Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 1 A PUBLICATION of Ecotourism

Linking tourism, conservation and communities AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011

this edition has been sponsored by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW). inside>>

Exceptional gateway: Mt. Conservancy Understanding 7 ecotourism 8 The ecotourism necessity 14 Zero waste habits profits youths 17 2 Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 EDITORIAL PAGE Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 3

Naturals is a quarterly magazine owned and published by Ecotourism Kenya, a civil society organization formed in 1996 to promote ecotourism practices in Kenya.

EK Board Members Andrew Muigai Chairman elcome technical knowledge from Elizabeth Kimotho Secretary to the first relevant practical experience to guide investment John Duffy Treasurer edition of Message W planning and management Dr. Mordecai Ogada Naturals magazine. from the decision-making. Training George Kamau It’s a great pleasure institutes offering ecotourism Hadley Becha to introduce this new courses need a magazine Dr. Mohanjeet Brar publication meant to enrich that provides training Kahindi Lekalhaile and support the tourism resources as well as a Judy Kepha Gona industry in Kenya. The editor career guide for aspiring Elizabeth Wachira initiation of the magazine practitioners. An enlightened has been motivated by workforce armed with the EK Secretariat a drastic rise in requests necessary skills, knowledge Kahindi Lekalhaile for authentic information and education about the Chief Executive Officer about ecotourism, and importance of ecotourism Chris Magero an increasing demand is essential for ensuring for ecotourism resources sustainable tourism through Eco-Certification Coordinator by many tourism adoption of responsible Gonzaga Mungai stakeholders. The upsurge tourism practices. Community Outreach Officer in environmental awareness Phoebe Munyoro by travellers worldwide has Apart from sharing Membership and Communications Officer consequently elicited a high information, Naturals Lynette Kamonde Accountant interest in ecotourism by provides opportunities for exchanging experiences Gordon Abong’o Administrative Assistant tour operators, hoteliers and gained from the application local communities in Kenya. Kenya Ecotourism by Photo EK Interns and Volunteers of ecotourism practices Arnold Kinyanjui,Wangeci Murgoh, Lilian Ecotourism can be simply in Kenya and around the Kagume, Yvonne Kola, Susan Njonjo, Wanjiru defined as ‘the involvement world. It also provides a Kamwende & Rael Gati, ecotourism practises, of tourism in environmental responsible and sustainable networking platform for Editorial Team conservation practises linked tourism; the three concepts tourism actors on matters Editor -Kahindi Lekalhaile to human development are scattered in marketing concerning ecotourism. Associate Editor - Valerie Mukuna needsthat promote promotions by different The magazine markets Assistant Editor & Advertising - Phoebe Munyoro equitable sharing of benefits local tour operators and ecotourism-based travel products, including market- Contributors - Kahindi Lekalhaile, Chris accrued from tourism with hospitality providers. There Magero, Gonzaga Mungai, Wangeci Murgoh, local communities while is lack of a consolidated ready community tourism Steve Mwangi, Arnold Kinyanjui, Kate Owino supporting their nature resource for promoting enterprises located within & Phoebe Munyoro conservation values’. ecotourism as an important tourist attractions in urban tool for improving tourism and rural areas. Most Cover Photo: To sustain the high interest standards in Kenya. importantly, the publication A Pokot woman taken by Chege wa Kariuki in ecotourism, there is advocates for responsible Layout and Design need for adopting creative Therefore, Naturals and sustainable tourism to Sunburst Communications and adaptive management magazine targets a wide protect the environment, approaches that address key readership comprised of conserve natural resources Circulation players, stakeholders and students, tour operators, and equitable sharing Gordon Abong’o relevant actors in order to policy makers, social of benefits with local generate the desired positive development agents, communities. effects onto the tourism conservation interests, sector in Kenya. One key entrepreneurs and investors. I welcome you to contribute approach is to provide a articles to the magazine Disclaimer It is a hub for learning, The opinions and views expressed in articles published regular platform for sharing sharing information and based on your role in Naturals magazine are the respective author’s own information and exchanging presenting innovative and interest in tourism. and do not necessarily reflect those of Ecotourism Ke- experiences about ideas on promoting Hopefully, the publication nya, which seeks to publish a diverse range of perspec- ecotourism. There are few nature conservation and will meet your expectations tives on given issues. Authors are fully responsible and and help you understand are legally liable for their own work. Ecotourism Kenya local publications providing community participation assumes no responsibility or legal liability, express or news and information in tourism. Players in the and practise ecotourism implied, for the content of any work by authors. Every coherently related to tourism industry need suitably. effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all the information contained in this magazine. 4 Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 contents and LETTERS TO eDITOR

Contents 7

Letter from the editor 3 A dish to die for 16 The exceptional gateway: Mt. Suswa Conservancy 7 Letter to the editor 4 Zero waste policy profits youth17 17

