A unique rhino conservation program in Uganda is helping local communities with an outreach program that recruits for job openings from surrounding villages, teaches job skills, and visits classrooms.

Rhino Fund Uganda is making a difference in the lives of people by integrating local communities with rhino conservation goals and educating them about responsible resource management. Established in 1997 with the objective of reintroducing the Southern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) to Uganda, RFU has created programs to help the community every step of the way. Recently, RFU celebrated the birth of the first rhino born in Uganda after 27 years of regional extinction - and the baby rhino has been named “Obama.”

Creating employment opportunities and providing job training

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We already know about the myriad of problems around the world caused by drought, water delivery restrictions and inadequate access to clean water. And we’ve already heard the argument that global warming is to blame for such water shortages. A report recently released by the advocacy group Transparency International provides another reason for the global water crisis: corruption.

In a press release issued by the global coalition against corruption, Chair Huguette Labelle was quoted, “Water is a resource without substitute. It is paramount to our health, our food security, our energy future and our ecosystem. But corruption plagues water management and use in all these areas.”

The organization’s report which was published last month, entitled Global Corruption Report 2008: Corruption in the Water Sector, argues that corruption plagues all segments of the water sectors, from water resources management to drinking water services, irrigation and hydropower. The report’s analysis of corruption in 35 countries from different world regions cites examples, such as bribery in water delivery and procurement-related looting of irrigation and hydropower funds, and focuses on the gravity of the situation and urgent need for reform.

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