Ex situ Biodiversity conservation by Ojiambo solomon Edwards

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY Department of geography EX SITU BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY CONSERVATION THROUGH EDUCATION AT UGANDA WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTRE By Ojiambo Solomon Edwards AN INTERNSHIP REPORT Submitted to the Department of Geography In partial fulfillment of the Requirements for A degree in Environmental Management August 2010 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY An Internship report Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree in Environmental Management. Ex Situ Biological Diversity Conservation through Education at Uganda Wildlife Education Centre By Ojiambo Solomon Edwards Approved By: INTRODUCTION There is growing concern world wide about the uncontrolled exploitation and reduction in the earth’s biodiversity and other natural resources which is greatly affecting the eco-balance. “The extinction of a species is related to the degree of its biological vulnerability and the degree of threat by biotic and a biotic factors. Therefore, the need of conservation is exceptionally high and of paramount importance to preserve (Shyam.et.al 2002) our biological resources in all possible ways including community education”. Given Uganda’s location in a zone between the ecological communities that are characteristic of the drier East African Savannas (State of Environment Report of Uganda 2006) and the more moist West African rain forests, combined with high altitude ranges, the country has a high level of biological diversity. Recent survey reports reveal the occurrence of 18,783 species in Uganda to boast about. Generously blessed with four of the major ecosystems like savanna, equatorial rain forests, mountains and wetlands, Uganda attracts an amazing diversity of wild life. This therefore if properly attended to and conserved can serve as a tourist attraction to the region and thus a source of foreign exchange and profitable business. It is for this reason that we should jealously conserve what we have in all possible ways for example through conservation education. Background Popularly known as “Entebbe Zoo,” UWEC was opened in 1953 by the colonial government in Uganda as a reception centre for wild animals that were found as causalities (injured, sick, orphaned, and confiscated from illegal trade in wildlife resources). In the early 1960s, it was transformed to some extent assuming the role of a traditional zoo from where it acquired the name “Entebbe Zoo”. During this time a number of non indigenous species including bears and tigers were kept as a tourist attraction. In May 1994, the UWEC Trust was founded in order to take over the zoo and develop it primarily into a conservation education centre. Location The center is located on the edge of lake Victoria, with rich vegetation and it surprisingly wide range of birds, butterflies, spiders, and other indigenous animals making it an attractive venue for education as well as pleasing for those who visit, whether Ugandans or foreigners. Figure 1: Location of UWEC UWEC’s Mission Statement Is “to promote and create an understanding of conserving the Biodiversity in Uganda among the public, with specific emphasis on the young generation” UWEC’s Vision Is “to be the leading center in Biodiversity conservation Education in Africa” UWEC’s Mandated Four Roles The center serves as; A conservation education institution A rescue and rehabilitation centre A captive breeding unit for threatened species A zoo where people merely come to see the animals Objectives of the Internship To assess the importance of ex situ biodiversity conservation To identify the different ecosystems at UWEC To examine waste management practices at UWEC Roles and Responsibilities I began my internship on 1st July 2010 with Uganda Wildlife education Center. The internship period was to last two (2) months and thus it came to an end on 31st September 2010. In one way or another UWEC provides scholars with the relevant information that will enable them realize their needs in the academic world. The most available information provided deals with wild life conservation, tourism, and animal education on biodiversity conservation. During my training period, I was charged with a number of responsibilities depending on the department I was working in at the time as illustrated in Table 1.0. Day Time Department Activities Supervisor Mon 8:30am – 1:00pm 3:00pm – 4.00pm Reptile department Pond scrubbing & reptile feeding Bird feeding Feeding of birds of pray Abigaba. J Muhindo.N Tue 8:30am – 9:30am 9:30am – 1:00pm Compound and Medicinal Gardens Plastic waste mgt Garden maintenance & Energy saving Techniques Othieno R Wed 9:00am – 1:00pm Animal Department Animal (mammal) feeding Opio H Nandutu J Thurs 9:00am – 5:00pm Education Department Tourist Education Katuluba T Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm Education Department Tourist Education Katuluba T Sat 9:00am – 1:00pm 1:00pm – 5:00pm Reptile Department Education Department Feeding Tourist education Abigaba J Katuluba T Sun 9:00 am – 1:00pm Reptile Department Feeding Abigaba J & Muhindo N Conservation Departments at UWEC Just like any other organization, Uganda Wildlife Education Center is comprised of different departments each handling a specific objective with a common goal of bio-diversity conservation. These departments ensure specialization within the organization which eventually leads to efficiency in the administration of the facility. The departments include; onsite education, outreach, business, animal, vetenary, primates, mammals and reptile department all aiming towards