Nature Palace Foundation (NPF) is a Community-Development and Human Well-being-focused organization that operates on the principle of blending Conservation with Development. NPF is accredited by The Global Environment Facility (GEF) and we are members to International and Regional Development and Conservation networks like Clean Up the World (CUW), Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN), Climate Change & Development Network (CDN), and The East African Communities’ Organization for Management of Lake Victoria Resources (ECOVIC) etc.
Our Vision:
A world where all people are leading Sustainable Livelihoods;
Our mission:
To transform traditional survivalist tendencies into those which make optimal and sustainable use of Natural Resources.
Our Mandate:
Natural Resources Management for better Health, Food Security, Income Generation and balanced-resilient ecosystems.
Fields of Specialty:
1. Biodiversity Conservation;
2. Sustainable Agriculture;
3. Propagation and multiplication (medicinal and rare spp);
4. Indigenous Knowledge preservation and documentation;
5. Public Education;
6. Research (In conjunction with academic Institutions);
Achievements:
1. Have successfully implemented biodiversity/species conservation projects in conjunction with community e.g. Poverty alleviation and Health care Promotion through conservation (PHPC) Project.
2. Actively involved in the conservation of Mabamba Bay Ramsar Site.
3. Have initiated Conservation models like the Nature School and Medical Plants Home gardens.
4. Have a strong link with neighboring communities.
Administration:
NPF is under the guidance of a 7-person Board of Trustees that include Conservationists; a University educationalist; Medical personnel; Social/Community Development specialists and Business People. The fairly balanced Board is instrumental in guiding the organisation’s programmes.
Key Organisational Objectives:
1. To provide avenues for better Biodiversity Conservation, Conservation Research and Education;
2. Promote Documentation, protection and multiplication of rare and threatened plants of Uganda;
3. To foster community/popular participation in Conservation of Natural Resources that are primary support of Community Development Programs;
4. Promote and improve the role of indigenous knowledge in species conservation; disease prevention and control; and, in contributing to sustainable Community Development.
5. To promote Sustainable production techniques especially in the area of Agriculture to ensure Food Security; Sustainable Community Development; Improved Health and Poverty Reduction;
6. To develop capacities of Community Development organisations, associations and groups to integrate sustainable development principles and practices in their programs;
7. Network with other kindred organisations and departments and make linkages and partnerships in fostering Natural Resources management and Poverty Reduction.
8. Engage in protecting and advocating for the wellbeing and rights of all forms of wildlife (plants, animals and birds) and to provide conservation and education and skills thereof to ensure species protection and avoiding genetic erosion and cases of extinction;
9. Promote the welfare of children through better feeding, health promotion and preparing them as better stewards of Natural Resources.
10. Provide easy and cheap techniques by which communities can utilize better adapt to effects of Global Climate Change at their grassroots level.
Key approaches reciprocated into our Outreach Program.
• Indigenous knowledge documentation and sharing as key to sustainable conservation programs
• Frequent and on-going Data collection to monitor change and facilitate self assessment
• Fact sheets for school children and community members to promote Environment Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
• Popular participation through Community Organizing and involvement to promote sustainability and ownership.
• Pro-poor Sustainable tourism for Biodiversity Conservation and upholding community Benefit
• Alternative environmentally friendly income generating projects to reduce pressure on sensitive resources
• Nature school approach to inculcate love for nature.
• Value addition to improve Income and fight poverty – a major enemy of the environment.
Contact Information: P.O. Box 29455, Kampala, Uganda. Web site : www.naturepalace.net.
