In Western Uganda and Eastern Congo, the Rwenzori mountains hold Africa’s largest remaining glacier. Irreversible changes to global climate are on the way, and this scientifically fascinating ecosystem could be lost, impacting the waters of the Nile River, on which 500 million people rely to survive.
The earliest communities of humans settled on its slopes 90,000 years ago, with famous artifacts discovered that hint at advanced mathematic and fishing knowledge. Today the glacier is retreating at historically unprecedented rates, creating rippling effects of damage to the mountains rare botanical diversity, and threats to the farming communities living in the area.
As ecosystems are threatened, with wide reaching effects, communities are looking for solutions to protect the environment in this vital zone.