Linking Conservation to Poverty The Uganda Poverty and Conservation Learning Group Story ; A Presentation to the Country Chapters in, Kigali Rwanda 4th Nov 2015

1. Linking Conservation to Poverty
The Uganda Poverty and Conservation Learning
Group Story ; A Presentation to the Country
Chapters in, Kigali Rwanda
4th Nov 2015

3. Why U-PCLG was formed
• In a Masindi workshop of 2011, we noted that:
Poverty is a challenge to both conservation and
development
Monetary incomes alone not solution to poverty –
assets are needed too
Biodiversity and social assets – regulatory and
security
Pro-poor conservation approaches closely linked to
good governance.
• Yet, the above were not emphasised in on-going
conservation approaches

4. Masindi 2011 Resolution
• Uganda Conservationists with IIED support
agreed to:
 Build partnerships at all possible levels to fill
identified missing links
Promote evidence-based management, information
and dissemination – research, M+E, documentations
Shaping policy and influencing governance – use
evidence to develop policy.
Project level considerations – Fair sharing of benefits
• Hence the birth of U-PCLG

5. How U-PCLG works
• A loose network of organisations and individuals
mindful about reinforcing needs for conservation
and development
• Hosted by JGI since its formation to date
• Builds on individual organizational strengths
• Professional lobby group formation depending on
issue to be addressed
• Technical support from IIED and PCLG International
• Concentrated on Apes Conservation for strategic
reasons

6. Achievements
• Advocating for increased gorilla levy from $5 to $10.
• Increased and improved advocacy on poverty and conservation
issues
• Bringing different stakeholders together
• Supporting UWA to commit to community conservation
• Growing membership of U-PCLG and maintaining momentum
• Bridging the gap between research, policy and conservation
• Increased partnerships to address conservation issues
• Employment opportunities and infrastructure development
• Identification of an array of community conservation issues
• Being recognised as an opinion leader in key conservation /
development questions

7. Benefits
• Platform for information sharing and advocacy
• Increased understanding of integrating conservations
issues in development
• Capacity building and learning from others – training
• Increased partnership and networking – private sector
• Improved understanding of avenues for interventions
• Increased engagement in poverty and conservation work
• Strengthening collaborative forest management groups
around CFRs
• Access to topical literature through PCLG journal review
• Improving community involvement in conservation of PAs.

8. Lessons learned and Challenges
• Working as a group is a big strength and
advantage
• Private sector are conservationists – they need to
be recognised and given a chance
• Information sharing changes understanding
about linkages between poverty and
conservation
• Commitment from members is a challenge
• Available project funding is key to garnering
interest among members

9. Future of U-PCLG
• Remain an informal loose network of individuals
and institutions But with a structure of MOUs to
strength recognition and commitment
• Increased and diversified membership (private
sector, CSOs, public, youth and media
• Scale up from Bwindi Impenetrable National
Park to other areas of interest

10. Future Strategic Directions
• Fundraising through members and partners
• Drawing on the strengths of the members
platforms to undertake advocacy and
disseminate information.
• Write Policy briefs based on fact findings
• Sensitization and continuous dialogues
• Building relationships and strategic partnerships

11. Future Activities
• Research and monitoring
• Advocacy and lobbying
• Dissemination of information network
• Resource mobilisation
• Mapping priority areas and issues for
engagement
• Rethinking the community conservation
concepts

12. Launch of MPA MPA NKUWE

13. Lessons and challenges
• Striking a working relationship with policy
makers can be challenging and time consuming
• Once they are brought on board it is rewarding
to see the support and understanding
• Members interests and expectations can be
conflicting and fail the network
• Lack of fundable projects can be demoralizing