biodiversity conservation. This report however, puts emphasis on two major sections of the outreach and onsite education departments. Education Department This taken to be the most sensitive and important department as far as conservation education is concerned. Every month the education department headed by Mr. Isaac Mujaasi brings in finalizing students from different universities and Institutes in the fields of environmental management, Biodiversity conservation, Wildlife management and Tourism. These students stay at the site for a period of two (2) months as an internship training period. They are in most cases well knowledgeable in their fields of specialization and therefore deliver the required knowledge to the individual visitors, groups and schools that come to the site. Tourism The tourism industry is one of the fast growing industries in Uganda and all over the world. People have finally come out to appreciate nature in different ways. Every year Uganda receives more than 118,964 tourists (UWA 2007) which signifies a drastic increase from the previous 43,062 tourists in 2000. Guided tours This is where tourists are helped out by tour guides (internship students) who provide assistance, information and cultural, historical and contemporary heritage interpretations at the site. Visitors are moved around the center in a systematic way from one exhibit to another. From the time of transformation by the UWEC Trust, animals and birds were moved from cages into exhibits with conditions similar to those where the species are coming from. There are about 13 exhibits at the center among which include; the Kob meadow (Queen Elizabeth), lake Mburo, Lion, Hyena, Monkey SPA, Buffalos, Crocodiles, Otters, Rhino, Wetland aviary, Budongo Chimpanzee Island, Patas Monkey, Botanical gardens and Kidepo exhibits. The interns move visitors to all the above mentioned ecosystems explaining in the detail the different species found there in and their adaptations to such environments. All this is done at a certain cost paid to the accounts section which is responsible for meeting the expenses met in the conservation activities. The centre has got limited land which can not provide for the animals and bird species through out the year. This hence calls for supplements which have to be obtained from outside sources at a high cost. Visitors to UWEC normally have questions to which they love to find answers. With an education department equipped with well educated trainees makes it possible to meet the anticipations of those willing to learn. Some of the common questions asked include: Where does the center get these species? What is the gestation period of some organisms? What are the feeding habits of certain animals? Where are these species found out side the education center? How much do some carnivals eat? Are there vetenary facilities for the sick animals and birds? How many species of animals/birds are found at UWEC and? What are the challenges facing biodiversity conservation in Uganda? Looking at all these questions, the answers need some body with a great/good understanding of the tourism, biodiversity and environment fields. The interns therefore are in the better position to answer such questions in relationship to their qualifications. Self –guided tours These are self governing tours where a visitor navigates the route around the center by oneself as opposed to an escorted tour or guided tour. Just like many tourist centers and companies, UWEC also provides suggestions, maps, instructions, directions, and other items to see or look up to during self-guided tours. Figure 2 and 3 are some of such items used by self-guided tourists. This is one of the posters put around the center aimed at guiding self guided tourists on what to do while on site or else fall victims of fines (Ug 100,000shs) if found guilty. These signs also create awareness among the people towards environmental protection and waste management. By and large, conservation education is being done in a variety of ways at UWEC. Every exhibit around the center has been provided with panels in simplified English to provide basic information to those going around with out an aid. These panels contain both written and photographic descriptions of the particular bird, Tree or animal of interest at that point. Information about the original natural habitant where the specie originates, gestation period, feeding habits, threats and common behavior is given. This simplifies the work for the education department since people can get informed while looking at the living organism. Recreation During off duty days and hours, people tend to like going to places and relax their minds off the stress from work. UWEC happens to be one of such places in Uganda, where people come and look at the different animals, birds and trees that are not commonly found. Families get days out to meet and feel happy as a Union, groups come to entertain themselves and foreigners come to adventure. In the picture is the king of Ivory Coast Tchiffi Zie Jean Gervais (circled) on his visit to the center. It is always a challenge to involve the young children into conservation activities because their interests lay in enjoyment and games. Uganda Wildlife Education Center invested in a number of infant playing equipment such as the sings, bouncing causal camel and donkey riding in order to motivate young ones to come to the centre. Young children are found of throwing rubbish indiscriminately and breaking any plant they come across. When they come to the center, the tour guides educate them on the importance of the different living organisms and the importance of environmental conservation. After the 30min-1hr tour and lecture