Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Country
Uganda
Inscribed in
1994
Criteria
(vii)
(x)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good with some concerns" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 100,000 ha in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa's third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). The region's glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa's most beautiful alpine areas. The park has many natural habitats of endangered species and a rich and unusual flora comprising, among other species, the giant heather. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 Oct 2025
Good with some concerns
Current state and trend of VALUES
Low Concern
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Spectacular mountain scenery
Criterion
(vii)
The Rwenzoris are the legendary “Mountains of the moon”, a reflection of the mist-shrouded mountains of this rugged massif that tower almost 4,000 m above the Albertine Rift Valley, making them visible from great distances. The mountain range offers a unique and pristine landscape of alpine vegetation studded with charismatic giant lobelias, groundsels, and heathers which have been called “Africa’s botanical big game”. The combination of spectacular snow-capped peaks, glaciers, V-shaped valleys, fast flowing rivers with magnificent waterfalls, clear blue lakes and unique flora contributes to the area’s exceptional natural beauty. The mountain range includes multiple peaks, and its location on the edge of the Congo Basin is associated with very high rainfall and the development of exuberant Afro-alpine vegetation with impressive giant senecio and lobelia plants growing in the high bogs, and great cushions of colourful moss perched on the leaning branches of giant heathers (World Heritage Committee, 2011). Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley, standing at 5109 m above sea level, makes the Rwenzoris the 3rd highest in Africa.
Rich montane flora, with many endemic species
Criterion
(x)
The park has the richest montane flora of any site in Africa, including many endemic species. The heaths and Afro-alpine vegetation zones that extend from around 3,500 m to the snowline (at around 4,400 m) represent the rarest vegetation types on the African continent. Prominent constituents of this extraordinary vegetation are several endemic species of giant groundsels (senecio) and lobelias, which punctuate the landscape like giant candelabra (World Heritage Committee, 2011).
Rare and endemic birds
Criterion
(x)
The Rwenzoris form one of the world's Endemic Bird Area (EBA), positioning the mountains as one of the best tourist destinations for bird lovers. They host up to 241 species of birds recorded, forming about 27% of Uganda's total (Statterfield et al., 1998). Whilst this represents only a moderate level of species richness, the forest harbours many rare, threatened and endemic species. The park contains 17 restricted range species (Albertine endemics), second only to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which has 24 species (Byaruhanga et al, 2001). The site is an IBA (BirdLife International, 2025)
Rare and threatened mammals
Criterion
(x)
The Rwenzori range is especially important for its rare, endemic and endangered mammals, including an unusually rich small mammal fauna and some prominent larger mammals. The small mammal fauna includes 28 species of rodent and 12 shrews, of which nine species are endemic to the western (Albertine) Rift and three (Micropotamagole ruwenzori, Paracrocidura maxima and Ruwenzorisorex suncoides) are extremely rare (Howard and Davenport, 1996). Large mammals of conservation concern include elephants, chimpanzee, Ruwenzori black-fronted duiker (possibly a separate species) and l’Hoests monkey (World Heritage Committee, 2011).
Diversity of habitats
Criterion
(x)
The site features a wide variety of habitats and plant associations on account of the range of altitude (2,100 to 5,100 m), equatorial location and high rainfall. A study (Eilu et al 2013) defined nine "vegetation belts" slinked to the altitude in the mountain range such as grass/woodland savanna (680-1800m), Afromontane forest (1800-2600m), Bamboo-Afromontane complex (2600-2800m), Bamboo forest (2800-2900m), Hagenia abyssinica mixed forest (2900-3000m), Ericaceous forest (3000-3400m), Ericaceous-Afroalpine complex (3400-3600m), pure Afroalpine vegetation (3600-4800m), and rocks covered in mosses and lichens at the highest points (4800-5109m).
Biodiversity
Criterion
(x)
This site qualifies as a global KBA for three mammals (Rwenzori otter shrew, montane shaggy rat, and montane mouse shrew), four birds (handsome francolin, Rwenzori turaco, stripe-breasted tit, and Shelley's crimsonwing), three reptiles (Helmeted chameleon, Rwenzori plate-nosed chameleon, and Ruwenzori Four Toed Skink) and two plants (Dendrosenecio adnivalis and Dendrosenecio erici-rosenii) (Key Biodiversity Areas Partnership, 2025). The site qualifies also as an IBA (BirdLife International, 2025).
Geological values
Unlike most other high African mountains, the Rwenzori range is not of volcanic origin but was created through tectonic movements in the Earth’s crust associated with the formation of the western arm of the Great Rift Valley. Significant glacial formations are present on this area, such as the Nyabitaba ridge and Lake Mahoma.
Indigenous Knowledge
Recent studies have highlighted how local cultural values, norms and practices around the mountain range are very important for the management of natural resources and how these practices are also based on the observation of of the flora and fauna, and could be utilized in maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the World Heritage Site (Nsibambi and Akiiki, 2024). Preservation of Chimpanzees in the mountain range for instance, is largely attributed to the cultural attachments.
