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 Environmental protection Economical Growth Social development 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 MEMBERS are the heart of EK BOARD SECRETARIAT

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 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

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