The Katonga project!

This is for all you African Safari types who like to hunt big game!

And at the same time help the poorer villages of East Africa.

The following is a submitted proposal:

Detailed Proposal for the Partnership Management of Katonga Wildlife Reserve

It is the understanding of Uganda Development Safari's Limited (UDSL) that the wildlife and natural spaces of Uganda are a national heritage to be protected and nurtured and not a resource to be exploited and squandered for short-term gain. It is the mandate of UDSL that any benefit/income realized through the enhancement and development of this national treasure should go to benefit of the people of Uganda and the future generations of their country.
UDSL envisions growth based on the implementation of innovative ideas in a controlled environment encompassing the input of partners in a spirit of mutuality and inclusion. Growth must be undergirded with sound management and trustworthy employees in an environment of respect for persons, the environment and ecosystems with which we interact.
Vision and innovation must energize the early years of this venture.

i) Management Activities to be undertaken in the Reserve to rejuvenate animal populations.
- reliable dry season water sources - Katonga Wildlife Reserve, although situated on a river, requires the creation of watering areas and wallows to facilitate viewing and provide hunting opportunities. This work will be performed within the first year of operations (pending availability of funds) and will provide employment opportunities for many local people. All such features will be approved by the UWA and/or NEMA prior to construction.

- curtailment of illegal hunting and grazing activities - UDSL recognizes that illegal hunting and the encroachment by cattle grazers are both major problems in this PA. We feel our 20 years of experience in successfully working in co-operation with Ugandan communities and local governments on various development projects, has adequately prepared us to deal appropriately with these two significant management issues. During the first year, we will implement two far reaching programs to reduce illegal hunting and grazing within the PA. 1) an education/sensitization program, including a school curriculum, which will endeavor to employ local individuals who are familiar with the local flora and fauna and who may have at one time been illegal hunters and/or illegal cattle grazers. 2) intensive routine patrols and monitoring by UDSL appointed park wardens, who will encourage a zero tolerance policy on illegal hunting and grazing within with local community groups. These wardens will be provided with a means of transportation, means of communication and any other tools/devices required to encourage this co-operative policy within the local population.

- local public education program including health, sanitation and environmental issues - for many years we have been involved with an NGO which has been assisting rural ugandans with health, sanitation and environmental issues. Within the first year, this program will be adopted in the Katonga catchment area to assist local people, helping to create trusting relationships which will help reduce illegal hunting and help facilitate other initiatives and community development programs.

- game wardens - in co-operation with the UWA and as funds allow, we will employ several eligible individuals who can be appointed as game wardens, within the Katonga WR at no cost to the UWA. These individuals will monitor animal populations and their health, discourage illegal hunting and inform the authorities of any illegal grazing activities.

- Ugandan biologist - the hiring of a Ugandan biologist would be on a contract/project basis during the early years. We envision the full time employment of this biologist when ecotourism and darting for health studies and vaccinations warrants his/her presence on a full time basis. He/she would be involved in the growing popularity of hunting with tranquilizers not bullets for the purposes of inoculation, disease testing and control ie hoof and mouth and anthrax, genetic profiling and the possibility of radio tracking. The biologist would also work in partnership with TV filming crews creating wildlife footage.
These are all long term objectives requiring many years to accomplish, but are practical, obtainable and profitable, as has been demonstrated in many other countries.
We envision this form of ecotourism becoming a main source of revenue generation as the same animal can be darted several times for ongoing scientific study.

- transportation for wardens - the initial UDSL wardens will be provided with a reliable means of motorized transportation.

- re-establishment of indigenous species - reintroduction of species is a process to be undertaken in close collaboration with the UWA and when funds become available. UDSL is very committed to this program and sees huge potential revenues from wildlife viewing with increased biodiversity.

- during one of our visits to Katonga, the local Park Warden informed us that the population of cape buffalo in the WR totals 15 animals only but none had ever been actually observed. Significant populations of waterbuck and sitatunga were observed. Revenues from viewing and selective hunting hinge on large populations to draw numerous guests and we recognize the long term nature of this objective.

At this point it must be stressed that these objectives cannot be accomplished in a short period of time. There is no magic formula to achieve these goals. It requires time, hard work and co-operation between the UWA, the UDSL, and the local government and population, innovative ideas, and a genuine desire by all parties to see the benefits of this valuable and irreplaceable national heritage protected and enhanced for future generations.

i) Revenue generation activities or alternatives

Overview - there is a growing niche market in wilderness experiences, combined with safe, comfortable living conditions. It is this niche in the ecotourism industry that UDSL plans on promoting.

