Mihingo Conservation and Community Development Foundation (Mihingo CCDF)

The Mihingo Conservation and Community Development Foundation is a separate entity to Mihingo Lodge with the aim to improve the living conditions of the surrounding communities and improve conservation efforts on the eastern side of Lake Mburo National Park . Initially Mihingo CCDF will concentrate on Ruranbira Parish and if successful will expand to other areas around Lake Mburo National Park . Ruranbira Parish is an important part of the Lake Mburo ecosystem, this area is sandwiched between the eastern boundary of Lake Mburo National Park and Lake Kacheera , the biggest Lake in the area.

The following Projects are either being initiated or planned:

1. Mihingo Leopard Project (Launched on 1 st August 2008)
2. Mihingo Honey Project (4 meetings were held and hives have been distributed)
3. Mihingo Craft Project (planned)

Main objectives of all Projects supported by Mihingo CCDF

1. Mihingo Leopard Project

The aim of the project is to conserve all predators in and around Lake Mburo National Park through education and compensating farmers, who have had livestock killed by leopard or hyena. Many farmers around Lake Mburo National Park experience livestock depredation several times a year. The main reaction is to poison livestock carcasses resulting in the death of predator species and many non-target species. The obvious consequence is a negative impact on the biodiversity in the Lake Mburo area. The numbers of jackals are very low and still declining, all vulture species are regularly poisoned and the Leopard and Hyena numbers are very much reduced as a result of poisoning. Many other small predators, like jennet cats, civit, serval, honey badger, banded mongoose sometimes feed on poisoned carcasses and are also killed. Generally farmers report livestock killed by predators to the project. Mihingo CCDF then sends in a member of staff to check if the livestock has been killed by a predator. If this is verified the farmer is compensated and the carcass is confiscated to prevent it from being poisoned at a later stage. The farmers benefit through compensation and support the project and it prevents predators from being killed. Mihingo CCDF staff advise farmers how to protect their livestock from predator attacks to reduce the human wildlife conflict.

2. Film on Mihingo Lodge from 2008

All projects will be set up in a sustainable way and will either finance themselves or be continually supported through Mihingo CCDF related fund raising activities. Mihingo CCDF will also try and attract donations to be able to support all projects.