Sustainable Responsible Eco-tourism and Volunteering in Uganda

Recently I was asked by the President of Muzungu organisation in Uganda to act as their Non-executive Director so that we can set up some guidelines and future strategies on how to devise a responsible Volunteer and Eco-tourism strategies, in a way that will also enable wealth generation that will benefit the rural villages but also contribute to the vision we had of creating a HIV care outpatient hospital and HIV preventative education center in the biggest HIV slum of Uganda ie. Kampala.

I was always interested in the concept of sustainable & responsible wealth generation through ethical volunteer tourism. So I started considering the checklists of what will make a program, culturally sustainable? Of course this is a Ph.D research interest of mine in itself, but to summarise , these are the elements that I believe will contribute to a Responsible & Culturally Sustainable Volunteer tourism program, as a starting point for future consideration:

“Responsible Tourism is tourism which:
• minimises negative economic, environmental and social impacts

• generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well being of host communities
• improves working conditions and access to the industry
• involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances
• makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity
• provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues
• provides access for physically challenged people
• is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence”

**** I look forward to developing these points with the President of Muzunga and his team in Uganda and I would like to forward his greetings to everyone:

Before we go for another “EXTREME” 2012. We wouldn’t want you to miss this year’s most highlighted experience. Very unique and fulfilling experience, where else will you find this?

Download the Mzungu Volunteer info pack here: Adventures in Africa
This was probably one of the best experiences of 2011 that the volunteers got to experience…. Becautiful moments all around our projects in Kabale and Lake Bunyonyi.
Because of you, this giving season, we’ve been able to spend and donate USD$50,000 in funds and in-kind on improving the lives of a thousand people around Uganda.

This holiday season we want to take pause to say thank you. As a team, Mzungu Volunteers has grown with a number of volunteers and increased support this past year and we couldn’t have done it without your support.

All of us here, with deep gratitude, thank you for your support and wish you and yours a happy holiday season.

So do not miss to be part of another EXTREME year, we are leaving for our 2011 highlighted adventure and we’ll share more with you after New Year’s.

All the best,
The Mzungu Team.
If you are interested in volunteering with Mzungu, please follow this link:
www.mzunguvolunteers.org

7 Comments on “Sustainable Responsible Eco-tourism and Volunteering in Uganda”

1. Anonymous

   January 16, 2012

   

   Lovely blog! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am bookmarking your feeds also

   Reply
   • ceciliawyu

     January 16, 2012

     

     Thank you, leave a name next time you visit. have fun! CC

     Reply
2. Anonymous

   January 16, 2012

   

   Sustainable Responsible Eco-tourism & Volunteering in Uganda Sustain-Able ä½™ : Cecilia’s Blog is a great article. I loved reading this. If you like, check out my personal web-site.

   Reply
   • ceciliawyu

     January 16, 2012

     

     Thank you. I did. I like mahjong and have it on my smartphone but please, feel free to cross-blog the info about Eco & Volunteer tourism. It will help a large group of kids in a place where 65% of them will be born with HiV! You do what you can. cheers C

     Reply
3. Hussein Kato

   December 15, 2012

   

   Thanks for every thing only that i would likely to tel you about Mabira forest campsite which is owned by Mabira communities.Now we are in need of having a volunteer to work with in order to get many visitors. What advise can you give as a tour guide for the project.

   Reply
   • ceciliawyu

     December 16, 2012

     

     Hi Hussein, I wish you the best of luck with your project! Sounds great! Feel free to post a web-link here and tell us all about it. best of luck, Cecilia

     Reply
     • Hussein Kato

       December 17, 2012

       

       Hi Cecilia, you asked our site short details about the poject,below is the site http://www.mabiraforestcamp.com, this is a community owned project under Mabira forest integrated community organization.
       The campsit is looking for a volunteer who is ready to work with us with the aim of visitor increament.
       Happy and joyful new year.
       From
       Hussein Kato,
       Tour guide
       Mabira forest campsite

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