Assessment information
The park’s rugged terrain and long history of protection as a vital water catchment area have contributed to the protection of this site from external threats. The park covers steep, cold, high altitude land with little potential for commercial forestry or agricultural use, and has never been subject to significant pressure for anything more than subsistence use of timber and a few non-timber forest products, which is thought to be within sustainable limits although data is lacking. The findings of the 2019 elephant census however, which revealed only 13 individual elephants to be remaining inside the property and that the population may not be viable raises great concern. Urgent action is needed to reconnect the ecological corridors currently preventing the movement of elephants between Parks. Climate change is predicted to cause the disappearance of the glaciers by 2030, and result in a general shift in vegetation zones to higher elevations, reducing the area of the unique Afro-alpine communities. Overall however, the impacts on the OUV are yet to be fully understood.
Fire & Fire Management, Dams & Water Management/Use
(Fire)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
Fire has occurred over parts of the alpine zone in the recent past especially from poachers’ and tourists’ fires. This is a concern as many of the endemic plant species occur in this zone. The State Party however is implementing the property's fire management plan, strengthening the park's management effectiveness in response to fires (State Party of Uganda, 2016; UNESCO, 2016). There are fire management strategies such as fire line opening and maintenance as prescribed in the fire management plan. Forty (40) kilometres of fire line along the protected area boundary are maintained annually and isolated cases of wildfires have been suppressed. Where fires occur outside the property, many are set by members of the community close to the park boundary while preparing their gardens for planting, or poachers' activities and honey collectors. These fires cause damage to ecosystem properties and leave negative impacts on the fragile mountain ecosystem hence calling for urgent and concerted efforts to prevent them (State Party of Uganda, 2024).
Logging, Harvesting & Controlling Trees
(Tree felling)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
The montane forests of lower elevations are not generally suitable for commercial exploitation, but a few trees are felled to satisfy local demand for building poles and sawn timber.
Hunting, Collecting & Controlling Terrestrial Animals
(Poaching)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
Low-level subsistence hunting is a way of life for the local Bakonjo people, and its impact is limited. Hunting is generally carried out with wire snares, and guns are not widely used in traditional hunting (IUCN Consultation, 2017a). There is also a degree of commercial poaching for bushmeat sold in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as for medicinal reasons (IUCN Consultation, 2017b). Approximately every month, the park records the killing of 1-3 wild animals, such as chimpanzees, baboons, bush pigs, duikers, hyrax and monkeys by community members (Baluku, 2021). CCFU (2023) notes that over 200 wire traps, 45 metallic traps, and numerous log snares were removed and destroyed, mostly from areas near buffer zones of the protected area. For the case of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, chimpanzees have been categorised as endangered by IUCN.
Annual & Perennial Non-Timber Crops
(Agricultural expansion)
Outside site
Agricultural encroachment is largely absent from the property itself, possibly due to the steep terrain. Outside of the property boundaries however, the human population is increasing and agricultural expansion is leading to land use pressure pushing the development right up to the property boundaries (UNESCO/IUCN 2020), thereby posing a threat to the ecological connectivity of the property. Agricultural activities are also an important contributing factor for landslides that can impact the OUV of the property (UNESCO/IUCN 2020).
Gathering, Harvesting & Controlling Terrestrial Plants & Fungi
(Unsustainable use of non-timber forest products)
Other targeted species names
Prunus africana, bamboo
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Non-timber forest products, notably bamboo, medicinal plants such as Prunus africana, natural fibres, mushrooms, honey etc, make an important contribution to local livelihoods and these products may now be harvested from designated zones under the terms of 34 community-use Memoranda of Understanding. Off-take is monitored by park rangers, and data of resource collections for firewood, bamboo, smilax, medicinal plants and mushrooms is recorded on a biannual basis (State Party of Uganda, 2024). Nevertheless, with increasing demands of a growing population and in the case of Kasese district, which has a population density of 303 persons per square kilometer and an average household size of 4.7 persons (UBOS, 2024), the natural resources of the RMNP ar increasingly threatened. The increasing population may in future exert pressure on the park resources despite the patrol efforts (State Party of Uganda, 2024).
Changes in Temperature Regimes
(Climate change)
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
Outside site
Climate change is raising temperatures and melting the park’s glaciers, which are projected to disappear by 2030. Monitoring data indicates that the RMNP glacier has receded from 340.7 acres in 2010 to 174.9 acres in 2024 (State Party of Uganda, 2024). In the longer term, climate change is expected to cause a general shift of vegetation zones to higher elevations reducing the area of the rare high-altitude Afro-alpine vegetation communities. At the same time, it is likely to increase the feasibility of cultivation close to the park boundary (on land that was previously too cold for most crops). There may be increased incidence of landslides and flooding if precipitation falls as rain instead of snow (UNESCO, 2009; Taylor et al., 2009). The State Party has reported changes to the rainfall regimes, with the property periodically experiencing heavy downpours leading to flooding and damages to infrastructures and river banks (UNESCO/IUCN, 2020). Long-term vegetation plots (part of the Global Observation Research Initiative in Alpine Environments (GLORIA) sites) have been established to monitor changes. Monitoring of the glaciers is also regularly conducted by Makerere University. The impacts of climate change are expected to be more intense than in the past because of increased deforestation, inadequate early warning systems and the lack of integration of indigenous knowledge in flood risk prevention and mitigation programmes (Nsibambi and Akiiki, 2024). However, currently the impacts from climate change on the OUV remains uncertain.
