How are the Bwindi mountain gorillas being protected?

The Bwindi mountain gorillas are being better protected and understood through a thriving tourism industry in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park's gorilla trekking permits generate funds that are distributed to local communities, leading to a decrease in poaching.

What role do local communities play in Bwindi gorilla conservation?

Local communities surrounding the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park play a crucial role in gorilla conservation. They receive a portion of the park's entry fees and revenue from gorilla trekking permits, incentivizing them to protect the gorillas. Some former poachers have even joined the conservation team.

How have the Bwindi mountain gorillas been "humanized" to improve their protection?

The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has given most of the mountain gorillas individual names in an effort to "humanize" and better protect them. This personalization, combined with the local communities' vested interest in the gorillas' well-being, has created a powerful synergy that is driving conservation efforts forward.

Home / Environment / Gorilla Tourism Fuels Conservation and Local Prosperity in Uganda

Gorilla Tourism Fuels Conservation and Local Prosperity in Uganda

23 Oct

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Summary

Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi National Park generate funds for local communities
Poachers have reformed and now work to protect the gorillas
Naming and "humanizing" the gorillas has improved conservation efforts

Gorilla Tourism Fuels Conservation and Local Prosperity in Uganda

As of October 2025, mountain gorillas in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are experiencing a remarkable turnaround in their fortunes. The park's thriving tourism industry, centered around gorilla trekking, has not only provided crucial funding for conservation efforts but also empowered local communities to become active stewards of these endangered primates.

Each $800 gorilla trekking permit sold to foreign visitors allocates $10 directly back to the surrounding communities, who also receive 20% of the park's annual entry fees. This economic distribution has been a game-changer, leading to a significant decrease in poaching incidents. In fact, some lifelong poachers have now abandoned their old ways and joined the conservation team, working to protect the very animals they once hunted.