- selective hunting - Hunting will be carried out on individual animals of designated species in a controlled manner, in close conjunction with the UWA and with the objective of increasing the herds and groups of various species. Individual animals will be exclusively mature males comprised of non breeders of the designated species. Working with the UWA, we will immediately begin the process of acquiring hunting privileges, and once acquired, we will promote and host a negotiated number of guests whose demands fall within the parameters set out by the UWA. The monetary compensation to the UWA will be negotiated based on the fees which prospective clients can be charged.

- animal viewing tours - This activity will be promoted from the beginning but Katonga needs to improve herd sizes to sustain and increase this activity. Leisure activities will be combined with animal viewing to give visitors and guests an unforgettable experience and thus will see an increase in the number and quality of clients as the facility is improved and expanded.

- leisure activities center - we envision the creation of a facility based on the Lake Bunyoni, Bushara Island development, catering to the needs of a client base who require high standards and who wish to pay for same. Including menued meals, hot showers, private quarters, informative displays, well maintained walking paths, 24 hour service, excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, birdwatching and so on.

- bird watching tours - there is a significant market share in tourism catering to birdwatchers. We will identify the species in the area and assess the viability of catering to this sector. UDSL plans on providing these guests with a premium experience while assisting them to view a vast array of new and interesting birds.

- all terrain vehicles (quad runners) - UDSL envisions the creation of an ATV track to cater to the growing interest in off road motorized vehicle operation. This plan will be developed and implemented in accordance with UWA and NEMA guidelines. This activity will be in conjunction with the Leisure Center, providing quality relaxation facilities.

- initial injection of money - UDSL intends to raise sufficient funds to form the basic structures, human and physical, to operate a successful tourism business. Our initial focus is engaging the local community in partnership, acknowledging the benefits of a well managed game reserve to the surrounding communities.
It is imperative that the communities recognize the long term involvement required to ensure the future of this project.

iii)Equipment and infrastructure development

- water treatment facility - a filtration and purifying system will be installed to generate drinking water from swamp water. Local people may be hired to draw water to this system. We will endeavor to perfect a system which can be used by local people to provide potable water.

- development of tracks through the wildlife reserve - during the first year, tracks will be established for the purpose of curbing poaching activities. As our understanding of the area develops, and the vision for building tracks to service the needs of our clients materializes, we will continue the track building process in collaboration with the UWA.

- vehicle acquisitions - Within the first year, UDS plans to obtain two 4 wheel drive Toyota Hilux pick up trucks

- buildings/fencing - UDSL will provide the UWA with a detailed map of structures and their location, for approval prior to any construction. Construction will be primarily three types 1)wooden platforms with thatch roof for the protection of tents, with interlocking bricks for sitting/walking/bathing areas. Only tents of a high caliber will be used, similar to those which we have found to be popular at Lake Bunyoni and which have proven successful at 4 star resorts in other countries, as appearing in many ads in North America, Europe and Asia. 2) poles and mud with painted, plastered walls inside and out with plastic and thatched roof or tin roof 3) cement slab construction with cement floors and tin roof. All washrooms will be either pit latrine or shallow pit toilets which separate dry and liquid material.
Fencing will be poles, barbed wire and reeds for privacy.

iv) Management Structures

CEO (A Ugandan citizen)
Accountant (A Ugandan citizen)
4-member board of directors* (All Ugandan citizens)

*At least one of the directors to come from the local area

Community Education/Liaison Officer (A Ugandan citizen)
Camp/land Management Person (A Ugandan Citizen)
Senior tracker and guide (A Ugandan citizen)
Senior cook (A Ugandan citizen)
Advertising/Website Co-ordinator (A Ugandan citizen)

Some of these positions may overlap depending on availability of qualified personnel and the skill set of successful applicants.
All managerial positions will report directly to the President and CEO, who will be accountable to and receive direction from the Shareholders and Board of Directors.

iv) Community and local government partnerships and benefit sharing

staffing needs, permanent and temporary - primary full time staffing needs include wardens and rangers whose responsibilities include curbing poaching, education/community liaison activities plus several construction team members to build structures deemed suitable by the UWA, for the site. These positions will be filled within the first six months.
Positions to be filled on an as needed basis include grounds maintenance staff, cooks, waiters, water and/or firewood carriers.

