Local Communities in Bwindi Rally to End Plastics around Bwindi on World Gorilla Day 2025 | International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP)International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP)

On 24^th Sept 2025, local communities surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable National Park came together to mark World Gorilla Day with a powerful demonstration of grassroots conservation efforts aimed at protecting the critically endangered mountain gorillas and preserving their natural habitat. Organized by Change a Life Bwindi, a community-based organization in Bwindi, World Gorilla Day celebrations were held under the theme “Community Responsibility Towards Conservation of Mountain Gorillas and Ending Plastic Use.” 

The event featured a range of environmental and educational activities in the Ruhija tracking sector of Mpungu sub-county, Kanungu district, including sports for conservation, community clean up exercise and tree planting.

The community moved around the area collecting plastics in the areas and loaded them on trucks for better disposal in an attempt to address the growing concern of plastic pollution in the area. The highlight of the conservation efforts was an ambitious tree planting initiative that saw to about 2000 indigenous trees planted across the region. “It is a good thing seeing communities coming together to celebrate world gorilla day 2025, actively participating in cleaning the environment and protecting the endangered mountain gorillas.  This action is testament to the Community’s support and appreciation for mountain gorilla conservation,” says Christine Katusabe, Founder of Change a Life Bwindi.