Biological System Management
(Habitat fragmentation and loss of ecological corridors outside of the park)
Outside site
A 2019 elephant census commissioned by the Uganda Wildlife Authority revealed that only 13 individual elephants remain within the property (UNESCO/IUCN, 2020), while census results indicate a declining trend of elephants since 2021, with only seven remaining within the property. This further highlights the need to strengthen ecological connectivity and to urgently develop an action plan for elephant conservation as requested by the WH Committee. Based on the earlier record of insurgency in the area, a large part of the population could have been poached. Factors that could be preventing the numbers from increasing include fragmentation of the forest outside of the property due to new roads, increase in agricultural lands and human-elephant conflicts that may be preventing elephant movement to and from the property (UWA, 2020). The census report notes the worrying possibility that the elephant population in the property is not genetically viable due to its isolation from neighbouring parks such as Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. Some sources suggest only one sex remaining. The newest census results indicate that only seven elephants are now present within the property. The threat to the park's elephant population is therefore very high based on available information, but if considering the status of all other species for which this site was inscribed on the WH List, the threat can be considered to be 'high'.
The Kilembe copper mine is currently closed but reopening the project would pose considerable risk to the property, especially through the possibility of water contamination. The proposal for a cable car inside the property raises great concern for the OUV of the property. The fact that several hydroelectric infrastructure projects have been carried out in addition to the existing ones without a strategic environmental study on the water catchment, despite the recommendations of the 2018 mission, is worrying. Nevertheless, the potential threats overall are relatively localised and currently do not pose a major threat to the OUV.
Mining & Quarrying
(Water pollution from mining)
Outside site
In 2014 the State Party of Uganda indicated that the government had signed a 25 year concession deal with the Chinese company, Tibet Hima Ltd, to extract over 4.5 million tonnes of copper within the Kilembe geographical area (State Party of Uganda, 2015). The mine, adjacent to the property, would comprise subterranean mining shafts that enter the property (State Party of Uganda, 2016). The reopening of the mine after a 30 year dormancy raised significant concerns for the potential impacts on the OUV of the property especially from water pollution. The site is rich in aquatic biodiversity including endemic species of fish that are sensitive to water pollution (ITFC, 2016). Water pollution results in changes of water pH, siltation and sedimentation of the rivers and subsequently of nearby lakes. Small scale mining is understood to have taken place in recent times and according to the State Party, no surface water contamination had been observed as a result. No data on groundwater appears to be available however. In 2017 the State Party reported that it had cancelled the licence that had been awarded to Tibet Hima Ltd for the project (UNESCO, 2018) and the mine is currently closed. Any indication that the mine would reopen would pose risk to the property.
Conflict, Civil Unrest & Security Activities
(Insurgency and security issues)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
The park is located in a volatile area, with insurgency activity on both sides of the international border erupting from time to time. Conflicts that impact management actions have consequences on conservation and tourist numbers and could again flair up.
Recreational Activities
(Tourism development - cable car)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
The Uganda Development Plan (2015/16-2019/20) and the Rwenzori Mountains national Park Tourism Business Plan (2019/20-2023/24) both describe the development of a cable car system as an important option to increase tourist numbers. However, according to the regulation defined in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park Management Plan (2016-26) it is not possible to build such type of infrastructure in the wilderness areas of the park. Whilst still in the early conceptual phase, the proposal to build a cable car inside the property would pose considerable risks to the OUV of the property. Visitor numbers to the property are currently on the rise, increasing from 2767 visitors in 2014 to 4834 in 2018 to 7,557 for the 2022/2023 season and 7,703 for the 2023/2024 season (State Party of Uganda, 2024; 2019). However the cable car project would increase visitors number to between 130,000 and 217,000 per annum.
