WildAid and Uganda Wildlife Authority launch first-of-its-kind awards scheme to honour conservation journalism

WildAid and Uganda Wildlife Authority called for entries for the inaugural Uganda Conservation Media Awards, which will reward outstanding reporting about wildlife conservation and environmental issues.

Recognising the critical role the media plays in raising awareness, the partners said the awards aim to encourage, motivate and inspire journalists to produce the best in conservation reporting.

“We hope these awards will encourage more reporting by the Ugandan media into the conservation challenges facing our nation, and the solutions to those challenges,” said Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director, Sam Mwandha. “Conserving Uganda’s wildlife and natural heritage is vitally important. We hope to see reporting on the success stories as well as the problems.”

Winners will be given a cash award of 5,000,000 Uganda shillings, a winner’s plaque, and free entry to Uganda’s national parks for the winner for one year. Winners will be announced at a special ceremony in the third quarter of 2023.

“The media can play a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of conservation and we are excited to be partnering with UWA to launch these awards,” said Simon Denyer, Africa Program Manager for WildAid. “We want to encourage the very best reporting on wildlife issues and we are looking forward to seeing entries.”

Background

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is a semi-autonomous agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities. UWA was established in 1996 by the Uganda Wildlife Statute, following the merger of Uganda National Parks and the Game Department. UWA manages 10 national parks; 12 wildlife reserves; 5 community wildlife management areas; and 13 wildlife sanctuaries.

UWA works with partners including the media to execute its conservation mandate. Media plays a fundamental role in highlighting efforts and challenges for wildlife conservation, and helps set the agenda and frame messages for public debate. In so doing, the media influences public opinion, making it a key partner for the conservation fraternity.

WildAid is an international wildlife conservation organisation that uses social behaviour change communications and the power of the media to change attitudes and behaviours towards wildlife and the environment. WildAid has been partnering with UWA on various mass media campaigns since 2016, including Poaching Steals From Us All and Join Our Team! Defend Our Wildlife.