Eco-rated facilities 6 Advertising rates 20

Understanding ecotourism: Ecotourism classifieds22 8 The Kenyan perspective 8

Ecotourism Kenya activities 10

EK Board members & secretariat 11

The ecotourism necessity 14

Selenkay Conservancy 12 14 Letters to the editor Dear Editor, We often receive requests from French citizens on ecological-related Dear Editor, and cultural tourism. We would therefore like to establish contact with I am a great fan of your work that links tourism, conservation and a member of your team who will provide us with information on these communities. How can I become a member of Ecotourism Kenya sectors from time to time. In addition, kindly send us information on and what are your membership and advertising rates? possibilities for tourists to visit and stay with communities, particularly Eco-investor the Maasai. Mwiyathi Wanjira for The French Ambassador to Kenya Dear Eco-investor, www.kenyaembassyparis.org Thank you for your keen interest in our work to become a member of Ecotourism Kenya. Besides the satisfaction of Dear Mwiyathi, knowing that you are supporting environmental conservation We are glad to learn that French citizens are interested in visiting activities, members also enjoy discounted rates on our attractions and community-based ecotourism enterprises. We have publications, activities and merchandise. Also, members enjoy developed an online Members’ Database that can be viewed on our free consultation with the EK Secretariat. To learn more on website at http://www.ecotourismkenya.org/members.php. Here our membership categories and to download the application you’ll find our members’ profiles and contact details that are listed forms on our website, www.ecotourismkenya.org, See in three categories: Eco-rated facilities, Corporate and Community our membership and advertising rates on Page 22 of this Based Organizations. For any more inquires do not hesitate to magazine. contact our Community Officer, Mr. Gonzaga Mungai. Editor Editor ecotourism issue Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 5

TheThe OriginsOrigins ofof EcotourismEcotourism peoples due to the intricate connection between nature and local cultures. Again, implicit in the term was the assumption that local communities living with nature should benefit from tourism and will save nature in the process.

It is not surprising that ecotourism has incorporated a fair portion of nature and wildlife tourism within the African context. The development of ecotourism became highly attractive and relevant in many African countries, where wildlife tourism and wildlife conservation was already deeply rooted from the late 1960s as a key source of national revenue. By the 1970s Photo by Ecotourism Kenya Ecotourism by Photo efforts were already underway to address the negative side of wildlife tourism, Many people wonder about the these actions, the mass media and press while exhausting avenues by which local origins of ecotourism. Much popularised the terminology ‘eco-friendly communities can benefit from other has been written about it but tourism’. tourism activities that do not necessarily there is little consensus about involve wildlife. what it entails. This has led to The expanded notion of ecotourism has the rise of many controversies; drawn enormous interest by private, not just about the definition of governmental and non-governmental the term, but also its underlying stakeholders. However, the development principles. of ecotourism has had its own setbacks.

Ecotourism arose in the 1970s from a From an economic perspective, the idea conservationist perspective based on that tourists could provide sufficient concerns by local indigenous people in income through nature watching as an South America to save rainforests from alternative to the destructive logging, timber logging, ranching and encroachment ranching and settlements was perceived by urbanization. These people argued that as being too simplistic. Ecotourism the government-sanctioned policies and implied caring and saving in contrast to programs was threatening their social and the destruction inherent in the mainstream economic survival all of which depended perception of tourism. on the forests. This simplistic view consequently painted Tourism was a growing global a false picture of the evils of high-volume phenomenon at the time, and activists mainstream tourism, whose purposes campaigned to popularise it as a preferable were mainly economic, against the merits way of utilizing the rainforests without of responsible, low-volume nature-based destroying them, while simultaneously ecotourism. Ecotourism was meant to providing benefits to the locals whose utilize the resources readily available in entire livelihoods depended on the forests. areas visited by tourists, rather than depend on imports. The generated revenue was The bold and unprecedented actions of to be directed towards supporting the the South Americans attracted the interests conservation of nature, rather than ending of many international conservation up in the pockets of developers. organizations. Their momentum gained support all over the world. In their quest The same conscientious concern for for new and evocative jargon to describe nature was extended further to local 6 Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 commendable commitment

to find out the results for the following facilities currently Ecotourism Milestones under assessment: Baobab Beach Resort, Turtle Bay Beach 14 tourist hotels, lodges, Resort, Voyager Beach Resort, Kilaguni luxury camps and operators Gold Serena Safari Lodge, Voyager Ziwani have achieved the prestigious Elephant Pepper Camp and Campi ya Kanzi Ecotourism label valid for and Porini Selenkay the next 24 months. The label Camp How long do ratings last? (awarded as gold, silver and bronze) Bronze and Silver Eco-rating are valid is an ecological and cultural rating Silver for 24 months and Gold Eco-rating criteria for tourism accommodation Severin Safari Camp, for 12 months from date of award. A facilities with commendable Severin Sea Lodge, Mara new application for evaluation must be initiatives for protecting the natural Explorer, Mara Intrepids, lodged at least three months before the environment, involving local people Amboseli Serena Safari Certificate expires. Renewal is at the in tourism and sharing tourism Lodge and Governors discretion of the Eco-rating Committee benefits with local communities. Camp in consultation with the secretariat or The voluntary eco-rating scheme audit team. was launched in 2002 to recognize Bronze for ecotourism best practices Satao Camp, Satao Elerai How do I apply? for environmental conservation, Camp, Ol Tukai Lodge, Request for an information package sustainable use of resources, and Kilima Camp, Mara from Ecotourism Kenya by sending an socio-economic investment. Serena Safari Lodge, e-mail to [email protected] Little Governors Camp The new awards for Ecotourism Best and Tawi Lodge A full list and detailed description of all Practises for assessments completed the Eco-Rated facilities can be found between April and September 2011 are Who is being audited now? on our website www.ecotourismkenya. as follows: Grab the next issue of naturals org travellers experience Issue No. 01 AAUUGGUSUSTT 20112011 –– OOCTCTOOberber 20112011 7 By Gonzaga Mungai & Wangeci Murgoh

Facts: Name of Destination: Mt Suswa Conservancy

Location: Kajiado & Counties in The exceptional getaway: Attractions: Lava Caves, Double Crater, Wildlife, Cultural Villages, Steam Jets, Rock Art, Masai Culture Mt Suswa Other Useful Information Catering: Visitors bring their own food and fuel. You can order for meat roasted the Maasai way upon request.