walk, they are given a chance to go and play at the playing grounds so that they can feel at home and relaxed. This kind of treatment encourages the young generation to get involved in the conservation of biological diversity. Research, Internship, and Volunteering Research Students who pursue a carrier in biodiversity, environmental management and wildlife management come to the center for their research. This exposed them to the real aspects of the theory they have learned in the class room with the help of experienced personnel at Uganda Wild life education center. The Employees have worked for a number of years and have a great experience and knowledge in their fields. They there fore equip those students with all the relevant information at their disposal willingly at a free cost but cooperation. There is a well equipped library with a lot of reading material to provide answers to most researchable topics namely captive breeding, Ecosystem interactions, animal and bird rehabilitations and ex situ conservation. The library has many text books on different animals, birds, reptiles, trees, insects and ecosystem. All these serve as a basis for information needed for research. Foreign researchers also come in from different parts of the world for example South Africa to find out the different species kept at UWEC and how the facility is being managed to effectively meet the set objectives. The researchers get skills and go back to their home countries where they demonstrate what has been discovered in order to facilitate bio diversity conservation one of the goals of the Earth summit held in Rio de Janeiro Brazil in 1992. Internship Internship opportunities are availed every month to finalist students from different Institutions of higher learning as explained before in this report. Students taken up for internship make applications through the education department where they submit their academic profile and wait for approval. The selection is therefore done on merit where only those students who meet the required standard are offered internship. During this period, the students are equipped with practical skills from the theory acquired from class. Volunteering This is a God give devotion/carrier that chooses to help in conserving nature with out benefit (hedonism) but for nature (Biocentrism). UWEC permits and also gives chance to individuals with a helping heart. Wikipedia.org defines volunteering as a practice of people working on behalf of others or a particular cause with out payment for their time and service. Volunteering takes many forms but those at UWEC are interested in wildlife management, conservation education, marketing, construction and ecosystem restoration. These volunteers play a very big role in supplementing the required man power in running the center. These devote most of their time and effort towards UWEC activities including feeding animals, accommodation, guiding and many more on site educative demands. Opportunities for volunteering are open to both nationals and foreigners who are living with in the country. In the picture is Mr. Jonathan Anton Linquist (right) one of the volunteers at the centre with Mr. Abigaba Julius (head of reptile dep’t) resting after a days work. With the help of these kind people, there is division of labour which allows the keepers do their work faster and more effectively. The work that would have taken two days for one person to complete is therefore done with in a day. Another advantage is that unnoticed mistakes tend to be discovered when more people are involved in any given particular activity. Out Reach Department This department focuses on extending conservation ideas to communities that may not get the opportunity to visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. Well trained and experienced employees are used to demonstrate to the different communities and institutions how biodiversity conservation is done and what benefits can be realized through such activities. Community Conservation and Awareness Every month, there is a particular community planned visit to create awareness towards biodiversity conservation. During such a time announcements are made across the country through the media informing the communities in when and where the presentations are to be held. This is playing a very big role in safe guarding our biological heritage which was dwindling a few years ago at a very high rate. Through these presentations, explanations are given to a number of issues that arise from biological resources. Most of the local community members believe that these resources are God given and should be used in any way possible. Reasoning of this kind has instigated many people especially in the rural areas to over exploit biological resources at a rate higher than they can replenish themselves (carrying capacity). Communities are encouraged through such public lecture to participate in biodiversity conservation for example by planting a tree. The loss of keystone species in many areas has caused a lot of environmental alterations in such places. The loss of such species may affect many other organisms in the ecosystem (e.g. reeds and papyrus in the wetland ecosystem) because they help in determining the types and the numbers of various other species in a community. The people in the remote areas inmost cases are not aware of such information and therefore need some body to explain these things to them. Interpretation of the laws on biodiversity is paramount if people are to take responsibility for their actions against nature. Many of the civilians within Uganda do not know that it is criminal to porch and also get involved in trade of biological resources. When the