In a significant move to safeguard its unique wildlife, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has joined forces with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) to establish a 10-year Conservation Management Partnership (CMP) for the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth Protected Area.
This collaboration aims to enhance the ecological health of the region, which is renowned for its spectacular tree-climbing lions.
The partnership will leverage the specialized expertise of both UWA and WCS to address several critical conservation challenges. Key focal areas include improving wildlife protection, restoring habitats, developing sustainable tourism initiatives, and minimizing human-wildlife conflict.
Ishasha is a vital part of the Greater Virunga Landscape, one of Africa’s most biodiverse ecosystems, linking the famous Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, as well as the adjacent Maramagambo and Kalinzu forests.
The region’s distinctive tree-climbing lions have attracted visitors from all over the world, contributing to its reputation as a premier wildlife destination.
However, the lion population in Ishasha has faced dramatic declines. From an estimated 80 lions in the 1970s, the numbers have dwindled significantly, raising concerns over the long-term viability of the remaining population.
As part of the new partnership, restoring the Ishasha lion population will be a top priority, with potential plans for carefully monitored lion translocations where scientifically justified.
Any proposed translocations will be conducted in consultation with local communities and will adhere to Uganda’s national laws, as well as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines and international conservation best practices.
This scientifically informed approach aims to bolster the lion population while ensuring that conservation efforts align with sound ecological principles.
Under this innovative co-management model, UWA will retain its statutory authority over Uganda’s protected areas while benefiting from enhanced operational and financial support for conservation in Ishasha.
This agreement marks the continuation of more than five decades of collaboration between UWA and WCS, reflecting their shared commitment to restoring Ishasha’s ecological integrity, protecting its wildlife, and promoting sustainable tourism.
Importantly, the partnership will also focus on engaging surrounding communities to ensure that conservation efforts yield lasting benefits for those living adjacent to the protected area. By prioritizing community involvement and sustainable practices, the initiative seeks to create a harmonious balance between wildlife conservation and local livelihoods.
This partnership heralds a promising new chapter for the Ishasha Sector, setting the stage for renewed conservation efforts that aim to protect its unique wildlife and natural heritage for generations to come.