Long‐term funding of community projects has contributed to mitigation of illegal activities within a premier African protected area, Bwindi impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Long-term funding of community projects has significantly reduced illegal activities within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. This study found that parishes with the highest number of funded community projects experienced fewer illegal incidents, highlighting a negative correlation between project funding and illegal activities. Key drivers included accessibility and the volume of funded initiatives, with water and sanitation, as well as income-generating projects, being the most prevalent. The research analyzed 21 years of data on illegal activities, environmental factors, and funded community projects, alongside interviews from 2734 households. These findings suggest that targeted funding in high-incidence areas could further mitigate illegal behaviors, offering a strategic approach to conservation management.

Bitariho, R., Akampurira, E., & Mugerwa, B. (2022). Long‐term funding of community projects has contributed to mitigation of illegal activities within a premier African protected area, Bwindi impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Conservation Science and Practice, 4(9). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.12761