hotel, David called for an urgent need to rethink the current economic growth model from one that over-depletes natural resources to one that will simultaneously deliver environmental sustainability, economic growth without compromising the wellbeing of future generations.

He told expressed that the green tourism development model which seeks to reduce negative environmental impact and promote safety and ultimately leading to environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable enterprises and economies presents a unique opportunity for Uganda’s accelerated economic growth and transition in an environmentally sustainable manner.

“We are looking at sustainability, something that can go on and on… without being destroyed. There a need for all the stakeholders to look at how we can manage consumptive use under tourism without depleting the resources of tourism,” he said, adding that Uganda can achieve even greater prosperity and well-being by scaling up its green investments in key sectors, while also factoring the conservation and efficient use of its natural capital into future decisions.

David also outlined the benefits of scaling up agroforestry and sustainable water management and recommends supporting organic farming among others in the green tourism development path.

According to the State Minister of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities Mugarra Martin Bahenduka, the tourism sector has encountered major disruptions and losses since the pandemic began, to place it in perspective, prior to the pandemic in 2019, Uganda welcomed over a 1.5million visitors and received US$1.6 Billion in tourist revenue, this was cut to one third in the following year and the prospects of 2021 are equally bleak.

Minster Bahenduka said the government has launched digitized tour maps and tourism services directories produced for the promotion of domestic and regional tourism as a means to revive the industry and ensuring rural community products are consumed.

“The most critical issue now is the impact that covid19 has had on the tourism sector…. we have all agreed that to have a more resilient tourism sector especially through challenges like covid19, is by developing and promoting domestic tourism,” he said.

“We are celebrating our own attractions and calling upon Ugandans, please and tour this beautiful country,” he said, noting, “You will also be contributing to the economy and the sector.

“We have tailored particular packages that a more pocket friendly for the domestic consumer.”

Uganda’s development and future prospects are closely linked to the harnessing of its rich but declining natural capital base. Despite reasonable economic growth rates attained in the past two decades, all environment and natural resource sustainability indicators depict a downward trend.

Uganda’s natural capital, comprising its high agricultural potential, a burgeoning eco-tourism industry, and a young and energetic population, all provide a solid foundation for the transition to a green economy. The country has several operational, ongoing, and planned green growth projects and initiatives in which both Government and non-State actors have shown commendable interest in greening the Ugandan economy.

WWF Uganda Country Director, David Duli speaking at the commemoration of the World Tourism Day 2021