To kick start the Implementation of a participation Programme titled “Promoting Gender Responsive Conservation Management and Empowerment of Women in Biosphere Reserves for Sustainable Livelihoods and Peaceful Co-existence in Mt. Elgon and queen Elizabeth Biosphere Reserve, UNATCOM organised a launch of the project and conducted sensitization trainings about the intended objectives and expected outcomes for Biosphere Reserve managers and Communities around the two Biosphere Reserves.
The project was launched by the Ms. Patience Wibule, the Resident District Commissioner, Sironko District on the 13th/10/2021 in Sironko.
Ms. Patience Wibule in her speech noted that the role of women in a family forces them to carryout destructive activities in the Biosphere Reserves unknowingly, therefore the project is timely and appreciated since its targeting gender responsive conservation and empowerment of women”.
The training modules will include understanding sustainable conservation, bee keeping for sustainable livelihoods, bamboo growing, pasture management, silage and hay making, and the concept of and planning for woodlot establishment and management. This is all aimed at building capacity of women and men living within and around Mt. Elgon and Queen Elizabeth Biosphere Reserves on gender responsive alternative livelihood strategies to bring about peaceful co-existence.
Uganda National Commission for UNESCO identified 2 Consultants Ms. Immaculate Chelangat (MAB Youth) and Mr. Chemangei Award (DNRO OF Kapchorwa DLG) to spearhead these training sessions with the community at both sites of the Biosphere Reserves.