people are told these and explained to how fetal the punishment can be if apprehended, then chances are high that such practices will drastically reduce with time. External Animal Exhibits On several occasions, the outreach department organizes visits to different parts of the country, schools and institutions to give people an opportunity to see some of the wild animals and we have with in the country. People who get the love for such species will eventually wish to protect habitants for such organisms. During my internship period, the department held exhibits in Bulange Mengo and Mbale district. The picture shows one of the lionesses from an external exhibit. Some of these animals and birds are so significant to the different tribes with in the country. Bringing these animals close to the communities serves as a great motivation in the conservation efforts. The cultural leaders are able to talk to their subordinates on issues of conservation. Ugandans attach a lot of value to culture and are always willing to do what ever has been asked by their kings. Through African tradition ideas like totems, people were able to conserve biological resources and therefore when people see their totems, they are reminded of conserving that particular organism. In the same way some schools are privileged with such visits where by some animals and birds are taken to their premises and the students are educated on how such species look like and their importance to the ecosystem environments. Conservation Education in Schools Activities such as these help to encourage the young generations grow up with a nature loving “heart”. The students are able to appreciate nature at a tender age and will be willing to do any thing to safe guard environmental components for future appreciation. Through its top offices, UWEC has advised government to promote conservation education in schools all over the country. This is one of the reasons why sciences were made compulsory in secondary schools to enable the students realize the value of Biological diversity and ways in which it can be protected against extinction. Officials with in the organization are some times sent out to schools on special days like on environmental days, carriers day and capacity building to sensitize the youth on the many opportunities involved in biological diversity conservation carriers. This inspires many students to pursue a conservation life. Exchange Programmes There exists a mutual relationship between UWEC and many other wildlife conservation areas abroad especially in Japan, United States of America and South Africa. The different facilities occasionally send out some of their experienced stuff to go and find out or share ideas on how their counterparts are carrying out conservation. Over the last two (2) months, the Vet doctor spent time in Japan in an effort to share experiences with other doctors. This also helps to solicit for financial help from those countries interested in biodiversity conservation in developing countries. Most of the remaining biological resources are found in developing countries that luck finances to conserve them. Sending out representatives creates awareness to the other countries of the potentials of Uganda in particular. This also markets the organization in other parts of the world attracting tourists into the country with time. When these come, they bring with the foreign exchange which is responsible for the boost in the tourism industry. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS The findings and discussions were made with reference to the set objectives of the internship. The environmental management course puts a lot of emphasis on ecosystems, their components, threats and ways of managing such dangers. Three (3) objectives were set for the internship period and a detailed assessment and examination was done too come up with this report. With the relevant help from the heads of the different departs, I was able to gather enough information to meet the objectives as discussed later on in this section but first we must understand the key Ideas in this report. Bio-diversity Biodiversity has become one of the major issues of the world to day. All living organisms are interdependent of each other, losing of the components is likely to have an impact on the rest either in the short or long run. This is why the year 2010 was named the year of biodiversity as a step towards conservation. Gaston (1996) defines Biodiversity as the variety of all forms of life, from genes to species, through to the broad scale of ecosystems. The Convention on Biological Diversity held in Rio de Janeiro on 5th June 1992, also defined Biodiversity as the variability among all life forms and is usually a measure of the health of a biological system. Bio diversity is not evenly distributed a cross the world, but is consistently rich within the tropics where Uganda eventually happens to exist. Rapid environmental alterations arising from development and population explosion are leading to great levels of species extinction every year. According to Wikipedia (2010) 99.9 of all species that have existed on earth are now extinct. The web page asserts that “since life began on earth, there have been five (5) major extinctions which have led to large and sudden drops in the biodiversity of species.” Biodiversity exists at three (3) major levels that is Genetic diversity Species diversity and Ecosystem diversity With all the current human activities around the world, bio-diversity is threatened at all the above levels in different ways (Romero 2005) as described. Alter the trophic structure, energy flows, chemical cycling and natural imbalances Many species are endangered