Recycle Plastic, Protect Chimps: Precious Plastic Bugoma

Nisheet Patel is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Our Story

Tucked away in western Uganda, Bugoma Forest is a haven of biodiversity, home to not only endangered chimpanzees, but an array of wildlife including five primate species, over 200 bird species, and more than 30 mammal species. Like most places around the world, this vibrant ecosystem faces challenges from plastic pollution. Precious Plastic Bugoma is working to address this very relatable global issue on a local community level.

Who We Are

Precious Plastic Bugoma is a partnership between a Switzerland-based association and a Ugandan community-based organization. The founding members of PPB have a deep connection with Bugoma Forest stemming from years of working with conservation efforts and chimpanzee research in the area. The interconnected world between forest, wildlife and local communities inspired the creation of our initiative, which aims to benefit all aspects of Bugoma life.

The Challenge

Plastic pollution is a global issue, and Bugoma Forest is no exception. Like many areas worldwide, the region currently lacks a waste management system and proper recycling facilities for the amount of plastic being used.

Our Mission

We aim to collaborate with local communities to implement sustainable plastic waste management solutions in and around Bugoma Forest. Our goals are:

Support the conservation of Bugoma Forest's rich biodiversity
Promote environmental stewardship through recycling initiatives
Foster community development by creating sustainable local jobs
Provide education on environmental conservation and recycling

Our Progress

Working hand in hand with the local community, we've made encouraging progress:

Created jobs for 5 local community members
Collected over 540 kg of plastic from the forest area
Started producing sustainable souvenirs for tourists using recycled HDPE and PP plastic

The Next Step: Expanding Our Impact

To enhance our efforts and create more opportunities, we're looking to upgrade our recycling capabilities to repurpose the plastic. Your support will help us acquire:

Plastic shredder
Injection molding machine
Molds for creating various products
Solar panel system for electricity

In addition to the equipment, the money will go towards educational programs in the local schools and awareness campaigns in the nearby villages.

How You Can Help

We're seeking $10,000 to acquire this equipment and expand our project. Your contribution will help:

Increase our capacity to process plastic waste
Create more sustainable job opportunities for local community members
Produce a wider range of recycled products
Support ongoing conservation efforts in Bugoma Forest

Join us in our mission to address plastic pollution, preserve biodiversity, and empower local communities. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference in our collaborative effort to create a more sustainable future for Bugoma Forest and its inhabitants.

Together, we can turn plastic waste into opportunity, support local wildlife, and foster community development. Thank you for considering supporting our initiative!

Donate