Conservancy Kenya Ecotourism by Photo Accommodation: Camping area with sanitary facilities and security provided. Campers carry their own Located approximately 55 kilometres from is Conservancy. It camping gear. is a unique destination that offers striking scenic views and an excellent getaway Packages available: Tailor made on for an exceptional inimitable adventure. request according to individual needs. Utilities: Water comes from the Steam The conservancy boasts has a double The mountain Mount Suswa hosts jets, Electricity is powered by solar, it’s crater which is part of Mount Suswa a beautiful double crater which just enough for charging small utilities. and is endowed with picturesque offers a refreshing scenic view from What to carry: You need tough shoes landscape, plains, craters and above and below, which is perfect that can withstand the rocky topogra- caves. The conservancy has about for mountain-climbing and hiking. phy, a pair binoculars to view the birds 76 large lava caves interconnected The pristine environs are serene, and bats, a torch and extra batteries for the cave excursions. underground, most of them still relaxing with soothing fresh air an Altitude 2356 m 7,730 feet unexplored. The collection of caves ideal gate-away for visitors seeking a Latitude: 1.175°S 1°10’30’’S is considered as the world’s most romantic view with their loved ones. complex braided system of lava tubes, Trekking is also popular; under the Access: Take the old road from Nairobi to (the more westerly). After most of which are accessible. stewardship of the local guides one 58 km, just before reaching Longonot, gets a firsthand experience of the turn left at Mai Mahiu onto a good The Conservancy is a habitat to terrain and a chance to view wildlife tarmac road leading to Narok. After sizeable populations of wild herbivores at close range. 10 km a satellite station is passed on the left; in another 6.5 km along this e.g. Thomson’s gazelle, Common road a dirt road leads South towards Zebra, Masai Giraffe and, occasionally Evening nature walks at Mount Suswa Suswa. Now go 6 km across plains to elephants and large carnivores. Over 4 Conservancy are memorable. They a Maasai manyatta. Just beyond this a species of bats inhabit the lava caves. offer a great opportunity to enjoy the track leads 55kms West up the slopes of Suswa; which is a very rough and Rock Hyrax is common. Different cool breeze and the beautiful cloud fairly steep ride. kinds of hyena roam the area at night. cover, amidst the chirping crickets The conservancy provides over and mooing cows as they retire to Contact Persons: 200 species of birds, including the their sheds. The sunset view is to die Gonzaga Mungai 0720 732 450, [email protected] seasonal migrants from Europe and for, and visitors can view the Giant Asia. Visitors enjoy paying a courtesy Red-Orange majestic sunset that Pastor Kadongo 0725 233592 call to the ‘Baboon parliament’ where slowly disappears into the horizon. David Tuukuo 0722 629 350 over 300 baboons converge daily for Johnson Ole Sipitiek 0722 856 703, sleep. cont. on Pg.9 [email protected] 8 Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 opinion By Kahindi Lekalhaile

understanding

ecotourism: Kenya Ecotourism by Photo traditions, customs and cultures of the kenyan perspective the local people. Second, ecotourism facilitates the quality of a traveller’s experience locally through providing ‘Ecotourism’ is still one of the most unclear words in the travel fulfilling, attractive and exceptional industry worldwide. Its definition varies widely, depending goods and services in a fair trade on the founding principles and the modus operandi of the and business relationship situation. This means that the local people respective organizations. Over time, this variance has led to should derive sufficient economic confusion and frustrations, in understanding and applying benefits from tourism activities in their locality. Third, ecotourism ecotourism principles. advocates for protection of the natural environment and enhancement of Without being presumptuous, this tourists in environmental conservation local conservation values. Fourth, article attempts to define and briefly practices which address local ecotourism requires that local expound on the terminology from a human development needs while people are directly involved and Kenyan perspective in the context of promoting equitable sharing of benefits participate pro-actively in tourism a tourism civil society organization in accrued from tourism with the local within their region. Fifth, ecotourism the country, Ecotourism Kenya (EK). communities’. promotes local human development as necessary. And sixth, ecotourism At EK, ecotourism is not perceived This definition is based on several should not retrogress, or not as a type or kind of tourism but principles. First, ecotourism contribute to the retrogression of, a way of tourism. It is therefore recognizes and supports local nature environmental conservation and defined as ‘the involvement of conservation values upheld by the human development standards. Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 9

