Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust

Here just some of the projects VSPT supports:

At Kyambura Lodge, Uganda

• The Kyambura Gorge Eco-Tourism Partnership Project

Through this project VSPT helps to link Kyambura Gorge Lodge to the community and to help promote sustainable eco-tourism and conservation. Initiatives include a demonstration garden for the local community to learn about sustainable farming and use of organic pesticides. The garden is also used as an educational resource for the local Kyenzaza Primary School.  The Kyambura Woman’s Coffee Cooperative provides a vital source of extra income for local families. The women and their families harvest coffee from 100 acre site owned by VSPT, and then process, roast and package their own coffee at a dedicated processing station opposite Kyambura Gorge Lodge. The Omumashaka Community Performance Group is made up of 30 members from the local area. Representing members from five local tribes, they perform plays for locals and Volcanoes Safaris clients about issues including AIDS awareness and the environment.

Partnership Project Spend: $4,192

Total Spend including land acquisitions: $19,029

• The Volcanoes Wetland Project and Buffer zone, Kyambura Gorge

VSPT secured 30-acres of wetland south of the Volcanoes Safaris Kyambura Gorge lodge. The wetland, which previouly had been used as an illegal brick works, is now regenerating rapidly back to its natural state. The rejuvenated wetlands now attract over 100 species of birds and the sight is used to train members of the community in birding and guiding. The land is frequently flooded so board walks and observation platforms have been built to allow guided walks. VSPT has sponsored research by US primatologist Nicole Simmons to investigate the state of the chimpanzee population in the gorge. Her research has shown that the population has halved in the last 20 years. Nicole also conducted interviews with local farmers on behalf of the VSPT to determine the human‐wildlife conflict along the Gorge. She presented her findings at a two‐day workshop with local representatives and it was agreed that a buffer zone should be established to minimise the level of human‐wildlife conflict in the area, including crop raiding, harassment and risk of disease transfer between humans and chimpanzees. In 2010 a buffer zone of 15.27 acres along the northern ridge of Kyambura Gorge was established and paid for in part by the VSPT. Nicole is now VSPT Project Co-ordinator in Kyambura Gorge, and she works with the community to develop projects that meet their needs and to enhance their livelihoods.

Total Spend including land acquisitions conservation (Wetland Project): $134,780

Total Spend including land acquisitions conservation (Buffer Zone): $144,402

• Empundu Community Playground, Kyambura Gorge

Opened in November 2010, the playground was built by members of the community and on land purchased by VSPT. The playground provides a safe environment for local children and focal point for the local community. The area is used for football, netball and the local Kyenzaza Primary School’s fitness lessons. By supporting the local community, VSPT seeks to encourage conservation of chimpanzees and other local wildlife.                 

Total Spend: $1,133

At Virunga Lodge, Rwanda

• Intore Dance Troupe,

Since 2004 VSPT has been working with a group of local dancers, the Intore Dancers. Based at Volcanoes Virunga Lodge, the group’s performances of traditional Rwandan music and dance are hugely popular with Volcanoes clients. VSPT support the group through training, teaching and providing uniforms. In supporting the troupe, VSPT helps preserve and maintain this piece of Rwanda’s cultural heritage.                                  

Total Spend: $7,232

• Mwiko Primary School

Mwiko Primary School is situated near Volcanoes Virunga Lodge and has over 800 children and 12 dedicated and hard working teachers. Over the last 4 years VSPT has built the school a water tank, repaired the roof and bought school uniforms and materials. VSPT continues to help fund structural improvements to the school building. VSPT also assists Volcanoes Safaris clients in sponsoring individual pupils.                                  

Total Spend: $2,806

At Bwindi Lodge, Uganda

• The AMAGARA Farming Co-operative

AMAGARA is a non-profit community organisation that helps its members to increase crop yield and manage natural resources by employing natural pest controls and fertilisers. In turn this raises their household incomes and reduces encroachment on the forest. In 2009 VSPT bought a motorbike and trailer for AMAGARA to help get their produces to local markets and lodges.                                                                                      

Total Spend: $1,982

• The Bwindi Community Hospital, Bwindi

Founded in 2003 as a mobile clinic by Dr Scott Kellerman, the hospital now provides health care and education for over 60,000 people. The hospital runs outpatient programs for suffering from HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, diabetes, mental health issues and pregnant women. The hospital works extensively with the Batwa community, helping to address there specific health needs. VSPT continues to support the hospital, as it has since its foundation. VSPT also helps facilitate funding through individual donations from Volcanoes Safaris clients.                      

Total Spend: $790