Renewable Energy
(Hydropower infrastructures)
Outside site
Twelve small scale hydropower plants are present along the main rivers coming from the property: Ndugutu, Sindila, Kakaka, Rwilmi, Mubuku 1, Bugoye, Mubuku11, Nyawamba, Nyawamba 2, Rwenzori Hydro, Nyamaghasani 2, and Rubilia Kawembe, and many new projects are planned or already under construction. All the main rivers originating from the property have one or multiple power plants. While all of these power plants are outside the park, most of them are very close to the property boundaries. The importance of the river system for the overall connectivity of the surrounding areas (including the World Heritage property) is not taken into account in the EIAs of each project. Upstream impacts are only assessed in relation to water quality and not in relation to the impact on biodiversity. The joint IUCN and WH Center Mission of 2019 recommended to undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Rwenzori water catchment, including the property, to assess the indirect and cumulative impacts on the OUV arising from the existing and planned small scale run-of-river hydropower infrastructures. The mission also asked to ensure that EIAs for any future small scale hydropower development proposed in the catchment of the property, fully assesses the potential impacts in relation to the OUV including its conditions of integrity in line with the IUCN World Heritage Advice Note on Environmental Assessment. In particular, the EIAs should assess upstream impacts on the biodiversity and water quality (Mission report 2019). Since the mission 9 hydropower infrastructures have been constructed outside Rwenzori Mountains National Park; Greene Energy Africa Ltd / Kakaka, Rwenzori Hydro, Nyamwamba 1 & 2 Hydro, Rwimi Hydro, Nyamughasani hydro power, Ruburuha, Sindila and Ndugutu Hydro-power Ltd. RMNP has worked closely with the management of these power stations to enhance sensitization of community members and patrol support. However no EIS or EIAs with a focus on the site's OUV have been presented for these projects. The State Party informed that the projects are outside the property and thus do not have an impact on the OUV, without further scientific evidence (State Party of Uganda, 2022 & 2024).
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
The management plan has a very comprehensive list of stakeholders and rightsholders that have been involved in the conservation and planning process. The stakeholders cover the factors affecting the site. Communities have been supported by partners (such as WWF) to find alternative forest products (State Party of Uganda, 2024) and a number of MOUs have been signed to enable local communities sustainable access to the park's non-timber forest resources.
Legal framework
The park is managed by the semi-autonomous Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), established under the Uganda Wildlife Statute 1996, which was amended in 2019, with its own Board of Trustees. The legal framework is strong and well described. The description goes beyond the simple nature protection and incorporates also the land planning issue. It would be interesting to introduce information on the impact assessment legislation and on transportation and energy production strategies, as these are issues that have been brought up by the WH Committee as factors affecting the property.
Governance arrangements
Even if the process of defining the management plan was carried out by including the important stakeholders in the process, the governance of the site is highly centralized by the national park authorities. Nevertheless, the development of MoUs with local communities demonstrates the gradual improvements in the collaboration between the management authority and local communities (State Party of Uganda, 2024).
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
Local and regional plans are integrated as information in the management plan. It is, however, regrettable that the recommendations of the 2019 mission on the creation of corridors outside the park for large fauna were not followed or accepted according to the State of Conservation Report (State Party of Uganda, 2022).
Boundaries
The boundaries are clear as they are the same as those of the National Park. Taking into account the various factors affecting the property in relation to pressure from surrounding areas, a discussion should be initiated on the possible definition of a buffer zone and/or a wider setting.
Overlapping international designations
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is also recognised as RAMSAR site since 2008 (Ramsar Sites Information Service). This information is integrated in the management plan and governance arrangements are made for the coordination.
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
The implementation of the Committee decisions is only partially followed. The cable car project has been stopped and the new hydropower projects have undergone an EIA. However, the requested SIA on the hydropower projects has not been done. Despite this, many new hydropower projects have been completed and others are under construction. The State Party has yet to assess the viability of the remaining elephant population within the property, to develop an action plan for its conservation. The potential options to improve the connectivity between the property and the overall Greater Virunga ecosystem have not been explored (State Party of Uganda, 2022).
Climate action
The property has a Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Plan (2022/2023 – 2031/2032). This strategy and action plan is very comprehensive and covers most of the needed actions to address the climate changes related factors on the property. Mitigation of climate change continues through the restoration activities of planting indigenous tree species inside the property, supported by a WWF-CAPA initiative (State Party of Uganda, 2024). Furthermore, monitoring and research activities focus on monitoring climate change impacts. For example, snow recession monitoring continues from the three permanent sample plots established on Mounts Stanley, Speke and Margarita peak (State Party of Uganda, 2024).
Management plan and overall management system
The 10-year management plan from 2016 is still in force and is being implemented, This plan does not however cover the totality of the OUV and will end in 2026. The Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Plan for the period 2022/2023 – 2031/2032 is also a very important document and takes the OUV Declaration into account. Overall, there are six management programs including Resource conservation and management, Research and ecological monitoring, Capacity development, Community conservation, Tourism development & financial sustainability and Governance & corporate affairs (State Party of Uganda, 2024).
Law enforcement
Law enforcement patrols are being carried out to address issues of illegal activities. Patrol SMART analyses are developed and for the period July 2022 to June 2024, 507 patrols were carried out covering 4338.07 km. Four (4) cross border patrols were conducted in the areas of Mihunga, Langoma, Bukurungu, Kinyamiyeye, Lamia Congo border, Kakubunguka, Mukasimon, Malindi to Kakuka the northwestern part of the Park. The intelligence unit continues to gather information that guides the patrols. There are investigation and prosecution units where all cases have been investigated involving 111 suspects. A total of 12 cases were concluded and suspects convicted. The lower number of suspects convicted is due to delays of the court proceedings (State Party of Uganda, 2024). Following the reporting on the State of conservation from the Ugandan authorities (October 2024) there is an increase of illegal activities (such as poaching and encroachment in the park) as a consequence of the increase in the human population in the area around the park. However, the staff has increased in the past years from 60 to 102 persons to address this. Nevertheless, there is still a need of a better law enforcement for effective park monitoring and management.