or threatened There is therefore an urgent need to sensitize the people in individual countries of the importance of biological resources to human well being. For example they provide food, fiber, medicine and other intangible services such as the regulating ecosystems. Conservation This can be defined as an ethic of resource use, allocation, and protection of environmental resources. Conservation has become one of the main campaigns in the world today because of the threat we are facing as a result of climate change. The primary focus of conservation is upon maintaining the health of the natural world; its fisheries, habitants, and biological diversity. The secondary focus is on material, energy which are considered to protect the natural world. The business and Biodiversity organization (2010) defines Conservation as the protection, preservation, management, or restoration of wildlife and natural resources such as forests and water. Through the conservation of biodiversity the survival of many species and habitats which are threatened due to human activities can be ensured. Other reasons for conserving biodiversity include securing valuable Natural Resources for future generations and protecting the well being of eco-system functions. Ex -situ Conservation The conservation of elements of biodiversity out of the context of their natural habitats is referred to as ex-situ conservation. Zoos, botanical gardens and seed banks are all example of ex-situ conservation. The CBD also defines it as the conservation of components of biological diversity out side their natural habitant. This is what UWEC has been trying to do for all the past years till to date. Animals and birds are rescued and brought to a place with similar conditions to their natural habitants. Table 2.0: IUCN Protected Area Management Categories Category Management Area Mainly managed for: 1a1b Strict Nature Reserve Wilderness Area ScienceWilderness protection 2 National Park Ecosystem protection and recreation 3 Natural Monument Conservation of specific natural features 4 Habitat/species Conservation through management intervention 5 Protected Landscape/Seascape Landscape/seascape conservation and recreation 6 Managed Resource Protected Area Sustainable use of natural ecosystems Conservation Education This deals with developing a sense of love, awe and wonder at the natural world, leading to a desire to act in a way which will conserve the biodiversity of the world. In other words, it aims to impart a sense of wonder and stewardship for the natural world. It also deals with teaching people of all ages to take care of flora and fauna in the world locally or globally by letting people feel, smell and hear aspects of nature and culture. The practice focuses on conveying Knowledge and attitudes with the specific intention of impacting human behavior and eliciting positive actions on behalf of the environment and wildlife. Through this people are able to understand the importance of preservation, protection, and conservation of biological resources. ‘Man does not live in isolation from nature.’ Eco-System An ecosystem is a complex set of relationships among the living resources, habitants, and residents of an area. It may include plants, trees, animals, fish, birds, micro-organisms, water, soil, and people. Ecosystems tend to vary greatly but all the elements are a functioning unit. This means that everything in the ecosystem is dependent on the other species and elements. The system is therefore stable only if it is healthy and all the units are fully functional. Importance of Ex-Situ Bio-Diversity Conservation Most of the animal and bird species at UWEC have been rescued from illegal trade, orphaned or injured. Instead of leaving such organisms to fate, the center brings them in, treats and rehabilitates them before being put out for exhibits. These organisms are wild animals meant to be for the wild and there sudden introduction might cause stress which might be fatal. Currently the Uganda is facing a climate change challenge which is greatly affecting the animals in the wild. If such species that can not easily adapt to the extremes are identified, they are brought to the center and special care is accorded to them as the eventually try to adapt with time. In the picture some giraffes and Ostriches being feed as a supplement to what they can find themselves. UWEC has got a variety of plants in form of a medicinal garden and a rain forest where people are given an opportunity to see and understand the various goods and services provided by such plants. Most people do have these plants in the communities but do not know the intrinsic values within such species. Ex situ conservation is very necessary to preserve endangered or rare species when their natural habitats have already been completely destroyed or so reduced in size and so fragmented that the species are in imminent danger of extinction (Li et al., 2002). The importance and use of ex situ techniques in conservation has increased over the past decade, with the establishment of large projects such as the Millennium protected areas and education around. The increased use of ex situ techniques in conservation is part, to the recognitions in the Convention on Biodiversity CBD (Rowntree et al, 2009). Ex situ conservation therefore stands to keep genetic resources in a secure area for future utilization. Ecosystem Types UWEC has got three major ecosystems and some portions containing bush lands and a herbarium. All the exhibits were designed with a special ecosystem in mind. The Savannah Ecosystem A Savannah is a grassland ecosystem characterized by the trees being sufficiently small or widely spaced so that the canopy does