Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) in partnership with the Tourism Sector are set to launch the first International Conference for Women Birders.
The conference is scheduled to take place at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala from December 6-8, 2023, under the theme To exist in a world where women birders are recognized and celebrated for their contributions to birding, conservation, and environmental awareness.
According to a press release by the Uganda Birders Safaris, the conference seeks to celebrate women birders’ contributions to conservation, environmental awareness, and bird watching.
Uganda Birders Safaris stated that, bird watching is a global favorite, with 80 million enthusiasts traveling, with Uganda aiming at welcoming 100,000 birders annually by 2030.
It is also aimed at earning $ 700 million per year and creating 3000 jobs.
Stephen Asiimwe, the Chief Executive Officer of PSFU said that Uganda has over 1,100 bird species with nearly two-thirds of them found in the country’s forests. He said that among these, 11% are of global population significance, while 55% are African species.
“Uganda’s bird watching has grown significantly, with over 400 active birders, 120 females, and diverse packages. With 1,100 recorded bird species, birding ranks among the top tour packages,” Asiimwe said.
Asiimwe further said that, being Uganda’s first International conference for women birders, it signifies the government and people’s commitment to women empowerment, nature conservation, and ecotourism development.
The State Minister for Tourism, Martin Bahinduka Mugarra stated that, Uganda’s Lake Victoria Basin and Entebbe Peninsula attracts millions of migratory birds, adding that, hosting the International Conference for Women Birders boosts conservation efforts.
“As Uganda looks to host the International Conference for Women Birders, we are optimistic that such initiatives will boost the conservation efforts for birds as well as market Uganda’s rich birding sector” Mugarra tweeted.
Uganda Women Birders witnessed its inception in 2013, starting with just nine girls, but currently, this undertaking has grown to include over 150 women birders from various professions and regions of the country.
The conference is being organized by the Uganda Women Birders, Uganda Safari Guides Association, and Bird Uganda Safaris, among others. It is guided by a Board that is composed of women birders from Europe, the USA, South America, China, Australia, and Africa.
