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Ecotourism Kenya Making Kenya’s
Tourism
Responsible.
Linking Communities, Tourism and Conservation.
Ecotourism Kenya is a tourism sector association founded in 1996 to
promote Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Practices in Kenya.
Ecotourism Kenya
What is Ecotourism?
Responsible tourism that invests in and supports the protection of the environment and conservation of natural resources, respects local cultures and involves local communities to ensure equity amongst all stakeholders.
Sustainable Tourism Model
ECO
TOURISM
ECO
TOURISM
WHAT WE ARE ABOUT: Ecotourism Kenya in a nutshell
OUR PROGRAMMES: 5 focal areas
EK Vision: To be a leader in the knowledge and practice of ecotourism
Mission: To effectively link communities, tourism and conservation for sustainable tourism development in Kenya
Goal: To promote tourism practices that will conserve Kenya’s natural environment and improve livelihoods of associated communities.
•Community Outreach•Standards and Best Practice•Public Information and awareness•Research and Consultancy•Leadership and Mentorship
Registered under the Societies Act as a Civil Society, EK is a membership organization that promotes sustainable tourism
Membership categories
•Individual students – 44•Individual Full members – 40•CBO – 60•Corporate - 204
How Ecotourism Kenya Work
1. Conscientious, low-impact visitor behavior 2. Sensitivity towards, and appreciation of, local
cultures and biodiversity 3. Support for local conservation efforts 4. Sustainable benefits to local communities 5. Local participation in decision-making 6. Educational components for both the traveler and
local communities
Principles of Ecotourism
ECO-RATING SCHEME
• Bronze: Entry level (40)
• Silver: Demonstrate innovation(10)
• Gold: Best Practice –commitment over time (2)
Case studies: Eco-rated facilities
Sunbird Lodge (12 rooms, Bronze)• Unique architectural design,
built using local stone materials
• All solar energy heating• Electricity closely
monitored, all energy saving bulbs
• Waste management• Rainwater harvesting• Supports local enterprises
e.g. artefacts, supplies, labour
Greystoke Mahale (Silver)• Semi-permanent rooms
built from local materials• Facility uses ecofriendly
soaps and detergents, refillable containers
• Waste management, including organic waste composting
• Tongwe Trust, local community enterprise
• Community mobile education unit
Case studies: Ecorated facilitiesCampy Ya Kanzi (Gold)• Elaborate environmental
and natural resource management policy in place
• 80% renewable sources of energy
• Stringent water conservation measures
• Creation of Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (Compensation for livestock depredation)
• Mobile wildlife education, outreach and extension
• Land easements – securing more land for conservation, increasing benefits to locals
• Shareholdings by local Masai, ensuring their involvement in development and decision making
• A variety of social development activities
Case studies: Community enterprises
Mt. Suswa Conservation Trust• Community conservancy
(2006)• Two serviceable campsites• 5 kms from Narok-Mai
Mahiu Tarmac Road• Located on a busy tourist
circuit• Unique attractions
– Volcanic craters – accessible– Most complex lava tubes in
the world– 76 caves – only 18 described– Inhabited by semi-nomadic
Masai pastoralists
Il Ngwesi Conservancy• Community conservancy
(1998)• Eco-lodge 18 beds
(community-owned and managed)
• Remote location (transitional zone between Laikipia highlands and Samburu/Isiolo lowlands
• Unique attraction– Critical wildlie migration
corridor– Cultural activities
Case studies: Community enterprises
Gazi Women Enterprise (2006)
• Msambweni, Kenya Coast• Joint 3 women groups• 500 metres board walk,
facing Chale Islaand• Cultural enterprises,
including opportunity for visitors to experience fish landing/mongering
• Unique historical monuments amidst
• Exceptional marine resources abound
Greater Tsavo Ecotourism Association (2010)
• 108 community groups• A wide variety of attractions
and products – Home stays– Cultural exhibitions and
museums– Geological features– Nature hiking trails– Artefacts, including elephant
dung paper
Thank you !!!!