Sustainable finance
Financial sustainability is based on the centralization of all park revenues by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, enabling cross-subsidy within the Uganda parks system. Park revenue covers 50% of recurrent budgets so the park depends on cross-subsidy from other parks and donor support (State Party of Uganda, 2012). A major World Bank/GEF-financed PAMSU program ended in 2009, and there is ongoing support from international NGOs including WWF, WCS and FFI. However these cannot be considered as sustainable financing and there is still potential for the park to increase visitor numbers through sustainable and low impact tourism. Human resources have been improved, but it would be useful to improve income from tourism activities through a new strategy.
Staff capacity, training and development
There has been an increased focus on improving the number of skilled and motivated staff, along with the necessary infrastructure and equipment. According to the Ugandan authorities' report, the number of staff has been increased from 60 to 102 (State Party of Uganda, 2024). RMNP is supported by the IFPA CD project with a new vehicle. All the new staff were trained in collection of field patrol data with the support from WWF. The MTWA is currently developing a training plan for guides for the concessionaires following a training needs assessment that was carried out. Park infrastructure, the Ihandiro access road has been maintained in the southern part of RMNP. All the outposts have permanent structures for the range outposts (State Party of Uganda, 2024).
Education and interpretation programmes
The General Management plan defines an output in this field: "Output 3.4.3.1: Conservation education and awareness around the park reinforced". One of the most important projects in this field was the creation of an education centre and student hostel at Mihunga and Busaru, however the current status of this is unknown. An education strategy aiming to raise awareness of park values amongst local communities has been developed through the WWF-funded Rwenzori Mountains Conservation and Environmental Management Project. A separate initiative focused on raising awareness of climate change impacts and mitigation is supported by the MacArthur Foundation. Local communities are engaged at various levels, through tourism initiatives, wildlife clubs and negotiation over the extent and limits of resource use within designated resource use zones.
RMNP carried out 137 conservation education and awareness activities through outreach programmes at parish and other local government levels according to the most recent state of conservation report (State Party of Uganda, 2024).
RMNP carried out 137 conservation education and awareness activities through outreach programmes at parish and other local government levels according to the most recent state of conservation report (State Party of Uganda, 2024).
Tourism and visitation management
The WH Committee has requested a revision of the Tourism Strategy for the property to ensure that it fully considers the protection of its OUV and prioritizes low impact tourism activities that utilize existing infrastructures and facilities. The improvement of the infrastructure for low impact tourism (boardwalks and accommodations units) is positive. The number of tourists is limited compared to other parks in the region (7,557 for the 2022/2023 season; 7,703 for the 2023/2024 season - State Party of Uganda, 2024), so there is no current threat. The cable car projects, on the other hand, could greatly increase the number of tourists and therefore constitute a potential threat if management is not effectively integrating sustainable tourism approaches.
Sustainable use
The management authority aims to increase community’s appreciation of conservation by enhancing benefits and reducing human wildlife conflicts. RMNP has sensitized the communities neighbouring the park and local government about the new revenue sharing guidelines and formed community conservation teams in 196 villages adjacent to the park. According to the 2024 State of Conservation Report, 34 MOUs have been signed by communities to legally access non-timber park resources in a sustainable manner. Over 300 energy saving stoves and 51 rainwater tanks have been constructed with IFPA-CD support, over 3.5 million trees planted in community degraded areas along buffer zones, 1200 KTB beehives set up, rabbit rearing and fish farming projects started as livelihood alternatives to increase local income, reduce poverty and improve their living standards (State Party of Uganda, 2024).
Monitoring
The Research and Ecological Monitoring Unit undertakes activities that enhance generation and provision of scientific timely sound information on wild animals, their health, habitats, monitoring impact of climate change and the ecosystem in general to assist management in decision making. A detailed ecological monitoring plan for Rwenzori Mountains National Park was developed in 2010 through a consultative and participatory approach with UWA staff and key stakeholders. Monitoring continues with the use of technologies such as drones, SMART, Geographical Information System (GIS) and remote sensing (State Party of Uganda, 2024). The situation is further improving since the reactive monitoring mission in 2019. In 2021, an animal census of key species was undertaken (line transects, camera traps). A report was appended to the state of conservation report. Another census of the chimpanzee population was carried out in 2024. There is also regular monitoring of the glacier. Census results indicate a declining trend of elephants since 2021, with only seven remaining within the property. This further highlights the need to strengthen ecological connectivity and to urgently develop an action plan for its conservation as requested by the Committee.