- materials purchasing - supplies to procured from the community on an as needed basis include food items, charcoal, fruits and vegetables, dry goods, hand crafts, construction materials including poles, sand, aggregates and thatching materials.

- funds to the UWA - the objective of UDSL is to establish a business which benefits all involved - local community members, the UWA and local government while retaining sufficient funds to develop and meet the future needs of clients and be able to offer new products and services. UDSL will pay the UWA and local government fees as outlined in the Bid Document. This system assists in providing incentive for future expansion while preserving the natural heritage/flora/fauna of the area.

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- local government partnerships will be strengthened by the payment of user fees. Tourists visiting and spending foreign currency in local establishments, will improve the local economy. Also, the business activities/job creation outlined in this document will significantly stimulate the local economy as we seek to provide a premium experience for our guests.
The establishment of clinics, schools, potable water systems and/or other needs as outlined by the community, will assist the local government in pointing to the benefits of the partnership with UDSL.
- all net proceeds from operations will be directed to activities as outlined above, to benefit community members and help in establishing a showcase game park where Uganda's natural heritage will be preserved and nurtured for future generations. The individuals within UDSL pride themselves on their past performance over the span of 20 years, on diverse community development projects in Uganda including school construction, clinics, water schemes, widow/orphan/AIDS programs, school fee assistance for up to 2,500 primary school students, renting of land for widow/orphan gardens and fuel efficient stove construction.

vi) Mechanisms and framework for benefit sharing and the partnerships

- Ugandan personnel - the mechanism of benefit involves paid positions, development of skills including construction, game tracking, animal husbandry, management of various aspects of a tourism business including advertising, customer contact with both groups and individual guests, kitchen and dining area, accommodation, accounting and grounds keeping.
Within the first five years of operations, UDSL plans to implement a training program for employees which would graduate participants with diplomas in various areas of the hospitality industry (this program would be modeled after a system currently in use at Bushara Island, in Uganda).
UDSL views advertising as a major component in developing Katonga WR, and it is our intension to exploit the world wide web and more conventional means to achieve this objective.

- Community Outreach Co-ordinator - UDSL will be an integral part of the community fabric. To successfully meet the needs of the community, the Community Outreach Co-ordinator will be visiting community leaders and community members to assess and prioritize the communities needs. He will then file a written report outlining and prioritizing community needs, to the Board of Directors, and a program of implementation will be established and presented to the community for approval.

- micro loans program - as funds are available, UDSL will accept proposals from local entrepreneurs. After scrutinizing, offering suggestions and making necessary alterations/improvements, UDSL will enter into written agreements with successful applicants, providing them with funds and other materials as required to start and operate new or existing enterprises. These individuals or families may or may not be suppliers to UDSL.

- involvement of NGO's - UDSL has close connections with various NGO's and plans to involve volunteers from abroad to assist in health, sanitation and environmental training. This plan will be implemented as soon as possible to help develop community relations - time line is dependent on availability of personnel and construction of adequate housing.
UDSL also has close ties to health facilities and we intend to assist local people by inviting these organizations into the community for education and patient assessment. These organizations include OURS (rehabilitation hospital), Ruharo Eye clinic and Ruharo General Clinic, all based in Mbarara.
As PA and community needs arise, UDSL plans to involve individuals, groups, associations and NGO's to generate concrete, positive and lasting change, while winning the allegiance and co-operation of people to the country of Uganda.

Conclusion
It is UDSL's long term objective to establish Katonga WR as a destination of choice for guests from within the country and around the globe. This goal requires a long term view and long term commitment to innovative ideas and methods by all participants in the process, due to the present underdeveloped nature of the PA.
UDSL looks forward to the opportunity of working with the local government, the Uganda Wildlife Authority and other government agencies, in the implementation and operation of this business. Astute long term management will result in memorable experiences for guests from near and far, improved living standards for local people, and the opportunity for community leaders to point to a business system which is not only sustainable, but which contributes to local development. With the success of this partnership, it will be a prototype for similar development in other areas.

In conclusion, UDSL would like to express their appreciation for the candid nature of comments and recommendations as expressed by the UWA in the detailed Bid Document, with regards to the present challenges and future potential of the Katonga WR. As the development of the Katonga WR progresses, it is our belief that this type of open honesty between the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Development Safaris Limited will be a positive factor in the future success of this joint venture.

Chief Executive Officer

Newton Baryaiga
baryaiganjuna@yahoo.com