In an exciting collaboration that bridges the worlds of sports and conservation, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has partnered with Ugandan long-distance running sensation, Joshua Cheptegei. This dynamic partnership aims to harness Cheptegei’s global appeal to champion climate action, biodiversity conservation, and youth and women empowerment in Uganda’s breathtaking Elgon region.
Joshua Cheptegei, a world record holder in the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters, Olympic champion, and three-time World champion, is set to use his remarkable success as a platform for change. His goal? To raise awareness about the importance of preserving the Elgon region while unlocking its untapped potential for mountain and valley tourism.
Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative for Uganda, believes that marathons and sports, in general, play a pivotal role in promoting tourism on a global scale. She envisions Uganda’s tourism sector thriving as it taps into this promising avenue.
As part of this partnership, the UNDP-Elgon half marathon will take center stage as a flagship event.At the recent partnership announcement at the National Forestry Authority (NFA) in Kampala, Attafuah emphasized that the UNDP-Elgon marathon serves as a call to action to address environmental challenges threatening our planet. Cheptegei concurred, highlighting its potential to raise awareness about biodiversity protection, restoration, and cultural rejuvenation in the region.
Tom Obong Okello, NFA Executive Director, emphasized the marathon’s role in introducing resilient tree species to the region, aiding in pest and disease resistance. Considering Uganda’s heavy reliance on its environment for tourism, conserving biodiversity becomes essential for both the environment and the local community.The inaugural UNDP-Elgon marathon is slated for October 28, 2023, in Mbale city.
It promises not only to showcase Uganda’s natural beauty in the Elgon region but also to contribute to a sustainable and prosperous future.
This exciting partnership between Joshua Cheptegei and UNDP holds the potential to create a lasting impact, drawing global attention to the wonders of Uganda’s Elgon region while safeguarding its precious biodiversity. Don’t miss out on this thrilling blend of sports, conservation, and cultural celebration!
About Guide2Uganda
Guide2Uganda (www.guide2uganda.ug) is the most comprehensive source of travel information about Uganda that exists on the web, with more content on its cities & towns, accommodation, attractions, events, museums and galleries than any other online guide that currently exists for Uganda; as well as being a dynamic travel news and events driven site with fresh content added daily.
According to WeFollow & Peer Index (that measure online influence), we are among the most influential online media organizations in Uganda. Guide2Uganda was also awarded ‘’Best Destination Website in Uganda’’ by Jumia Travel Uganda in the 2018 Africa Travel Awards.
Share your travel stories & photos with the world via email: info@guide2uganda.ug
