Ecotourism Kenya
Making Kenya’s
Tourism
Responsible.
Linking Communities, Tourism
and Conservation.
Ecotourism Kenya
Ecotourism Kenya is a tourism sector
association founded in 1996 to
promote Ecotourism and Sustainable
Tourism Practices in 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
Environmental
protection
ECO
Social
development
TOURISM
Economical
Growth
WHAT WE ARE ABOUT: Ecotourism Kenya in a nutshell
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.
OUR PROGRAMMES: 5 focal areas
•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
SECRETARIAT
BOARD
MEMBERS
are the heart of EK
Principles of Ecotourism
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
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 facilities
Campy 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 !!!!