Crane Festival Unites Communities to Safeguard Uganda’s Grey Crowned Cranes
By Patrick Engoru, Uganda Country Manager: African Crane Conservation Programme
In a powerful display of unity and conservation, the annual Crane Festival brought together communities, conservationists, and policymakers to celebrate and protect Uganda’s iconic Grey Crowned Cranes. The event, held on February 27th, 2024, at Rwantsinga Primary School playground in Rubaya sub-county, Mbarara District, was a joint initiative by the International Crane Foundation (ICF) and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and Antiquities (MoTWA) and Mbarara District Local Government.
Expanding Reach, Amplifying Impact
This year’s festival marked a significant milestone as it made its debut in the Rwizi catchment area, a new area of operation for the ICF/EWT partnership. This expansion signifies the partnership’s growing conservation footprint across Uganda, building upon the success of previous editions in Rukiga, Ssembabule, and Lwengo districts, where solid interventions are now in place. The collaborative communication efforts of ICF and EWT teams in Uganda, South Africa, and the USA successfully propelled the event onto previously unreachable local and international platforms, inspiring audiences worldwide.
Dire Need for Intervention
Uganda’s wetlands, crucial for both human survival and Grey Crowned Crane habitats, face immense pressure from rapid population growth and agricultural expansion. Over the past 25 years, the crane population has plummeted by a staggering 80%, primarily due to habitat loss, human disturbance, and illegal trade. These endangered birds often found on private lands, struggle to breed successfully as they are forced into increasingly marginal habitats. The Crane Festival serves as a clarion call for urgent action to protect these majestic creatures and their fragile ecosystems.
Fostering Coexistence Through Engagement
The festival’s theme, “Connecting People and Cranes,” aligned perfectly with the national and global Wildlife Day theme, “Connecting People and the Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.” By engaging diverse stakeholders – schools, communities, policymakers, conservationists, and the media – the event fostered a deeper understanding of the interdependence between humans and cranes.
A multitude of activities, including joint awareness campaigns with the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and Antiquities (MoTWA), community cleaning events focusing on plastic waste, art competitions by schoolchildren, school drama and running competitions, brass band marches, music, dance, and drama by Crane Custodians and Community Conservation Groups, exhibitions, and speeches from dignitaries, captivated audiences and inspired them to become advocates for sustainable coexistence.
Hon. Col. Tom R. Butime, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, delivered a powerful speech as the chief guest, emphasizing the urgency of reflecting on the impact of human actions on habitats and species. “If the current situation does not change, our grandchildren may never see cranes in the coming years,” he warned, underscoring the need for immediate and collective action.
A Beacon of Hope for Grey Crowned Cranes
The Crane Festival represents a beacon of hope for the survival of Uganda’s Grey Crowned Cranes and their vital wetland habitats. By uniting communities, fostering environmental stewardship, and harnessing the power of digital innovation, this annual celebration paves the way for a future where these majestic birds can thrive alongside human populations.
The EWT and ICF remain committed to this mission, working tirelessly to secure the future of Grey Crowned Cranes and the precious ecosystems they call home. Through events like the Crane Festival, these organizations are not only raising awareness but also inspiring action and cultivating a deep appreciation for the natural world that sustains us all.
** The EWT/ICF Partnership would like to thank all our donors who contributed to a successful Crane Festival.  This includes the Mbarara District Local Government, Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda Limited, Brighter Smiles Dental Clinic, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and Antiquities (MoTWA)
