We are delighted to announce that CCFU is one of the 5 recipients of the International National Trust Organisation (INTO) Excellence Awards. The award was received by our Executive Director, Ms. Barbra Babweteera during the International Conference for National Trusts (ICNT) organised by INTO in Dundee, Scotland in October 2022.
CCFU was awarded in recognition of our “inspirational” work at the Kyiriba Kyathumba Hot Springs, a cultural heritage site of the Bakonzo in Kasese District.
At this site, CCFU has successfully restored and reconnected communities with an important cultural heritage site impacted by climate change. This work was delivered in partnership with INTO and with financial support from the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund.
Background
The government policy on creation of conservation zones such as national parks exalted the natural values of the conservation zones against the cultural values. Hence, the creation of the Rwenzori Mountains forest reserve in 1941 and thereafter Rwenzori Mountains National Park in 1991 which delineated the Park’s surrounding communities from its conservation, treating the Park as something meant for foreigners (tourists).
As climate change takes its toll on the Rwenzori region, there is a need to reconnect the communities with their cultural heritage and identify heritage resources that communities used to use to address climate stressors.
Kyiriba Kyathumba hot spring is one of those sites where we have witnessed the interconnectedness of culture and climate change.
Located on Kasese-Kilembe road in Basecamp village, Kasese district, at the slopes of Mountain Rwenzori National Park, Kibbenge Kyiriba Kyatumba hot springs originally had 10 ponds: three for women, three for men, two for children and one for cultural leaders. Eight ponds were, however, submerged due to the flooding of River Nyamwamba and the now seasonal Kibbenge stream, which passes through the hot spring. Only two ponds remain. The trenches were silted.
Our intervention
CCFU documented the indigenous knowledge, principles, practices and values associated with the site. An information board was erected, submerged pools were de-silted, the drainage channel improved and vegetation cover increased with the planting of indigenous trees such as bamboo. The community were sensitized about the impact of climate change on cultural heritage sites and they identified heritage resources that are useful in mitigating the impact.
CCFU supported the community to put in place a management committee that brings together people from different ethnic groups: Bakonzo, Basongora, Banyankore, Basoga, etc. They developed a management plan which they have been implementing. Among the new developments that they have undertaken is the fencing of the site, building of a reception, construction of washrooms and changing rooms for visitors, souvenir shop, food stalls that are operated by women and young people and an accommodation facility.
With all these developments, the number of visitors to the site has tremendously increased from 50 to 500 visitors daily. As a result, they have introduced a modest fee of 1,000 Ugandan Shillings, which visitors are willing to pay.
The site received local and international media attention. For instance German Television K2H used the site in its documentary that demonstrates the impact of climate change on developing countries. The site is now linked to the Kilembe trail, one of the trails used by mountain climbers.
It is against this background that the International National Trusts Organisation awarded CCFU for its efforts under the ‘Open to All’ category which aimed at demonstrating the organisation’s success in enhancing community engagement across different cultures and increasing access to heritage, dialogue and understanding, and embracing the idea of ‘For everyone forever’. This work was done in in partnership with INTO, with financial support from the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports
https://crossculturalfoundation.or.ug/ccfu/2022/10/13/ccfu-awarded-an-excellence-award/