The Rufford Foundation

The project aims at strengthening local resource-user groups to participate effectively in safeguarding, sustainably utilize and manage Mabamba Ramsar site ecosystem’s ecosystem that faces increasing over-exploitation of sand, forests and other resources by private business operators leading to ecosystem alteration, destruction of breeding grounds leading to reducing species populations of birds, fish, mammals and plants that give the wetland its international importance status and provide a basis for sustainable pro-poor eco-tourism.

This project aimed at promoting local community members participation and to kindle their support in conservation and wise use of Mabamba Bay Wetland of international importance through community policing, sustainable resource-based and alternative income-generating activities and an effective information exchange system. The project involvesd an Awareness and Education campaign about the benefits of protecting this Ramsar site; providing skills of alternative income generating opportunities and wise use of the resource: and, developing an ecotourism information center.