On November 16, 2024, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) IUC-UCoBS project hosted an insightful public lecture under the theme: “Rethinking Practices for Sustainable Conservation: Experiences from Lake Mburo National Park.”
The lecture was delivered by Dr. Mark Infield, a globally renowned Landscape Recovery Manager, Conservator of the Ashdown Forest, and former Director of Cultural Values and Conservation at Fauna and Flora International, United Kingdom. Dr. Infield shared his wealth of experience in conservation, drawing from his over 30 years in the field.
The event was graced by notable conservationists and academics, including Dr. Medard Twinamatsiko, Senior Lecturer at MUST and the UCoBS Team Leader of Sub-project One, Dr. Arthur Mugisha, former Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA); Dr. Charles Muchunguzi, a senior lecturer and research collaborator with Dr. Infield; Dr. Ronald Twongyirwe, Head of the Environment and Livelihood Support Systems Department at MUST; and Professor Julius Lejju of the Faculty of Science. Also present were UWA’s Lake Mburo National Park officials, National Forestry Authority Range Manager, postgraduate and undergraduate students, researchers, and local conservation advocates.
Rooted in his new book Beautiful Beasts, Beautiful Lands, Dr. Infield’s presentation reflected on his conservation journey, particularly his work in Lake Mburo National Park. He vividly recounted his initial arrival at the park decades ago, where he witnessed nature struggling to coexist with human activities. “My story is about the rise, fall, and rise again of a beautiful land,” Dr. Infield remarked.
Through a thought-provoking narrative, he emphasized the importance of redefining beauty in the context of conservation. “Beauty is when you find what you really expected in something you see,” he explained, challenging attendees to reflect on their perceptions of beauty in nature. Using his experiences in Lake Mburo National Park as a case study, he explored the dynamics of conservation practices, emphasizing the crucial questions: “Is conservation working? are protected areas working? if not, why not?”
Dr. Infield critiqued traditional governance approaches to conservation, which often focus on penalties and regulations. Instead, he advocated for community-based conservation strategies that promote shared benefits. By involving local communities, conservation efforts can reduce conflicts, cut costs, and nurture sustainable practices. “Communities understand their environment better than anyone else,” he asserted, highlighting the pivotal role they play in protecting natural ecosystems.
The lecture concluded with a lively panel discussion moderated by Dr. Twinamatsiko, who posed probing questions to further unpack Dr. Infield’s ideas. This was followed by an interactive question and answer session. Participants asked about practical applications of community conservation, governance challenges, and strategies for scaling up successful models.
Celebrating conservation and culture
Following the lecture, the Ankole Cow and Culture Conservation Association (ACCCA), a group dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the Ankole cow, hosted a celebratory bull roasting at their Lake Mburo site. The event symbolized the deep connection between cultural preservation and environmental conservation.
The ACCCA members commended Dr. Infield for his lifelong dedication to protecting Lake Mburo National Park and its surrounding communities. They reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively to sustain both cultural and natural heritage.
The day’s events left participants inspired, with many reflecting on the powerful message of integrating human and ecological interests. Dr. Twinamatsiko and the UCoBS team received heartfelt appreciation for organizing the event, which showcased the transformative power of community-centered conservation strategies. As Dr. Infield eloquently put it, “The story of Lake Mburo is one of resilience—a story of beautiful beasts in a beautiful land reclaimed not only by conservationists but by the people who call it home.”
The public lecture reaffirmed MUST’s commitment to strengthening impactful dialogue and advancing innovative solutions for sustainable conservation in Uganda and beyond. Through events like this, MUST continues to foster dialogue and action around sustainable conservation, bridging the gap between academic research, community engagement, and practical solutions for environmental stewardship.
Succeed we must.
