In This Issue

Equator Snow Lodge



Equator Snow is a sensational destination for the experienced mountaineer, the casual trekker or the ordinary traveller. Working in close collaboration with the Ruboni Community, and Rwenzori Mountaineering Services, a selection of mountaineering activities can be organised from Equator Snow Lodge, ranging from guided mountain walks with low endurance hikes, to climbing the mountain peaks for the technically more competent.

You may choose just to rest and relax at Equator Snow Lodge with its spacious mountain cabins, and wooden decks, it is designed for comfort and relaxation.

The Rwenzori Mountains have been declared a World Heritage Site. Accordingly, the public restaurant, lounge and bar areas are designed around the history of the Rwenzori Mountains, with displays of significant historical illustrations.

Come and experience the legend that has surrounded the Mountains of the Moon, as they were named by Greek historians more than two thousand years ago.

For inquiries and bookings; Contact Jimmy Muheebwa on 256 772550177 or 256 704550177

Solvatten
 
Solvatten is a solar water treating system which uses energy from the sun to purify water, making it safe for drinking. It is an 11 litre jerrycan made from Sweden which uses filtration, heat and UV from the sun to kill all the micro - organisms in the water, making it safe for drinking and personal hygiene.

It reduces the burden of water-borne diseases thus improving health, promotes sanitation and hygiene, and reduces costs on electricity and wood fuel needed to boil water among others.

You can get yourself a Solvatten unit from our main office in Entebbe or any of our branch offices in Masindi and Mbale. For any information regarding sales. Please contact Priscilla Nabuyemba on 256700150426 or 256787031149


About Us

The Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda (ECOTRUST) is a non - governmental environmental conservation organization established in 1999. ECOTRUST has developed a valued niche in 'conservation finance' and pursued relentlessly a clear vision of 'a healthy environment with prosperous people' and a mission,' to conserve natural resources and enhance social welfare by promoting innovative and sustainable environment management in Uganda.'

ECOTRUST's core values of' accountability and transparency in all our dealings, Creating value for our stakeholders, Pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement, Commitment to personal integrity, creating a culture of teamwork' remain the jealously protected business principles of the organization, guiding all business decisions and entire management ethics.




Welcome to this edition of our monthly newsletter. We hope you've managed to make it through the first half of this year in one peace. It's a busy time here at ECOTRUST but we'll endeavor to keep you abreast on all the latest developments on our end.

In this issue we bring you an update on the HIWA project, our recent launch of Solvatten in Lira district and highlights from the World Environment Day Celebrations held in Gulu district.

Your feedback is much appreciated.
HIWA Project Progressing Steadily
HIWA workplace testing and counseling and Murchison Falls Conservation Area


It has been a successful quarter for the HIWA project, with highlights of introducing project activities at conservation area level. The managers of these conservation areas (Queen Elizabeth, Murchison falls & Mt. Elgon conservation areas) have been able to understand and embrace the USAID HIV project, making it easy for project staff to implement the project activities with minimal resistance. The reception of the HTC  (HIV testing & counseling) services has been good after extensive awareness and sensitization this quarter with national park rangers now demanding for the services.

During the quarter, ECOTRUST conducted integrated mobile community outreaches in conservation areas to the undeserved population in the national parks targeting at least 400 beneficiaries of HIV Testing & Counseling (HTC). The organization also had a target of enrolling 100% of the newly identified people living with HIV (PLHIV) in clinical care & treatment and initiating them into the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) clinic.

ECOTRUST held focus Group discussions, in each conservation area with stakeholders which resulted into the generation of working strategies for activity implementation. This involved awareness and sensitization on HIV/AIDS related issues by the HIV project specialist.

Functional health literacy has been strengthened among the target population by adapting and executing a multi-dimensional Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) program to reach target priority populations in the conservation areas. All BCC activities under HIWA are implemented through the Stepping Stones Methodology which involves a training package to address issues of gender, condom use, sexuality, HIV/AIDS, gender violence, communication & relationship skills among others. 


ECOTRUST launches Solvatten in Lira District
Curious individuals in Lira gather to see how Solvatten works

ECOTRUST was in Lira district on the 26th and 27th of May 2016 to launch the Solvatten Solar Safe Jerry cans in a district that has in the recent past suffered rampant outbreaks of waterborne diseases most especially typhoid and dysentery. Using the three processes of Ultra violet treatment, filtration and heating, solvatten jerry cans kill micro-organisms in water making it safe for consumption.

At a launch that piqued the curiosity of several locals, the LCV of Lira district George Okello Ayo recognized the role that ECOTRUST is playing in promoting conservation and good health by bringing a clean & safe water solution to the district. He claimed that many people in the district were drinking unboiled water because of the difficulty in accessing firewood which has resulted into many cases of typhoid and dysentery, which are quite expensive to treat. "The district has been sensitizing communities on the importance of boiling drinking water in order to fight these diseases and therefore this jerry can is proving to be a very affordable solution to this problem". He officially welcomed this initiative as a district and encouraged all members in attendance to purchase these jerry cans.

World Environment Day Celebrations in Lira District
The national World Environment Day Celebrations were held at Pece Stadium in Gulu district on the 6th of June 2016 under the theme "Conserve Wildlife, Sustain livelihoods" which was meant to raise awareness on biodiversity species under threat and call for individual and corporate action to help safeguard them for future generations.

Starting off with a tree planting drive organized by NEMA, thousands of trees were planted around Gulu district. This was followed by an exhibition at the stadium grounds at which various organizations from around the country showcased their initiatives with relevance to the theme of the day. ECOTRUST was in attendance to showcase the importance of tree growing and using alternative energy efficient technologies in conservation of biodiversity as well as improvement of livelihoods.

The guest of honor at the event, State Minister for Environment, Hon. Flavia Munaba, in her speech emphasized the importance of conservation of forests and wetlands as they are habitats for wildlife. She reflected on the rapid loss of Uganda's forest cover that once stood at 50% of the total land cover back in 1990 but due to rapid deforestation, is only at 2.96 million hectares. She warned against illegal trade in wildlife that is leading to the extinction of some animal species in the country.



Picture of the month
         A Lira resident leaves the launch after purchasing two Solvatten units