not close. This kind is found in most of the exhibits around the center. The savannah systems are evident in Kidepo, Queen, buffalo exhibits, lion exhibit, Lake Mburo exhibit, Queen Elizabeth, and at the Rhino. The picture shows the queen Elizabeth exhibit’s savannah vegetation. The animal species found here are those that have adapted to such vegetation and feed on that kind of short grasses. The animals include Kobs, Forest hogs, Water bucks, Reed bucks, and Bush bucks. In this particular ecosystem, there exists different bird species that have been attracted because of the conducive conditions that have been made available. Just on the side is a water ecosystem mostly appreciated by the birds and reed bucks. The short grasses act as a protective cover to the herbivorous organisms because they can see over a very long distance for any possible predators. Monitor lizards are also attracted to the exhibit because of the water ecosystem. Frogs and toads lay their eggs in the water hence increasing biodiversity at the center. The picture gives a very good image of birds near the water ecosystem. With increasing temperatures around the world, all organisms are faced with high levels of water loss from their bodies. Many animals and birds in the wild have died because of starvation in the dry seasons. Ex situ conservation therefore gives a chance to these organisms to survive drought. This is the main reason as to why those animals in captivity tend to live longer than those in the wild. Wetland Ecosystem A wetland is an area of land whose soil is saturated with moisture either permanently or seasonally. Such areas may also be covered partially or completely by shallow pools of water. Wetlands include swamps, marshes, and bogs, among others. The water found in wetlands can be saltwater, freshwater, or brackish. Article 1.1: of the Ramsar convention defines "...wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peat land or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low pig does not exceed six metres." UWEC created an artificial wetland aviary where by different birds and reptiles are kept. On the left is a shoe billed stork at the wetland. Uganda is facing a decline in the wetland coverage because of the high development and population rates. Wetland reclamation is one of the greatest challenges facing the country to day. The levels of corruption are very high in many offices and a number of wetlands have been sold out or given to the affluent in government. The poor don’t have the money to drain or fill marrum in these wetlands but only the rich have this capability. It therefore becomes a very big challenge for conservation organizations to do their work effectively. The wetland aviary attracts many free ranging and migratory birds to the site adding esthetic value to the center. Birds such as the black and yellow weavers and warblers are some of those found in this ecosystem. Wetlands contain many micro and macro organisms serve as food for the birds. Inside the water is the lungfish on which the big birds like the bill stork feed while stile young. Equatorial Rain Forest Uganda is one of the few African countries blessed with the equatorial rain forest vegetation. This ecosystem attracts a number of organisms because of the cool climatic conditions balanced with precipitation and sun shine through out the year. UWEC has managed to maintain this vegetation for many years. Thus providing a habitant for many species both introduce and free ranging. The Equatorial rainforest is a response to an equable, moist climate, which is continuously warm, frost-free, and has abundant precipitation in all months of the year (or, at most, only one or two dry months). A large water surplus characterizes the annual water budget, so that soil moisture is adequate at all times and the export of large amounts of stream runoff allows permanent removal of bases and silica from the soils of the region. In the absence of a cold or dry season, plant growth goes on continuously throughout the year. Individual species have their own seasons of leaf shedding, possibly caused by slight variations in the equatorial rainforest structure are found in specialized habitats and where man has disturbed the vegetation. At UWEC, animals like the Bush duiker, monitor lizards, snakes, and insects like red ants, spiders have inhabited these forests. A visit at the center will therefore always be amazing because of the diversity of living organism found on site. Among the services offered is the forest walk from where people are able to identify different types of tree species together with their economic and environmental values. Many birds are also found in the forest attracting many Birders who pay a lot of money to come and see the different animals inhabiting in the ecosystem. Guinea fowls and many more species make their nests in these forests hence acting as a niche. A number of nests have been set up in the trees all over the forests from where the eggs are hutched. Another forest ecosystem is found at the chimpanzee exhibit (Bodongo forest). This forms an island like ecosystem with many trees around. These trees provide a good atmosphere for the chimpanzees and the vervet monkeys who like playing on the tees and eating the seeds and fruits found there. Waste Management Practices In managing the environment, waste management should always take priority. Common wastes like plastics tend to affect the soil on which most living organisms depend. Uganda Wildlife Education Center has a well equipped compound management department headed by Mr. Otheino Richard. The cleaners play a very important role in cleaning the compound off the dirt brought in by visitors to