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In the heart of Western Uganda, where the Equator bisects the land and the Great Rift Valley cradles life, the Queen Elizabeth Biosphere Reserve stands as a testament to the delicate balance between nature and human existence. This land of breathtaking diversity—home to over 600 bird species, tree-climbing lions, and an intricate tapestry of cultures—recently became the stage for an extraordinary mission under UNESCO’s Earth Network project, with the support of the Government of Italy. 

From 29 September to 12 October 2024, ethnobotanist experts Patrick Maundu and Julius Tumusiime embarked on a mission not just of exploration, but of collaboration. Their goal: to document Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) to aid biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration, and to empower communities to navigate the pressing challenges of human-wildlife conflict and climate change. 

Meeting with farmers, fishermen, traders, and even ex-poachers, the team uncovered the wealth of traditional knowledge systems that have sustained these communities for generations. Yet, they also observed pressing challenges—encroaching invasive species, increasing human activities drawn by tourism and fish resources, and rising tensions between communities and wildlife.

Through community meetings, workshops, and hands-on training, the mission team worked with local stakeholders to explore the role of biosphere reserves in fostering sustainable development by integrating conservation, development, and research. Biosphere Reserves are designated under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and serve as models for sustainable human-environment interactions.

The experts documented sacred sites, mapped out key biodiversity resources, and listened as communities shared their aspirations for a future where humans and nature could coexist in harmony. Among their findings was a strong desire for cultural preservation, with minority groups expressing concerns about losing their languages and traditions to the pressures of modernisation.

Discussions underscored the importance of fostering dialogue between communities and biosphere reserve managers to explore ways of balancing cultural traditions with conservation efforts. Community members highlighted the need of diversifying their income sources to reduce reliance on activities that strain natural resources, such as poaching and over-extraction. They identified opportunities in ecotourism and ecological farming as viable alternatives that could support both their livelihoods and environmental preservation.

The mission highlighted both the challenges and strengths within the Queen Elizabeth Biosphere Reserve. In conflict-prone areas, electric fencing had been introduced to reduce human-wildlife encounters. Revenue-sharing programmes were fostering goodwill, with up to 20% of park gate fees being redirected into community development. And, crucially, the communities themselves held a deep-rooted respect for their environment—many of the region’s most iconic animals were revered as totems, a belief system that naturally encouraged conservation.

But there was still much work to be done. Invasive species like Prosopis juliflora and Lantana camara threatened native flora. Data gaps in plant species inventories left key biodiversity resources unprotected. And ex-poachers, willing to abandon their past ways, lacked the skills and opportunities needed for sustainable livelihoods.

As the mission concluded, several potential areas for future action were identified. These include exploring ways to support communities in documenting ILK, encouraging cultural tourism initiatives, and promoting stronger collaboration between local stakeholders and biosphere reserve managers.

The Queen Elizabeth Biosphere Reserve is more than a haven for wildlife—it is a living landscape where nature and people intertwine. . The optimism of its communities, contributes to ongoing efforts toward a future where conservation is not justa policy, but a shared practice.

For those who call this land home, the journey toward balancing conservation and sustainable development remains ongoing. Efforts to enhance governance, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainable resource management will play a key role in maintaining the biosphere reserve as an example for coexistence between people and nature.