These principles imply that that tourism activities promote ecotourism practices can be applied environmental protection and respect to all types of tourism and tourism for local people and human rights. products. Hence, ecotourism is In this way, ecotourism contributes essential in the development of significantly to sustainable tourism by high-quality and unique tourism advocating for responsible policies, products that attract and satisfy all laws and practises that preserve types of travelers. Again, ecotourism essential resources and systems, could improve the marketability which support and facilitate tourism of any destination, provided that it in a region. Ecotourism emphasises is linked with local communities. on low impact tourism as well as Given the diversity of local cultures, provides attractive land use options ecotourism thus facilitates the that provide direct income and thus diversification of tourism products uplift the livelihoods of people while available at any destination thus being respectful to local customs and offering any traveller a wide choice of nature conservation values. options in a destination. This would lead to improvement of a traveller’s Ecotourism can be a major force in experience, increased enjoyment natural resource conservation as well and appreciation. Consequently, if as human development. However, harnessed successfully, ecotourism in addition to the misunderstandings also has the potential to stimulate and misinterpretations, ecotourism tourism growth at local levels thus faces many challenges including lack

generating more revenues and related Kenya Ecotourism by Photo of sufficient knowledge about the socio-economic benefits for local subject and inadequate resources to people. public, civil, governmental, provide stakeholders with guidelines nongovernmental, communal and for authentic ecotourism. Hence Therefore, ecotourism is relevant to institutional. Ecotourism is a major this has resulted in the mislabeling and applicable by all stakeholders promoter; of responsible tourism, of ecotourism within the tourism in the travel industry – private, whereby stakeholders ensure industry, as ‘greenwashing’. cont. from Pg.7 The exceptional getaway: Mt Suswa Conservancy

Mt. Suswa Conservancy has two main campsites, one near the outer crater and the other near the fig tree cave. They provide spectacular views of the baboons retiring to the caves and the bats leaving for the night. The spacious campsites, complete with toilet and washroom facilities, are offer a superb vantage point to view the constellation over an evening chat over the camp fire.

The local community is predominantly semi-nomadic hospitable Maasai of the Keekonyokie Clan. Interaction with the Maasai exposes visitors to their rich diverse culture, while enjoying their indigenous cuisine composed of mainly meat and milk. By spending more time with the community, you’ll learn a word or two of the Maa language, and an opportunity to promote the community that sells traditional ornaments and artefacts as souvenirs.

Photo by Ecotourism Kenya 10 Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 Eco-tourism Kenya activities

The 4th Annual National Ecotourism Conference 2011 Call for Papers Ecotourism Kenya is pleased to announce the 4th Annual Ecotourism EK Conference Organizing Committee Conference to be held at Sarova Panafric Hotel, Nairobi from the 23rd is calling for papers for the 4th to 25th November 2011. Annual Ecotourism Conference which will be held at the Sarova Panafric The theme of the conference is: “Integrating Ecotourism Practices for Hotel, Nairobi from the 23rd to 25th the Modern Traveler.” November 2011. The papers will cover the following thematic areas: The conference is inviting a wide range of participants including: tourism practitioners, hoteliers, policy makers, government institutions, • Impacts of tourism: social, economic community groups, researchers, students, environmental conservation and environmental; and management technology firms, and the media to address pertinent • Linking tourism, conservation and ecotourism issues affecting tourism in Kenya, and how to promote best local communities; practices and high ecotourism standards in Kenya’s tourism sector. • Appropriate technology for ecotourism; Conference Objectives • Policy development and planning The conference main objectives are: for tourism sustainability; 1. To understand the role of ecotourism in promoting responsible and • Ecotourism research, training and sustainable tourism in Kenya. capacity building; 2. To learn how to integrate ecotourism principles in tourism • Ecotourism promotion and management and operations. marketing for sustainability. 3. To address key environmental conservation challenges facing tourism in Kenya. The official language of the conference 4. To showcase ecotourism best practices, case studies, technologies and will be English. innovations in Kenya. 5. To foster public-private partnerships between the main tourism Submission of abstract operators and community tourism enterprises in Kenya and Abstracts (approximately 200-350 address ways of promoting Kenya as a world leading destination for words) indicating background, practical ecotourism. implications and applications, methods and or data sources and indicative findings of the paper is excepted to be Conference Activities submitted for vetting and verification Presentations and Workshops: The conference will hold plenary by a technical committee. and workshop sessions for delegates to interact with lead experts and presenters in various fields. Abstracts should be submitted to Ecotourism Kenya on or before Eco-Warriors Gala Dinner: The Conference will culminate in a colorful 7th October 2011 via info@ Eco-Warriors Awards Gala Dinner on 25th November 2011 held to ecotourismkenya.org and subject line recognize exceptional Ecotourism achievements in Kenya this year. titled CALL FOR PAPERS

Ecotourism Exhibition: Showcasing a wide variety of products from Important dates and deadlines different parts of Kenya, which promote ecotourism at tour operator, • Submission of abstracts: 21st community and governmental levels. October 2011 • Notification of acceptance of For more enquiries on registration, payments and exhbition rates please abstracts: 29th October 2011 contact Ms. Phoebe Munyoro on 0726 366 080 or • Submission of full papers: 11th [email protected] November 2011 ecotourism kenya at a glance Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 11

