The enchanting narratives of the acclaimed BBC Planet Earth III series, narrated by the venerable Sir David Attenborough, have become a global cultural phenomenon. In its monumental exploration of the world's forests, one episode has etched a tale of profound significance—the story of the Bulindi chimpanzees in Uganda. Director Abigail Lees, a visionary at the BBC Natural History Unit, intricately captured the daily struggles of these chimps living in close proximity to humans, setting the stage for a transformative initiative—the Bulindi Chimpanzee Habitat Restoration Project.
Bulindi chimpanzees, Jenny and Sylvester, sitting on a tree, Bulindi Chimpanzee Habitat Restoration Project, DGB.
Established in 2015, this comprehensive afforestation project started to protect the habitat of the Bulindi chimpanzees. It not only focuses on conservation efforts but also pioneers sustainable solutions that benefit both the chimpanzees and the local communities. The project unfolds as a harmonious symphony, weaving together conservation, community engagement, and the delicate dance between humanity and nature.
Read about our nature-restoration project in Uganda
The project’s approach involves collaborative efforts with local communities and households. By providing energy-saving stoves and seedlings for woodlots, the project reduces pressure on natural forests. Forest enrichment planting replenishes the chimpanzees' natural food sources, minimising future human–chimpanzee conflicts. The emphasis on conservation farming, new income sources, infrastructure, fuel-efficient stoves, water quality, and leadership skills forms a holistic template, addressing the wider population of 'corridor chimpanzees' in unprotected forests.
Bulindi chimpanzees, Teddy and her son Ally, playing on a tree, Bulindi Chimpanzee Habitat Restoration Project, DGB.
DGB takes pride in the unique aspects of the projects, focusing on community engagement and collaboration. Working closely with local communities ensures that the project aligns with their needs and priorities, fostering positive long-term and sustainable impacts. The ongoing efforts, guided by local consultations, community projects, and training, showcase the commitment to protecting both the environment and local livelihoods.
Local people working at a tree nursery in Uganda, Bulindi Chimpanzee Habitat Restoration Project, DGB.
Beyond afforestation, the project extends its impact through a multifaceted approach. The initiative to grow seedlings in a nursery includes indigenous plants and cash crops, striking a balance between chimps' livelihoods and the villagers' needs. The strategic choice of chimp-friendly cash crops, like coffee, ensures supplemental income for locals without creating tensions with the chimpanzees.
Read more: How the reforestation project in Uganda benefits the Bulindi chimpanzees
The project journey involves planting 4.5 million trees, contributing to the capture of 4.3 million tonnes of CO2. The team has a strong focus on scaling these efforts, bringing substantial positive change to both nature in Uganda and its inhabitants.
Bulindi chimpanzees, brothers Gerald and Merrick, sitting on a tree, Bulindi Chimpanzee Habitat Restoration Project, DGB.
The project's impact extends to the wellbeing of local communities. Through initiatives like water well installations to prevent conflicts between chimps and villagers over water sources, educational programmes, and community engagement, the project ensures harmonious coexistence between humans and chimpanzees. The friendly Bulindi community, open to their chimp neighbours, exemplifies a unique model where livelihoods thrive alongside the flourishing of biodiversity.
Poster of the BBC documentary Planet Earth III - Series 1, Episode 5: Forests.
In essence, the Bulindi Chimpanzee Habitat Restoration Project stands not just as a conservation effort but as a blueprint illustrating how concerted efforts can create a sustainable and harmonious balance between nature and humanity, a story that unfolded on the global stage of Planet Earth III.
You can contribute to DGB’s efforts of habitat restoration for the Bulindi chimps
