Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration recognizes the role that the local governments can play in sustainably conserving the Greater Virunga Landscape. The local leaders are at the forefront of local communities’ mobilization for wildlife conservation. Community involvement in biodiversity protection is paramount given that conservation requires synergies of various stakeholders, including state actors, non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, civil society organizations, the private sector, etc.

It is in this respect that GVTC has undertaken the initiative of discussing with the local leaders on how to promote biodiversity conservation agenda in this fragile ecosystem of the Greater Virunga Landscape shared between the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Uganda.

On this 5^th September 2023, Madam Kabeya Fatuma Marie Rose, Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance and Administration, accompanied by Mr. Ismael Ochen Ochen, GVTC Program Coordinator and Mr. Juvenal Mukeshimana, GVTC Program Assistant, met Hon.  Lt Joe Walusimbi, Resident District Commissioner of Kasese District and his team including the Deputy Vice Chairperson LCV of Kasese District, the District Security Officer, the District Police Commander and the Chief Administrative Officer.

Madam Kabeya Fatuma Marie Rose, Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance and Administration

and her delegation met Hon. Lt Joe Walusimbi, Kasese Resident District Commissioner. 

This initiative aims to introduce GVTC to the Kasese District Leaders, Brief the Kasese District Leaders about the GVTC treaty, the governance and functioning of GVTC, the achievements of GVTC in the region, the future prospects and request the necessary support from the leaders of Kasese District, in achieving the mandates of GVTC of spearheading the transboundary collaboration for Greater Virunga Landscape conservation.

The Kasese District leaders have appreciated this initiative as it creates a platform in which matters pertaining to wildlife conservation can be discussed. They have committed to supporting this initiative and remain positive and available for GVTC engagement.