Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-02-29 16:01:41
The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) has seen a significant increase in the number of tourists visiting in recent years. Mr Eric Ntalumbwa, UWEC Public Relations Officer, noted that the growth in tourism is largely due to domestic tourists. The centre now welcomes around 483,000 visitors annually, marking a substantial achievement for the tourism sector.
Speaking during the reception of a donation of 60 recycle bins from Hariss International Limited for proper waste management on February 29 in Entebbe, Mr Ntalumbwa emphasized the importance of engaging visitors in environmental conservation and waste management practices. He highlighted the centre’s efforts to educate and involve visitors from various backgrounds in sustainable practices to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG11.
The donation of recycle bins will aid UWEC in managing litter and excess waste brought by tourists. Mr Ntalumbwa expressed the need for additional recycle bins and called on the public to contribute towards this cause, especially as more tourists continue to visit the centre. With the recent acquisition of the Botanical Gardens, he sees an opportunity for partners to increase their support for waste management initiatives to ensure the sustainable growth of tourism at the centre.
Ms Comfort Ahumuza, Corporate and Sustainability Coordinator at Hariss International, highlighted the company’s commitment to reducing their environmental impact and supporting the communities they serve. The donation of recycle bins is part of their efforts to promote proper waste management and contribute to preserving biodiversity by minimizing plastic waste.
The strategically placed recycle bins across the zoo will encourage tourists to responsibly dispose of their waste and participate in recycling initiatives. This partnership between UWEC and Hariss International underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable waste management practices and environmental conservation.
Overall, the increasing number of tourists visiting UWEC reflects a growing interest in wildlife conservation and environmental awareness. By engaging visitors in sustainable practices and promoting responsible waste management, UWEC and its partners are working towards a more environmentally-conscious and eco-friendly tourism sector in Uganda.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