Membership

Ecotourism Kenya Membership is open to all individuals, groups and organizations that promote sustainable tourism in Kenya. This include students, professionals, academic institutions, tourism at a glance and conservation organizations, government departments, tour EK is one of the key tourism industry associations serving over 400 operators, travel agents, hoteliers, etc. members in Kenya and East Africa. Since its inception as the Ecotourism We have five membership categories: Society of Kenya in 1996, EK has been promoting ecotourism best • Corporate – Ksh.10,000 a year practices in the tourism industry by organizing international conferences (January to December) • Community Based Organizations and training workshops, developing guidelines, codes of conduct, best (CBOs) – Ksh.1,000 a year practices and an Eco-certification scheme for lodges. • Individual Full – Ksh.2,500 a year • Individual Students (excluding Vision: To be a leader in the owned and/or managed tourism Masters and PhD.) – Ksh.1,000 a knowledge and practice of enterprises. year ecotourism. • Sponsors – From Kshs. 20,000 a Information and Awareness This year Mission: To effectively link tourism, is achieved through publications communities and conservation for and meetings, including quarterly Membership Benefits sustainable tourism development in newsletters, monthly e-letters, regional • Free Monthly E-letters, Quarterly Kenya. workshops and a biennial conference. Magazine, It is also achieved through the website • Membership Card or Certificate and the resource centre. EK Programmes: • Free Access to EK Resource Centre • Promotion through EK’s Research & Consultancy Publications (Green Directory, Standards & Best Practice: This This focuses on ecotourism and involves promoting tourism best sustainable tourism, best practices, Ecotourism Kenya Guide & practices that will conserve Kenya’s policy development and tourism Magazine) natural environment and improve planning and management. We • Free listing and login access livelihoods of local people. This is also undertake social evaluation to EK’s Website for Corporate promoted through the Eco-rating of programmes, and review Organizations Scheme, the Members’ Charter, Environmental Impact Assessments • Use of EK Emblem: Individual, Eco-Warrior Awards, Codes of (EIAs) and Environmental Audits (EAs). CBO & Corporate Conduct, publications, seminars and • Members Discounted Rate workshops. Leadership and Mentorship Program admission to EK Monthly Events Provides its EK student members with • Free Consultancy with EK Community Outreach: an opportunity to gain work experience, Secretariat The program aims to integrate nurture their skills, and get enlightened • Annual EK Visits and Talks upon communities and community- about the fundamentals and practices request for Corporates based tourism enterprises into the of ecotourism. The program blends the • Networking Opportunities mainstream tourism industry in academic and professional, theoretical • Free Publishing on EK Magazines Kenya. This involves community and practical aspects, while addressing • Beneficiaries of the Leadership and mobilization; participatory trainings, the interests of all participants. Mentorship Program seminars and workshops; community • Full voting rights at general advisory services on product Email: [email protected] meetings development, fund raising, etc., and Website: www.ecotourismkenya.org promotion of community based, 12 Issue No. 01 AAUUGGUSUSTT 20112011 –– OOCTCTOOberber 20112011 destination feature

Selenkay Conservancy increasing at the rate of The Amboseli Ecosystem, located in Loitoktok district, is 10% a year. In addition, characterized by vast savannah grassland. It is renowned as Porini pays entry fees the best place in Africa to get close to free-ranging African to the Group Ranch for all visitors entering the elephants, the picturesque view of Mount Kilimanjaro, and Conservation Area, as well interaction with the Ol-Maa people. as bed night fees for visitors staying overnight. The In 1991, the Amboseli In May 1997, the Selenkay 18 guests at a time. Porini Selenkay committee uses ecosystem received special Group Ranch entered into operates weekly safaris to the income generated from recognition by UNESCO a partnership agreement the Amboseli Porini Camps the lease and bed night and the Government of with Porini Ecotourism to support the Selenkay to pay hospital bills and Kenya as a designated Man Limited, to set aside 7,000 Community in wildlife school fees for community and Biosphere Reserve, due ha of the 75,000-ha ranch conservation. members, to buy a water to its contribution to the into a Conservation Area pump, and to send the development of the local for the protection, and Community Benefits Conservation Area’s people and improvement of conservation of wildlife, From the partnership with warden to a KWS training local infrastructure. and the promotion of Porini the community school. tourism. receives rent from the Selenkay Conservancy is lease agreement and entry Local labour is a key one of the conservancies Gamewatchers Safaris and fee from each tourist. source of employment located within the Greater Porini Camps have set According to the lease for the people, who Amboseli Ecosystem. It up a camp containing 9 agreement, Porini has an carry out wildlife patrols is located approximately furnished tents for guests, exclusive lease on the in their capacity as 16kms north of the with en suite bathrooms Conservation Area for 15 Community Game Scouts , consisting of a shower, years but with the option and are involved in it’s an important wildlife washbasin and flush toilet. to extend. It pays annual road construction and dispersal area for wildlife These solar-powered tents rent for exclusive rights maintenance. migrating out of the park. can cater to a maximum of to the Conservation Area, Photo by Ecotourism Kenya Ecotourism by Photo Issue No. 01 AAUUGGUSUSTT 20112011 –– OOCTCTOOberber 20112011 13

Apart from making the lease payments Porini Camps has helped the community repair its windmill pump, provided uniforms for the Community Game Scouts, contributed funds towards developing the primary school and kindergarten, and deepened an existing watering hole for community livestock. According to Jake Grieves-

