Environmental interpretation in Uganda's national parks

Abstract

A study was undertaken in three of Uganda's forested national parks to provide informatiun on the status of environmental
interpretation. Sixty questionnaires were administered to range guides and park wardens in Kibale, Rwenzori, and Mnunt
Elgon :"'ational Parks to collect information on job description of rangers and wardens involved in environmenta l
interpretation. Additional info,·mation was collected on the extent of their work, their training backgrounds, experience,
facilities used, those required, and the qualities that interpreters are expected to have. It was found that interpretation is
little umlerstood and the range guides ha\'C not bad forma l training in interprctil•e work. Uganda's national parks do not
have clearly stated objectives on interpretation. Even at the highest level, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (lJWi\) does not
have aoy policy on environmental interpretation. Thus there is a need fur a national p rogramme of environmental
interpretation to promote conservation of biological resources and development of ec.otouri~m in protected areas.