RUBONI COMMUNITY CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
RCCDP Chair: Mr. Patrick K. Bwabu
The RCCDP is a locally coordinated membership organisation that includes a wide range of projects devised and managed by the local communities bordering the Rwenzori Mountains National Park (RMNP). The RCCDP has developed strategies to maintain the natural environment as well as improve the livelihoods of the local community. Despite the work of the RCCDP the community remain poor and many of the affiliated projects still lack funding.
Some
members of the RCCDP Committee, and an RDF trustee
on their way to the
Rwenzori Community Forest
The RCCDP was started by a group of local people in 1998. It has 50 members (16 men and 34 women). The aim of the organisation is:
'to encourage local community participation in environmental conservation with an aim of benefiting through sustainable development'.
The RCCDP
womens group and some of the co-ordinating committee
Currently the group's immediate projects are concerned with community tourism, tree planting, animal husbandry and soil conservation. Other initiatives supported in the community include;
1. Women's
small income generation projects, including basket making
2. Agro forestry and planting of indigenous trees
3. Adult literacy
4. Environmental education in schools
The organisation runs a community campsite that targets tourists en route to climbing the Rwenzori's. Currently the group is renting a 6 roomed house and campsite at Nyakalengija where they have constructed eco-latrines and rent out a safari tent to tourists. You can also camp here.
Additional land has been purchased further up the Mubuku Valley and consists of an area of wetland and some land that has been farmed. The community are currently constructing 2 bandas (huts) and a bar/restaurant with a further 6 bandas planned upon securing further funding.
New banda under construction in the campsite
All construction work and labour has been carried out by members of the community, including heavy construction, carpentry, and plumbing. Women are particularly encouraged to become involved and have woven the wall and ceiling coverings. All profits from the campsite are shared with members.
Reg. Charity Number 1082294