Cook, the managing Kenya Ecotourism by Photo director of Gamewatchers and Porini Camps, they contributes to another surrounding community. Committee and Porini expect the group Ranch’s US$50,000. Porini targets 1,000 visitors Camps looks bright as the income to increase a year, to be able to hire group has recently renewed significantly as they made Porini and Selekay Group more people from the its lease agreement which about US$ 20,000 last Ranch are still committed community as its staff. will see the current contract year. This is in addition, to towards promoting wildlife between the Masai clans the 43 Maasai employed conservation and improving The partnership between owning the land, and Porini in the Porini Camp, which the livelihood of the Selenkay Group Ranch extended until 2026. 14 Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 sustainable tourism By Steve M. Mwangi

ment. Such sustainability measures create a strong platform as a basis for The eco-tourism positioning a tourism product or travel company in relation to its competi- tors. This leads to greater efficiency in operations, and also add value to necessity the visitor or customer Generating 10.7% of the world’s GDP, tourism is the experience. Thus there largest industry in the world and the second-largest in is customer commitment to practice sustainable Kenya; therefore there is a greater need to conserve the measures, which increases resources and value the local culture and tradition, which turnover or profit. are collectively referred to as eco-tourism. Sustainable measures should be embraced in The UN World Tourism ers’ catalogues, through, order to take the tourism Organization (UNWTO) de- sustainability logos. This industry to another level fined sustainable tourism in will create a brand image in order to reduce nega- 1988 as “meeting the needs to the corporate sector that tive environment impact of present tourists and host will strengthen the market’s and commercialization regions while protecting position, especially in of culture which poses a and enhancing opportunity periods of tough economic great threat to the tourism for the future. It is envisaged decline. industry. as leading to management Businesses that practice of all resources in such a The sustainability concept such measures experience way that economics, social also provides suppliers strong repeat business and and aesthetic needs can be with advice and support positive viral marketing, fulfilled while maintaining tools to improve their critical elements to any cultural integrity, essential environment and social marketing strategy especial- ecological processes and performance, such as pro- ly during tough economic biological diversity and life viding training handbooks times. Such companies can support systems”. on sustainable products, also access capital such as suppliers, and benchmark- loans due to social environ- Why is eco-tourism impor- ing management tools to ment criteria used. This tant in Kenya, and the world help in the management of approach to management as a whole? Organizations energy, waste, and water contributes to a company’s that practice sustainable consumption. Certification increase in productiv- measures can apply for schemes, awards programs ity, through best usage of an audit which provides and voluntary initiatives available resources and the them with the opportunity enable the private sector avoidance of waste; this to be commended for their to demonstrate its commit- reduces the company’s cost products in service-provid- ment to tourism develop- of operation. Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 15

Ecotourism also contributes to government revenue, foreign exchange and generation of employment. Ecotourism increases gov- ernment revenue directly through income tax from tourism business, and indirectly from taxes on tickets, souvenirs, alcohol and services from tour operators. The export and import of related goods and services generates income to host communities. Tour- ism is thus a significant source of foreign exchange, earning for at least 38% of all countries. Eco-tourism will create more indirect job opportunity which will create more job opportuni- ties which will stimulate infrastructure, better roads and sewage systems.

Eco-tourism leads to sound and efficient environmental management of tourism fa- cilities, especially hotels; it thus can decrease its impact on the environment. This avoids gradual deterioration of quality environmental goods and services signifi- cant to tourism industry. understanding between dustries, especially in the prise but as a venture that Through the interaction be- people and culture. sustenance of the tourism benefits all its current and tween guest and hosts eco- industry not as a mere short- future stakeholders. tourism preserves culture In conclusion ecotourism term moneymaking enter- and protect heritage. It thus provides more long-lasting Steve M. Mwangi is a Managing Director, at Anste Tours & Travel Limited, E-mail: [email protected], promotes peace, and fosters advantages of for our in- [email protected] Website: www.anstetravel.com Photo by Ecotourism Kenya Ecotourism by Photo 16 Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 a dish to die for By Phoebe Munyoro

crunchy; the tomato-laden stew with just a touch of chopped onion went dish to die for - down well with the fish and ugali, while the steamed fish was quite soft, which made it easy to pick the flesh Magera Island from the bones. As my colleagues and I were busy Magera Island sits in Lake Victoria (within Bondo County of ‘turning the cassette’ – the city dwell- Nyanza Province in Kenya. The 12 square-km island is located ers’ reference to the technique of eating one side of a fish then the other about 440 km west of the capital Nairobi, and has an approximate – the cat, Nyambura constantly purred population of 200 people. The island has diverse birdlife including while brushing herself against our legs, demanding for its share of the cormorants, egrets and fish eagles. Monitor lizards, a common visitors’ meal. predator of eggs and birds on the island, are also in abundance. Porridge made from a mixture of fer- The people of Magera Island are mainly fishermen. mented millet and arrow roots sealed the deal in the belly. Served in king- size mugs, it tasted like warm sugared On a recent EK familiarization trip to our host quickly offered fish prepared muesli. We were completely stuffed Magera Island, we savored the dishes in three different styles – deep-fried, by the time we left Magera Island, and generously offered by Magera people stewed, and steamed – accompanied packed the arrow roots to snack on to the delight of all. by brown ugali with kachumbari (a during the journey back to Nairobi. mix of chopped tomatoes and onions) After exchanging long greetings and and murenda, a local vegetable. The How to get there acquaintance, deep-fried fish was salty and To get to Magera Island from Nairobi, take the Kisumu - Busia Road, then Obote Road to get to Bondo. From Bondo, head northwest to Bus Park Rd past the Main St in Usenge to get to the Fisheries Department boats docking bay and jetty. From here hire a boat from one of the local fishermen to take you to Magera Island, which is about 5kms from Mageta Island.

