Home to 95 mammal species (including 20 types of carnivores) and 600+ kinds of birds, QENP is connected to Kibale’s southern sector.
The complex ecosystem includes grassland, woodland, open plains with fig and acacia trees, forests and swamps, leading to a great diversity of wildlife.
For generations, people and animals coexisted in a patchwork of farms, villages and wilderness areas. More recently, intense human population growth has disturbed this balance and humans and wildlife are feeling the impact.
The 11 fishing villages included within the boundaries of the park have an estimated population of 60,000 people and over 100,000 domestic animals. Conflicts inevitably arise with few attempts at mitigation present. Human populations are ever-growing while animal populations, including the iconic lion, are declining precipitously.
NNF began working in Kasenyi village in 2022 and Hamukungu village in 2024, with the goal of building capacity for a more successful coexistence between humans and wildlife. We are focusing on traditional practices and behaviors that can adapt to the pressures of an ever-changing environment.
It is NNF’s mission to reconcile the needs of people with the protection of wild spaces. Through efficient stoves, community nature centers and conservation competitions, we hope to empower the people of QENP and spark a new conservation story.