create beautiful scenery for those coming time after time. Waste bins and sign posts are placed all over the center for people poor waste disposal practices common in the country. The bins are made out of very strong metallic material meant to last for a very long time exposed to the different temperature variations. The sanitation workers come very early in the morning hours and empty these bins. The waste is then disposed off in the incinerator to avoid further environmental impacts. The picture shows one of the waste bins filled up with plastic wastes at the end of the day awaiting disposal. UWEC also makes sure that animals and birds also have a waste free environment not just for the humans. Every department has the responsibility to clean areas where the organisms live. Taking examples of the mammal and Reptile departments where water ponds exist, the keepers make sure that these are scrubbed occasionally to abut any likely diseases as a result of poor hygiene for the animals and birds. The work in these departments is always too much for the employees, thus it becomes very important for interns and volunteers to give a helping hand. In the picture is Ojiambo S. E one of the interns helping to clean the Crocodiles enclosure. CHALLENGES Just like any conservation, UWEC faces a number of challenges in rendering its services to the country. Some of the major challenges are explained as follows: Financial Limitations The services offered require a lot of financial capital in order to be effectively realized. The animals need food which is just bought hence requiring an external funding. To meet this problem, The center has tried to solicit for financing from reputable organizations like the coca cola, Sheraton hotel and the World Bank. Special deposit boxes for individual animals have been put in place so that willing individuals can support those animals of their interest Many businesses like restaurant, accommodation, and canteen services are being used to day to generate the required money needed for adequate facility running and maintenance. Diseases Under normal circumstances every community faces disease out breaks and UWEC is one of the kind. Some animals and birds are some times lost to contagious air born diseases incase they are not noticed at early stages. This is very common among free ranging animals that have limited attention from the workers. Deaths Organisms in there communities have bad habits like fighting each other. Such fights have lead to the death of some individual organisms at the centre. Death is also common among newly introduced species that may fail to adapt to the new environment and community. Some of these do not eat for some time and eventually end up dead. Stress among such new animals is also high and the affected animal or bird might commit suicide e.g. common among the ostriches which cut their necks. Poor waste disposal Some people who visit the center still have a problem with proper waste disposal. Instead of disposing the waste in the designated areas (bins), they throw it in the bushes or just along the road side. Another problem associated with the free ranging vervet monkeys. These moneys eat most of the items consumed by human beings and have been seen on several occasions dirtying the center. The go to the waste bins, open and begin to un-park the emptied packages for any remaining content. The picture shows one of the monkeys checking out some of the poorly disposed plastic wastes. RECOMMENDATION Conservation education is the only way to go if we are to save biological diversity for the future education. The center should aim at acquiring more skills from those friends who have prospered in the field for a long time by putting emphasis on exchange and out reach programmes. The ministry of education should emphasize conservation aspects in schools right from primary schools where by children are taught the importance of saving the natural world. Through the out reach department, UWEC should send out experts to various and encourage the heads of schools to bring their children to the centre occasionally to get educated on the beauty of conserving nature practically. CONCLUSION Biodiversity is very important for the existence of life on planate earth. Every possible effort must therefore be made to conserve it right from the community level through educating and involving the people in the conservation activities. Creating awareness among communities will create a “love” relationship between the people and their environment with each trying to save the other. REFERENCES http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volunteering Gaston, K. J. (ed). 1996, Biodiversity: a biology of numbers and difference, Oxford: Blackwell http://www.businessandbiodiversity.org/the_issues_conserve.html Li Q., Xu Z., He T. (2002) Ex situ genetic conservation of endangered Vatica guangxiensis (Dipterocarpaceae) in China. Biological Conservation 106:151–156. Rowntree J, (2009) Ex situ conservation of bryophytes at Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. British Bryological Society, 2010 2 By Ojiambo S E By Ojiambo S E Source: UWEC marketing dep’t By Ojiambo S E By Ojiambo S E Source: IUCN By Ojiambo S E By Ojiambo S E By Ojiambo S E By Ojiambo S E By Ojiambo S E Mr. Opio Henry Mammal Head keeper Mr. Otheino Richard Farm manager Mr. Abigaba Julius Reptile Head Keeper Mr. David Musiingo UWEC outreach officer Mr. Mujaasi Isaac UWEC Education Officer Coordinator Dr. Nakileza Bob ENV Programme Coordinator and supervisor 32km 2km Uganda Wildlife Education Center To Entebbe Airport Magistrates Court To Entebbe town From Kampala Botanical Imperial Hotel By Ojiambo S E By Ojiambo S E By Ojiambo S E