Abstract

The Rwenzori Mountains run for 70 kilometres along the Uganda / Democratic Republic of Congo border and provide watershed functions for millions of farmers and support high biodiversity. In 1992, the creation of a national park had considerable impacts in local communities by restricting access to both natural and cultural resources. Though intended to promote conservation, it is arguable that they achieve the opposite. The return of the King of the Mountain People has created social and political opportunities to re-examine relationships between the people and the mountains, the people and the national park, and the park authorities and traditional institutions. I will discuss how the Culture, Values and Conservation Project implemented by Fauna & Flora International and the Uganda Wildlife Authority is attempting to engage with these issues and opportunities to improve the conservation of the mountain’s natural and cultural values.