Research
Researchers have been encouraged to undertake management oriented research as prioritized in the UWA Monitoring and Research Plan. Consequently, researchers have disseminated findings and recommendations to UWA and other conservation stakeholders. The research findings disseminated suggest that Montane forests can store equal amounts of carbon along elevation and are not per se less productive than the lower-elevation forests, climate gradient influences species assembly along elevation, climate warming increases transformation of soil organic matter and warming decreases the climate mitigation potential of soil organic carbon (Okello, 2023). The impacts of climate change on restricted range species is being monitored by use of camera traps in the forest and alpine zones (State Party of Uganda, 2024). Nevertheless, as there is no active research station in the site, most of the research in the Rwenzori Mountains is carried out by independent researchers and partially by park management with limited funding.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
It is difficult to assess this aspect, it will be clearer if the current management plan, which will end in 2026, is evaluated (for example through the Enhancing our Heritage Toolkit 2.0). This action will enable the park to evaluate its effectiveness and also to produce a new adapted management plan.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
It is difficult to assess this aspect, it will be clearer if the current management plan, which will end in 2026, is evaluated (for example through the Enhancing our Heritage Toolkit 2.0). This action will enable the park to evaluate its effectiveness and also to produce a new adapted management plan.
The OUV statement is not integrated in the management plan, which leads to a partial view of the values and attributes of the site in its management. In particular, the attributes related to criterion (vii) are not integrated in the protection objectives. The State Party has been active in responding to the WH Committee's requests and has been proactive in its communication with UNESCO regarding some of the proposed projects. This has allowed for early and effective communication, leading to important decision making. Furthermore, there has been a notable improvement in monitoring activities and the development of MOUs with local communities to ensure access to the park's non-timber forest resources is positive. The park is still heavily dependent on international NGO partners and donor support to cover recurrent and investment costs. The proposal for a cable car inside the property when it clearly contradicts the Management Plan is a cause of concern. Growing human pressure from outside the property has led to a considerable reduction and isolation of the elephant population inside the park. The current management plan will end in 2026. Its evaluation will be a crucial moment in addressing important issues related to monitoring, tourism and the significant and cumulative impacts of various activities around the park.
Good practice examples
The park is considered a model for integration of cultural values into the Protected Area Management framework as an innovative approach to resource management, the first of its kind in Africa (World Heritage Committee, 2011; Infield & Mugisha, 2010; FFI-UWA, 2012). The Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Plan is a very good example on how to integrate the OUV conservation in the risk management.
Spectacular mountain scenery
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
The glaciers are the Rwenzoris most popular tourism attraction and their loss could negatively impact tourism and tourism revenue. The glacier and snow area continues to reduce significantly from 304.7 acres in 2010 to approximately 174.9 acres in 2024 (State Party of Uganda, 2024). Snow recession monitoring continues from the three permanent sample plots established on Mounts Stanley, Speke and Margarita peak. The melting of glaciers has also resulted in crevasses, which are a threat to tourism. Mitigation of climate change continues through restoration activities including planting indigenous tree species inside the property. Furthermore, as visitor numbers increase, there will be a need for further infrastructure development, which may compromise the wilderness value of the property. The proposed cable car project through the property will significantly alter and comprise the aesthetic value of the property through some permanent forest loss and large infrastructures. The 2019 mission considered that the proposed cable car project would impact both the scenic value of the property, as well as its fragile ecosystems and biodiversity, and if approved, would constitute a clear case of ascertained danger to the OUV. The confirmation by the State Party that so far the project has not been recommended for approval is therefore appreciated.
Rich montane flora, with many endemic species
Low Concern
Trend
Data Deficient
The full impact of climate change is difficult to predict, but it is expected to cause a gradual long-term shift of vegetation communities to higher elevations, with the rare high-altitude Afro-alpine communities reduced in extent as they are gradually replaced by species characteristic of lower elevations. It is these rare communities at the higher elevations that have the highest proportion of endemic plants (UNESCO, 2009; Taylor et al., 2009).
Rare and endemic birds
Good
Trend
Stable
Most of the rare birds, including the majority of the Albertine Rift endemics which are forest birds, may be expected to benefit from the expansion of forest habitats to higher elevations as the climate warms. An assessment undertaken by WCS to compare 2015 with 2002 data on bird species composition illustrated a trend for the movement of many birds to higher altitudes.
Rare and threatened mammals
Low Concern
Trend
Data Deficient
The 2019 elephant census concluded that only 13 individual elephants remain within the property due to the loss of ecological connectivity with other forests. It is of concern however that the most recent census indicates only seven elephants to now be present within the property, which is a further decline on the 2019 census, further highlighting the need to strengthen ecological connectivity and to urgently develop an action plan for its conservation as requested by the Committee (State Party of Uganda, 2024). The estimated chimpanzee population of 576 would point to an increase since the line transect census in 2010 was undertaken which reported 384 individuals. A new transect census for the chimpanzee population was carried out in 2024. The results of this last census was not available at the time of this assessment. The site is also important for small mammals, however no recent population trends are available to ascertain the current status of the previously recorded 40 small rodent species, which include six Albertine Rift endemics: Lophuromys woosnami, Mus bufo, Crocidura niobe, Myosorex blarina, Sylvisorex lunaris and Paracrocidura maxima (Howard et al. 1996).
