Building a future for communities living alongside chimpanzees
How does providing a village with clean water help save chimpanzees? Our Rescue & Care team reports on helping local people live in harmony with rare apes in Uganda.
Representatives of the Chimpanzee Trust and villagers (c) Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust
Born Free has helped the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust care for orphan chimpanzees since 1998, when we co-founded the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Lake Victoria, Uganda. Over the years, their exceptional work to rescue chimpanzees from the cruel, illegal trade in ape bushmeat and exotic pets has expanded to include wider conservation action and community outreach.
Their Communication Officer Dorothy Basemera tells us about an exciting new initiative to support local people, helping villagers to live alongside chimpanzees without coming into conflict.
At the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust, our work is multifaceted. We’re known for Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a safe haven for 54 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. However, we recognize that sanctuaries are not a long-term solution to the threats facing these incredible animals. True conservation hinges on addressing the root causes of habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. That’s why we also have a robust field conservation programme, focusing on education, community development, and fostering a culture of coexistence.
Our belief is that if people understand the value of wildlife, they are more likely to ensure wild animals thrive in the wild, where they belong. This philosophy guides our work in the Albertine Rift region, a critical area for chimpanzee populations. We strive to implement programmes that safeguard chimpanzee habitats while simultaneously improving the lives of the communities that share the same space. Our approach intertwines environmental protection with community well-being.
(c) Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust
A clear example of this integrated approach is our recent work in Karuswiga village, in Kagadi, Muhoro. We identified a pressing problem: the lack of safe and accessible water for villagers. The existing water source required people, including vulnerable children, to travel through the forest, often encountering wild chimpanzees.
This dangerous situation put the villagers at increased risk of human-wildlife conflict. We recognized that resolving this issue was fundamental not only for community health but also for wildlife conservation.
Therefore, we undertook a project to establish a borehole as a reliable source of clean, safe water for the Karuswiga community. Following a thorough hydrological survey, we commenced drilling, strategically selecting a site to ensure access to abundant water reserves. Once the borehole was complete, we didn’t just leave it there. We also provided the community with comprehensive training on the borehole’s operation, maintenance, sanitation and hygiene practices. This ensured the sustainability and long-term benefits of this infrastructure.
We are proud to report that the project has significantly improved the daily lives of the people of Karuswiga. Access to clean water has not only relieved them of the dangerous trips through the forest but also has given them greater control over their sanitation, improving their health and well-being.