The Challenge of Sustainable Gorilla and Chimpanzee Conservation and Ecotourism

About

Join us for a fascinating talk by Praveen Moman, founder of Volcanoes Safaris and trustee of the Edward Heath Charitable Foundation, as he explores the complex and urgent challenges of great ape conservation and sustainable ecotourism in East Africa.

For over 25 years, Praveen and his team have led efforts to protect gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda and Rwanda through pioneering safari experiences and award-winning community-led conservation initiatives. This talk will reflect on the delicate balance between wildlife protection, local livelihoods, and responsible tourism — offering insights into one of the most remarkable conservation success stories of our time.

Praveen's unique journey — from growing up in Uganda to advising senior political leaders in the UK and Europe, and ultimately founding one of Africa's leading ecotourism ventures — makes this a talk not to be missed.

Date: Tuesday 29 July
Time: Doors at 19.00, talk starts 19.30
Venue: Salisbury Museum Lecture Hall, 65 The Close, Salisbury
Tickets: £18 (Tickets are non-refundable but you are very welcome to pass them on to friends or family if you are unable to attend.)

Praveen Moman grew up in the wilds of Uganda, where the family was part of the pioneering Asian community that was central to opening up East Africa. He then moved to the UK as the family became refugees with the Amin expulsion. This was followed by a career as a political and policy adviser in the European Union and British Government, including working in the European Parliament; for Lord Cockfield, Vice President of the European Commission; Lord Heseltine, former UK Deputy Prime Minister; Lord Renton, Minister for the Arts; and Lord Newton, Leader of the House of Commons.

In 1997, Praveen Moman founded Volcanoes Safaris. Today it is the leader in great ape ecotourism in Uganda and Rwanda. It offers expertly-curated mountain gorilla, chimpanzee and wildlife safaris to the finest Great Ape sites in Rwanda and Uganda give a unique insight into the world of the endangered great apes, their habitats and the communities that live nearby.

The Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT), a non-profit organisation was set up in 2009 to support community livelihoods and promote the conservation of the great apes.

Praveen Moman has been recognised as the Sustainability Hero of the Year by TTG Luxury Travel Awards in 2025; winner of the Newsweek Future of Travel Awards in 2021; and described as a 'visionary conservationist' by the Financial Times.

Educated at London and Cambridge University in the UK, Praveen is a trustee of Seva Mandir UK; on the Council of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership; a Trustee of the Edward Heath Charitable Foundation; a trustee of the Memorial Gates; on the Board of the Eastern African Association.