Diversity of habitats
Data Deficient
Trend
Data Deficient
As the climate warms and there is a general shift of vegetation zones to higher elevations, a reduction in the area of the rare Afro-alpine vegetation communities can be expected. At lower elevations, species characteristic of richer lowland forest communities may be able to colonise the lower areas of the park. Nevertheless, the main vegetation communities and diversity of habitats are not likely to be altered in any major way.
Biodiversity
Data Deficient
Trend
Deteriorating
Factors affecting this site such as local human activities in and around the property, factors linked to climate change as well as infrastructure developments linked to energy production are likely impacting the biodiversity of the site. There is, however, a need for monitoring of other species to ascertain the level impact to biodiversity.
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Data Deficient
The scenic values of the site, epitomised by the occurrence of glaciers and snowfields on the equator, are being compromised as the ice melts (and the glaciers are expected to disappear altogether by 2030). There are insufficient long-term data to assess likely changes to the site’s biodiversity resulting from climate change, but rare endemic plants in the Afro-alpine zones may be in decline, while birds and mammals endemic to the western (Albertine) Rift forests may be benefitting from an expansion of forest at lower elevations. It is of concern however that the 2024 census indicates only seven elephants to now be present within the property, which is a further decline on the 2019 census. Chimpanzee numbers seem to be on the rise, however the most recent census data is not available yet. Due to the difficult terrain and remoteness of the property most values are currently seemingly maintained, however more comprehensive ecological monitoring data is urgently needed to develop a more accurate assessment. In the future, it will be necessary to adopt a broader approach that takes into account the surroundings (wider context) of this World Heritage property as well as a broader monitoring system integrating more flagship species. This will allow for more appropriate conservation for species such as the elephant and may reduce the direct and cumulative impacts originating outside the property.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important values
Low Concern
Data Deficient
Although all the biodiversity of the property is integrated into the Outstanding Universal Value, only a few species are monitored and it is difficult to ascertain the current status of biodiversity overall within the site.
Additional information
Carbon sequestration,
Soil stabilisation,
Flood prevention,
Water provision (importance for water quantity and quality),
Pollination
Water catchment, water flow regulation, climate amelioration. As a result of the intactness of the boundary, the watershed functions have enhanced the park’s capacity to act as the biggest contributor of water in the region for domestic and industrial use (World Heritage Committee, 2011).
History and tradition,
Wilderness and iconic features,
Sacred natural sites or landscapes,
Sacred or symbolic plants or animals,
Cultural identity and sense of belonging
Sacred sites, strong cultural ties, rich history, source of livelihood, security. The Bakonzo and Bamba have a strong cultural connection to the Rwenzori Mountains, including some flora and fauna therein. The Rwenzururu Kingdom under the King (Omusinga) has a strong cultural link to the Rwenzori Mountains.
There are also indigenous medicines located in the property which are at risk of extinction due to the changes in the climate.
There are also indigenous medicines located in the property which are at risk of extinction due to the changes in the climate.
Outdoor recreation and tourism
Mountaineering, nature tourism, cultural tourism, scenery.
Access to drinking water,
Commercial wells
N.A.
Importance for research,
Contribution to education,
Collection of genetic material
N.A.
Collection of timber, e.g. fuelwood,
Sustainable extraction of materials (e.g. coral, shells, resin, rubber, grass, rattan, etc)
There are memoranda of understanding with the local people to collect medicinal and basketry materials from the forest for their livelihood use. Sixteen MoUs are now being used and managed by the park management for the local people to extract plant resources sustainably from the forest (WWF, 2010).
The collection of plant resources for medicinal use and basketry is carried out at a subsistence level and there is no evidence of overexploitation currently.
Ecosystem services benefits to the local population such as water supply, food, medicinal and basketry materials are currently sustainable. Improving the supply of basketry and medicinal plants could benefit local poor people since they are highly dependent on the forest. The pollution of the rivers near the site is a potential threat to local rural livelihoods.
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WWF | Rwenzori Mountains Conservation and Environmental Management Project, Phase II | |
| 2 | WCS | Albertine Rift Conservation Programme |
https://programs.wcs.org/uganda/
|
| 3 | Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda (ECOTRUST) | Support Ugandan communities to Conserve Rwenzori | |
| 4 | The Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU) | A focus on harnessing cultural and community-based resources to promote community respect and value for chimpanzees in the Rwenzori. |
www.crossculturalfoundation.or.ug
|
| 5 | The International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU) | This is a pioneering multi-level capacity-building project aiming to combat the climate crisis and its associated risks through heritage-based adaptation and mitigation strategies in climate hotspots including around the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. |
https://www.iccrom.org/news/heritage-based-net-zero-journey-kasese-uganda
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/jchmsd-05-2024-0111/full/html
|
References
| № | References |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Baluku, A. (2021). Poaching depletes Apes in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Rwenzori Daily. Published online 23 December 2021. Available at: https://rwenzoridaily.com/poaching-depletes-apes-in-rwenzor…
|
| 2 |
BirdLife (2025). Key Biodiversity Areas factsheet: Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Extracted from the World Database of Key Biodiversity Areas. Developed by the Key Biodiversity Areas Partnership: BirdLife International, IUCN, American Bird Conservancy, Amphibian Survival Alliance, Conservation International, Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, Global Environment Facility, Re:wild, NatureServe, Rainforest Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, World Wildlife Fund and Wildlife Conservation Society. Downloaded from https://keybiodiversityareas.org/ on 7 mars 2025.
