With the discovery of the inside of the African continent (the actual cradle of mankind), the discoverers of these forests and inlands referred to them as "green hell” and very wild stories about them were delivered to Europe. While on these tremendous, strenuous and complex expeditions they brought with them exotic plants and animals, sometimes even natives of the areas where they had journeyed were brought back home as exhibits. For some participants on these expeditions it could turn out deadly like when malaria and unknown diseases troubled the discoverers. There were the constant attacks from mosquitoes and Tsetse flies. It is to these scientists and discoverers of Africa like Hanno the Sailor († 440 b. C.) and Vasco da Gama (1460-1524) to David Livingstone (1813-1873) and John Hanning Speke (1827-1864) up to Oscar Baumann (1864-1899) and Henry Hamilton Johnston (1858-1927) we owe today’s topographic bases and scientific knowledge on flora and fauna.

Unfortunately, like many forests of the world Uganda’s forests are also threatened in their existence. The impenetrable forest belt once used to extend from north to south along the Nile region and the African Rift Valley. Today, forest covers are quickly reducing through negative impacts such as clearing, burning, legal and illegal trade in tropical wood and the increase of human settlements. This trend is continuous and results in a dramatic population decrease of wild animals, bringing some species to the brink of extinction. This calls for remedy action and personal initiative.

Guided by our philosophy, EQUATORIAL WILD SAFARIS has started projects to stop the unfortunate developments in the forests. After all, forests are resources for world wide important climatic, chemical, physical, botanical and biological processes and sources for biodiversity. We feel obliged to do our best to save the forests and are convinced that it is not only possible to combine tourism and nature conservation but that it can even be fun to actively contribute to save our environment during holidays. EWS wants to give forests a lasting chance.

The objective of the Nature Conservation Tours is to stop uncontrolled cutting of trees for local and international supplies by promoting ecologically sensitive tourism and following the motto “Give and Take”, give back to the nature (planting at least a tree), where you have taken from (during your memorable safari). It should be obviously noted that when the forests are enriched with a diversity of trees and plants, the wildlife like the Mountain Gorilla, Chimpanzee and other primates, birds, reptiles, insects etc are enriched too!

As a personal contribution towards the protection of the African rain forest, all guests of EWS and other tours & travel companies, and the local community will be encouraged to plant seedlings of indigenous trees in and around the forests within EWS control. The planting is not systematic and imitates the unbiased distribution of plants in a natural forest. By you planting a tree, more benefits to the environment arise than might be anticipated at first sight.

Each single seedling;

• is protected by a contract for the next 100 years,
• enriches the rain forest and extends the area covered by forest,
• contributes to the upbringing of degenerated wildlife habitat,
• helps to save and secure the local natural water resources,
• secures important chemical, physical, biochemical, botanical and biological processes,
• contributes towards preservation of the global climate,
• brings about an understanding and sensitization of national authorities and the communities for environmental and nature protection,
• fights against the illegal exploitation of nature,
• ensures the expansion of our project to other endangered areas of Uganda and other parts of Africa,
• creates jobs and survival opportunities for many families,
• supports economic and political developments toward clear democratic relations,
• enhances industrial forces and commercial use of agricultural native land and forestry through planting of cheap and fast-growing trees,
• can be a basis for important research in many areas of science.

The numbers of seedlings our guests want to plant depend on their desire and budget. However, 5 seedlings are included per person visiting during our budgeting and preparation of tours. The type of tree and the planting area depends on the availability and the season.

EWS Nature Conservation Tours also take into consideration the needs of local people by offering them to actively take over tasks during the tree planting and providing them with additional income. Jobs include areas such as the protection of the forest area, leading guided walks in the forest, care of the plantations, raising and care of seedlings and others. This cooperation ensures that the surrounding local communities are included in our conservation efforts, and profit directly from the forest and its species without harming it and therefore increase their loyalty towards its protection.

People that do not benefit financially will still profit from our project as we are inviting and educating school classes. Our goal is that the children gain knowledge about the benefits of preserving forests for future generations and thus preserving humans, animals and plants on a long term basis.

The management of EWS is currently in contact with biologically and botanically oriented Universities and Institutions worldwide. The goal is to establish a field station which will serve researchers of several fields, like primate behavior, ornithology, botanical studies looking into forest enrichment / renewal of the flora and others.

Other projects of similar kind in other parts of Africa will be developed in the near future.

Costs: Each seedling with a height of approx. 30 - 50cm wills costs respective of the tree specie between USD $ 10, and $50.

Price breakdown: The total cost of each seedling seems high but it reflects two cost factors:

1. Purchase price: The seedlings stem from the National Forestry Authority or from communities bordering the Forests. Buying the seedling covers the following costs:

• the production of the seed
• preparation of the nursery bed
• tending of the seed
• raising of the shoots
• care of the seedlings up to a height of 50cm

2. Care: After planting each seedling it will be taken care of for several years. During that time we need to cover the costs for the following activities:

• clearing of the planting areas
• protection from feeding animals
• removal of uncontrolled growth
• natural fertilizing
• acquisition of planting tools
• staff expenditure

Each seedling will get a number or name tag and remains symbolically the property of the one who planted it. This process will be documented in a certificate which will be issued after the planting. We will gladly provide you with news and photos of your tree upon request. We hope that you will return to visit Uganda, EWS and your trees and who knows- possibly to plant the next generation of trees.

Please contact us for more information and further inquiries:
office@equatorialwildsafaris.com.

Yours- EWS Team