Have you eaten a Dish to Die For in your recent travels? We would love to hear about it - send it to [email protected]

community angle Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 17 zero waste habits profits youth As a young boy, Chila and his friends lined up the dusty roadside in Kajiado District about 30 km from the capital Nairobi, to watch tourist vans make their way to lodges and national reverses. Back then, the only benefit Chila and his friends ever got from all that activity was the marvel of the ‘click, click’ from tourist cameras.

Fast forward twenty-five years, and briquettes to run their water heating 38-year-old Chila and his friends are systems, greatly reducing expenditure

no longer spectators, but actors in the on non-renewable fuel sources. Kenya Ecotourism by Photo tourism industry. Operating as Encore Youth Group, Chila and his friends Chila’s briquette-making venture of- now collect waste paper from the fers much-needed employment to oth- Conservation Governors’ Camp collection centers in erwise idle youth, further benefiting Nairobi, and recycle it into briquettes the community. The benefits run both and tourism that the group markets as an alterna- ways, with tourism investors attract- tive fuel source. ing more travelers due to lessforest Briquettes promote degradation, and communities getting environment conservation by Governors Camp’s zero waste policy profits from waste generated by tourist ensures that all waste is sorted and accommodation, further reinforcing reducing the stress on natural recycled. In their effort to involve the impetus to conserve the natural resources, especially firewood, communities, Governors’ Camp has environment. partnered with Chila’s Encore Youth which is the most exploited Group in a mutually beneficial rela- At the Encore Youth Group quarterly fuel. Use of briquettes as tionship, whereby the camp’s waste is review meeting, the mood is a far cry turned into briquettes that guarantee from the casual interest and slight an alternative fuel source income and improved livelihoods for annoyance that characterised their considerably promotes forest the community. At the same time, the childhood interaction with tourism ac- briquettes help protect the environ- tivities. Their sense of satisfaction and conservation, a natural habitat ment by offering an alternative energy self-worth is evident in their attitude. for wildlife. The tourism source. Governors’ Camp uses the The success of Encore Youth Group’s briquette- making shows that involv- industry is largely dependent ing communities as active players and on wildlife. Governors Camp’s zero waste policy beneficiaries in the tourism sector ensures that all waste is sorted and helps to conserve the environment— to the benefit of both investors and recycled appropriately. communities. 18 Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 a case on tree planting

Tupande Pamoja: A case for Tree Planting

Tupande Pamoja is a tree trees. This was done over in order to create awareness planting initiative aimed at an area of 20 hectares in on the need to plant trees rehabilitating Kenya’s for- the Gathiuru forest, part of in the Mt Kenya Ecosystem. ests, through the promotion the Mt. Kenya ecosystem. Using Facebook and Twitter, of responsible consumer Mt. Kenya is a World AfricaPoint together with behaviour. The initiative Heritage Site and a water other partners has pledged utilizes a multi-stakeholder catchment area for the to donate one seedling to approach in forest conserva- Tana, the largest river in be planted on the Mt.Kenya tion, by linking the private Kenya, and the Ewaso Nyiro water-tower, for every sector with selected forest in the north. However, its ‘Like’ or Tweet about the neighbourhood communi- ecosystem is threatened by initiative. To partner with ties. charcoal burning, logging, Tupande Pamoja in this harvesting of firewood, for- venture visit the AfricaPoint On May 20th 2011, the est fires, and grazing. website http://www.africa- Mount Kenya Tourism Cir- point.com. cuit Association with sup- Africa Point.com has taken port from Tupande Pamoja the Tupande Pamoja cam- planted a total of 2,500 paign to the social media, linking tour operators and communities Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 19

packaged tours as intrepid cannot control the number of Linking clients who come. Also there Tour Operators is also the looming threat of insecurity like theft of clients’ belongings. and Their tour leaders are not Communities: encouraged to get commissions, if they get they are put in a kitty Case of Intrepid Guerba Kenya Ltd. and use it collectively. Also their tour leaders help in marketing The company was started in They are currently supporting 4 on rates for a year for a whole the CBTEs by suggesting new 1990s as Guerba expeditions projects in East Africa: year, they further inspect the and viable homestays to visit. by a British National who was 1. Amani Children’s Home homes offering home stays to passionate about adventure. - provides a loving home, ensure that conducive accom- Differences between community After he left, the then directors education and medical care modation is offered by hosts. groups in East Africa and South- continued running the baton for street children and or- ern Africa; in Kenya majority of and have moved the organi- phans in and around Moshi, When a client donates money the community groups display zation into greater heights. Tanzania. to support a certain product or their products on shukas/ About 3 years ago, they were 2. Village Education Project - initiative, like the Kariandusi khangas mostly on the ground approached by Intrepid and got provide improved primary School project it is matched dol- or carry their wares to peddle into an agreement to be their and vocational education lar for dollar by Intrepid Travel. which makes the clients feel that ground handlers. Intrepid offers to Tanzanian children in they are being coerced to buy packaged tours the Marangu region in the They market their tours through their merchandise. As compared foothills of Kilimanjaro. their website and reviews to countries such as Namibia for Intrepid Guerba deals with small 3. New Hope Children’s Home through social media like example, where they have their group adventures, their unique - providing a home, care facebook. Also, they check and products labeled, with price tags selling points include: and education for disadvan- measure their quality service and the name of the designer; • Promoting responsible travel taged children in the Limuru by noting the number of repeat this makes the clients feel that • Enhancing local interaction, region, north of Nairobi. and customers referred to them the enterprise are coordinated • Monitoring customer’s 4. Kariandusi School Trust - through word of mouth. and regulated. feedback advancing the education • Offering discounted rates to of Kenyan children in the Pricing rates is one of the main More information can be found repeat clients. rural Rift Valley region by challenges that they face due at: www.theintrepidfoundation. working with the commu- to low guests numbers in their org and www.intrepidtravel.com Under Intrepid Guerba Kenya nity to construct, equip and responsible travel policy, they staff schools where they are encourage and support local much needed. Do you have a story on how you collaborate with the communities. They also vet local community? We would love to hear from you, where the clients will stay They forge partnerships with send us your story to [email protected] which has to be owned by a communities where they agree local. They also purchase gro- ceries from the local market and also make direct payments for accommodation and food.

