Kampala — BUDONGO forest reserve will soon become a top eco-tourism centre following the taming of chimpanzees and the provision of tourists' accommodation.

Kaniyo-Pabidi, which is located on the northern part of the forest in Buliisa district, was opened on Friday by the state minister for environment, Jessica Eriyo. It will offer chimp tracking and bird watching as the main tourism activities.

"The Government has full commitment towards conserving natural forests and their bio-diversity to improve the prospects for tourism," said Eriyo.

Chimps are endangered species and could contribute significantly to the country's revenue.

Kaniyo-Pabidi will also offer accommodation to tourists who choose to stay in the largest forest reserve in the country in addition to an information centre with a reception and restaurant.

The National Forestry Authority board chairman, Baguma Isoke, thanked USAID and the European Union for funding the project, which he said would significantly boost the authority's income.

"With these better and expanded facilities, NFA will generate more revenue from eco-tourism services to strengthen conservation efforts," he stated.

"For our prospective clients, come for your honeymoon, retreat or holiday. We also offer some refreshing chimpanzee-tracking forest walks," noted the executive director, Damian Akankwasa.

Tourists from the nearby Murchison Falls National Park can also drive to the Budongo site with ease and diversify their viewing options.

The forestry authority is working with the Jane Goodall Institute (Uganda) in a USAID-funded partnership to improve eco-tourism in Budongo. In the last two years, Busingiro camp, which used to offer chimp tracking at the southern part of the park, was closed because chimps would stray into the villages nearby and destroy property.

The camp has been turned into a destination for bird watchers.

The institute has also given incentives to the local people living on the forest borders by investing in some of their activities.

In return, the residents help in checking illegal activities such as tree cutting, hunting and removal of snares.

"The local people will also benefit directly from chimp tracking because the first priority for employment will be given to them since they know the forest better," said Isaac Mweru, an eco-tourism specialist.

Other indirect benefits will include the selling of handicraft and foodstuffs to the new tourism centre.