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 !!!!