Oreret Erasmus Tukei
This project seeks to conserve the vulnerable Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) by identifying and safeguarding its critical habitats within the Awoja-Agu Wetland Sub-catchment in Eastern Uganda’s Kyoga Basin. Recognized as a Key Biodiversity Area, this wetland landscape is facing severe threats from agricultural expansion, habitat degradation, and climate change. The project will conduct baseline surveys to assess the Shoebill’s population, distribution, and breeding success, while using participatory methods to map key habitats vital for their survival.
The Project Lead, Oreret Erasmus Tukei observing the shoebills from a distance using binoculars © Photo by Samuel Onep
A strong community-centered approach will be at the heart of the project. Local communities will be actively engaged as citizen scientists, contributing to habitat mapping, threat identification, and conservation education initiatives. Awareness workshops and school campaigns will build conservation knowledge and promote sustainable wetland use practices among diverse groups, including youth, women, and resource users.
Project Lead, Oreret Erasmus Tukei (in green t-shirt) giving Citizen Scientists (Opio, center and Eraru Dan, right) on field training on how to identify birds using a Bird book © Samuel Onep
The project will prioritize the most critical threats to Shoebill habitats through participatory ranking and co-develop realistic mitigation strategies. A Preliminary Conservation Action Plan for the Shoebill and its wetland habitats will be drafted in collaboration with community stakeholders, local government, and conservation partners.
Project Lead, Oreret Erasmus Tukei (with a coffee brown hat) boarding a canoe boat together with Citizen Scientists from Agule-Kopege going for field work © Samuel Onep
By empowering communities, strengthening local capacity for wetland stewardship, and promoting direct benefits such as eco-tourism potential, this project aims to create a foundation for long-term Shoebill conservation. The findings and recommendations will be shared nationally through stakeholder forums, open-access publications, media outreach, and integration into relevant policy frameworks.
Representatives from a break out group presenting on Community roles in ConservingProtecting shoebills and Wetlands during a community Awareness workshop in Abatai-Agule Village © Aiita Joshua Apamaku
Ultimately, this project will not only protect an iconic species but also enhance ecosystem health, strengthen climate resilience, and improve livelihoods for communities dependent on the Awoja-Agu wetland system.