|
| 3 |
CCFU (2021). Conserving chimpanzees in Uganda using cultural and community resources. The Crosscultural Foundation of Uganda, 32 pp. Available at https://crossculturalfoundation.or.ug/wp-content/uploads/20…
|
| 4 |
FFI-UWA (2012). Current status, ownership and management of sacred sites in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park; Survey report and management proposal. [Online] Technical report to FFI, Kampala, Uganda. Available at: https://api.fauna-flora.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/FFI_… (Accessed: 13 March 2019).
|
| 5 |
Howard, P., Davenport, T., & Baltzer, M. (1996). Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Biodiversity report. Available at: https://www.wildsolutions.nl/publications/publications/ugan…
|
| 6 |
Howard, P.C. and Davenport, T.R.B. (eds). (1996). Forest Biodiversity Reports. Vols. 1–33. Uganda Forest Department, Kampala, Uganda.
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| 7 |
ITFC (2016). An inception report for: An Assessment of the Hydrological Systems in the Lake Edward Basin of Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Unpublished report to GVTC, Kigali.
|
| 8 |
IUCN Consultation. (2017a). IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation: Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Uganda. Respondent 1.
|
| 9 |
IUCN Consultation. (2017b). IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation: Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Uganda. Respondent 2.
|
| 10 |
Infield, M. and Mugisha, A. (2010). Integrating cultural, spiritual and ethical dimensions into conservation practice in a rapidly changing world. [Online] Prepared for the John D. and Catherine MacArthur Foundation. Available at: http://teeboceans.org/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2012/12/… (Accessed: 13 March 2019).
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| 11 |
Nsibambi, F. and Akiiki, A.A. (2024) ‘Indigenous knowledge for climate action at the Ekyisalhalha kya Karoro sacred site, adjacent to Rwenzori mountains national park in Kasese’, Journal of cultural heritage management and sustainable development, 14(5), pp. 798–801. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/JCHMSD-05-2024-0111.
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| 12 |
State Party of Uganda (2015). Report of the State Party to the World Heritage Committee on the state of conservation of Rwenzori Mountains National Park (Uganda). [Online] Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/684/documents/ (Accessed: 11 July 2019).
|
| 13 |
State Party of Uganda (2024). State of Conservation report for Rwenzori Mountains National Park World Heritage property. Uganda Wildlife Authority. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/684/documents/
|
| 14 |
Statterfield et al., (1998). Endemic Bird Areas of the World: Priorities for Biodiversity Conservation. Birdlife International: The University of Michigan.
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| 15 |
Taylor, R.G., Mileham, L., Tindimugaya, C. and Mwebembezi, L. (2009). Recent glacial recession and its impact on alpine riverflow in the Rwenzori Mountains of Uganda. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 55(3-4), pp.205-213.
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| 16 |
UBOS (2024). National Population and Housing Census 2024. Uganda Bureau of Statistics.
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| 17 |
UNESCO (2009). Report on the State of Conservation of Rwenzori Mountains National Park. State of Conservation Information System of the World Heritage Centre. [Online] Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/soc/632 (Accessed: 13 March 2019).
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| 18 |
UNESCO (2016). State of Conservation report for Rwenzori Mountains National Park World Heritage property. [online] Paris, France: UNESCO. Available at: http://whc.unesco.org/en/soc/3457. (Accessed 21 May 2020).
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| 19 |
UNESCO (2018). State of Conservation report for Rwenzori Mountains National Park World Heritage property. [online] Paris, France: UNESCO. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/soc/3679. (Accessed 21 May 2020).
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| 20 |
UNESCO (2023). State of Conservation report for Rwenzori Mountains National Park World Heritage property. UNESCO World Heritage Committee. Available on line https://whc.unesco.org/en/soc/4486/)
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| 21 |
UNESCO/IUCN (2020). Reactive Monitoring mission report to Rwenzori Mountains National Park World Heritage property, Uganda. Paris, France and Gland, Switzerland: UNESCO World Heritage Centre and IUCN.
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| 22 |
UWA (2022). Rwenzori Mountains National Park Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Plan 2022/2023 – 2031/2032. Uganda Wildlife Authority.
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| 23 |
WWF (2010). Rwenzori Mountains Ecological Monitoring Plan, unpublished technical report to WWF-Uganda, Kampala.
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| 24 |
World Heritage Committee. (2011). Decision: 35 COM 8E Adoption of retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value. Context of Decision WHC-11/35.COM/8E [online] Paris, France: Publisher, pp.12-13. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/4408 (Accessed 13 March 2019).
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Limited volarization of the property's ecosystem services (such as forestry, watershed and aesthetic services) limits the costing and marketing of these ecosystem services for income generation (carbon trading) in addition to tourism and other sources.