Intrepid receives about 5,000 guests per year. It is against company policy to use poly- thene bags. The firm provides bags for their guests to use for groceries. They encourage their clients to undertake home-stays though in Kenya they do not undertake them; they also visit Lelin Overland Campsite in Iten, Kerio Valley, and Mweiga for tea plantation walks and Kariandusi School Trust that offers advance education of children in the rural rift valley region. In Arusha their clients pick and roast cof- fee, learn how to milk a cow and undertake a Biogas project. 20 Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 our rates Advertising rates 2011

Size Placement Cost in KShs. Quarter Page (80mm x 115mm) Inside pages 13,000 Half Page (170mm x 115mm) Inside pages 22,000 Full Page (200mm x 270mm) Inside pages 40,000 Full Page (200mm x 270mm) Inside Front Cover 45,000 Full Page (200mm x 270mm) Inside Back Cover 45,000 Half Page (200mm x 133mm) Back page 30,000 Full Page (200mm x 270mm) Back Cover 60,000 Classifieds (52mm x 74mm) Classifieds 3000

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Booking and artwork submission deadline is: 28th February for the 1st Quarter; 23rd May; 22nd August and 21st November for the other quarters respectively. Cancellations made after this date will be subject to a 75% cancellation fee.

For further information contact: Phoebe Munyoro on 2724403 or email [email protected] Editorial Policy Highlight of the EK Editorial Policy be avoided. The use of photos should be appropriate The Editorial Policy is used as a guideline for publishing with the content and permission and accredits to the this quarterly magazine for EK members and non- photographer should be accorded. Contributors are members. The magazine targets all players in the tourism encouraged to consult Ecotourism Kenya at any point industry how we aim to aim to interest, inform and during their writing. The editor may not to publish empower. The wordage should be between 700 and 1000 editorials or advertising that could be construed as being words. The content should promote tourism practices defamatory in nature. Also, the Editor has the right to that conserve Kenya’s natural environment and improve review, edit and/or reject articles for reasons of content, the livelihoods of associated communities. The language quality, length or post-deadline submission. use shall be for the average reader; highly technical Submissions to the EK Magazine should be sent to the or academic language, plagiarism and clichés should Editor at, [email protected] EK publications Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 21

Information about EK Publications Ecotourism Kenya is currently producing three publications: Ecotourism Kenya Guide: Green Directory, Ecotourism Kenya Guide and Natural The Guide profiles EK members, tourism Magazine. These pub;ications are distributed by Ecotourism accommodation facilities ecorated under Kenya to among others: travelers, tour operators, holiday the EK Ecorating Certification Scheme and makers, Community Based Organizations, Government Community Based Organisations (CBOs), an Agencies, Media, Hoteliers, Airlines among others. In eBook version is linked to the Ecotourism addition the publications are distributed by Kenya Tourist Kenya website. The Guide, which is larger than the directory offers more space for a Board (KTB) to Trade Fairs, Exhibitions, Overseas Tourist profile of the facility, postal and physical address, telephone Offices and Trade Partners across the world. number, web page, email, fax address and a colour picture. All EK members are entitled to a free basic listing in the Green Directory: guide. The Directory is a publication that showcases: producers or suppliers of “green” products EK Magazine: or services, which can be items made from This is EK’s mouthpiece on issues recycled or 100% natural materials, people or affecting the Tourism Industry in issues facilities that undertake Environmental Impact relating to ecotourism and sustainable Assessments(EIAs) and Environmental Audits tourism. Contributors are encouraged to (EA) or offer consultancy services for tourism submit content that promotes tourism or environment related projects. The charges practices that conserve Kenya’s natural are ksh.250 per listing. An eBook version can environment and improve the livelihoods be found linked onto the Ecotourism Kenya website. of associated communities.

To advertise or submit articles to the EK Publications should be sent to the Editorial Team at, [email protected] 22 Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011 23 24 Issue No. 01 AUGUST 2011 – OCTOber 2011

The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife are the Official Sponsors of Naturals first Edition