The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has introduced an innovative program aimed at safeguarding the mountain gorilla population in Uganda. By harnessing technology, the initiative seeks to generate sustainable funding for gorilla park conservation through non-trekking means.
This trailblazing initiative offers a subscription-based technological platform that allows individuals to follow multiple gorilla families. The proceeds from these subscriptions are directed toward the protection of these magnificent creatures and the growth of local communities surrounding them.
Enthusiasts can virtually track the daily escapades and family migrations of the gorillas, commemorate special occasions like birthdays and new births, and receive updates from the experienced rangers who are intimately acquainted with them. The application is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, ensuring widespread accessibility.
Developed as part of the Home of a Gorilla (HOG) initiative, this project is a collaborative effort between UWA and RoundBob/The Naturalist, a Ugandan conservation enterprise dedicated to preserving Mountain Gorillas.
UWA’s Executive Director, Mr. Sam Mwandha, emphasized the timeliness of this initiative in the age of digital communication. He stressed the importance of utilizing digital platforms to rally resources for conservation while simultaneously offering an engaging experience. According to Mr. Mwandha, this endeavor is poised to enlighten both local communities and a global audience about the significance of protecting these majestic creatures for future generations.
My Gorilla Family App
For a nominal monthly subscription fee of $2, paid through the mobile application “My Gorilla Family,” subscribers gain unrestricted access to the Bwindi-Mgahinga Conservation Area, which shelters over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population.
Additionally, alongside the subscription-based app, the Gorillas initiative is set to launch the world’s first conservation-focused NFT (non-fungible token) collection, linked to approximately 200 habituated individual mountain gorillas residing in the wild. This groundbreaking step not only enhances awareness but also offers unique opportunities for contributing to the conservation cause.
In summary, UWA’s creative utilization of technology through the My Gorilla Family app reflects a crucial shift toward sustainable conservation funding. By providing an engaging virtual experience, this initiative not only aids in preserving the mountain gorillas but also spreads awareness about their importance on a global scale. The parallel introduction of a pioneering NFT collection amplifies these efforts, forging an innovative path toward safeguarding these remarkable creatures for generations to come.
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