The attitudes of the local communities towards the conservation through ecotourism in Uganda: case study Budongo forest reserve in Masindi district.

Abstract

Ecotourism is new in Uganda and aims at benefiting local communities worldwide. In Budongo forest, it was introduced a few years back and one would expect it by now to be understood by the local communities and be appreciated if it is yielding benefits to them.The study was conducted between June and July in Budongo forest, Masindi district. The results showed that it was mainly indirect benefits that were being realized by the local communities. Although capacity building is one of the major goals towards the ecotourism project aimed at about 5Opercent of the local communities believed that if the current top management stopped what they are doing then the project will automatically come to an end.