#2.9 Can tourism help save Uganda’s mountain gorillas?
Uganda’s first wildlife vet, Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, joins the show this week to share how tourism has affected the lives of the wildlife and residents in and around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in southwestern Uganda.
Dr. Gladys, who was recently named a UN Champion of the Earth, is the founder and CEO of both Conservation Through Public Health and Gorilla Conservation Coffee. She joins the show to discuss the important economic opportunities that have come with gorilla trekking, as well the health challenges that have arisen as gorillas and humans have come into closer contact. She shares how Uganda’s gorilla population has grown since tourism began in the area, and explains why they recently had their first gorilla poaching incident in a very long time.
Plus, listen up for Paige’s language lesson with a native of a European micro-state that’s famous for its luxury tourism.
Thanks so much for listening, and have a great week!
Resources
Conservation Through Public Health
Information on gorilla trekking with CTPH
