A PUBLICATION OF ECOTOURISM KENYA Linking tourism, conservation and communities ISSUE NO.5 | OCTOBER 2014 - MARCH 2015 Responsible Tourism is #WhyILoveKenya 1 2 Naturals magazine is published biannually by Ecotourism Kenya. The publication targets readers interested in topics addressing linkages between tourism and conservation of nature and cultural values at destinations. The magazine is distributed 6 free of charge to registered, affiliate and associate members of Ecotourism Kenya. The organization permits the use of any information material Contents contained in this publication by any interested party on condition that the user clearly acknowledges Ecotourism Kenya and quotes the specific source edition of the magazine. If in doubt or wish 4 Message from the CEO and Chair to seek clarification, please write to or call the Editor using the 8 following address and contacts: 5 About Ecotourism Kenya Ecotourism Kenya KATO Place, Longonot Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi. 6 Wildlife Feeding and Baiting in P.O. Box 10146-00100 Nairobi, Kenya. Kenya Telephone: +254 (0)20 2574059 Mobile: +254 (0)726366080 10 Fax: +254 (0)20 2724755 8 Kicheche Camps Email: [email protected] www.ecotourismkenya.org 10 Spreading the Conservation EK Board Members 2014: Message Chairman: Dr. Mohanjeet Brar (Commercial Director, Gamewatchers Safaris) 12 Ecotourism Kenya Events at a Glance Secretary: Elizabeth Kimotho (Director, Exclusive Eco-Travels) Treasurer: George Kamau (Marketing/Reservations Manager, Lake 14 Branding Nature: Hope for 16 Nakuru Lodge) Ecotourism Diversification in 18 Members: Dr. Mordecai Ogada, (Managing Partner, Conservation Kenya Solutions Afrika), Edith Bosire (Principal Associate, EED Advisory), Anu Vohora (Sales & Marketing Director, SafariLink Aviation), 16 Elephant Pepper Camp Jacinta Nzioka (Ag. Director of Marketing, Kenya Tourism Board), Herbert Mwachiro (Regional CSR Manager, Institute for 18 Kenya’s Marine Big Five Education in Democracy), Grace Nderitu (CEO, Ecotourism Kenya) Chair, Finance & Fundraising Sub-committee: Dr. Mohanjeet Brar 21 Guiding Ethics and Conduct Chair, Eco-Rating Sub-committee: Jane Kahata 21 Chair, Community Outreach committee: Elizabeth Mumo 23 2014 Eco Warrior Awards Chair, PR & Marketing Sub-committee: Fiona Ngesa 25 The Ol Pejeta Way: Conservation EK Secretariat: That Touches Lives Grace Nderitu, Andrew Karanja, Lynnet Kamonde, Terryann Mutindi, Kate Owino and Joyce Kiruri 28 Ecotourism Kenya Eco-Rated 25 EK Interns and Volunteers: Accomodation Facilities Abigael Matei, Valentine Imbuka, Veronica Wangui, Mirriam Mbinya 30 2014-2015 Ecotourism Calendar at a Glance Editorial Team: Billy Oyaro, Grace Nderitu, , Terryanne Mutindi, Kate Owino Editor Phoebe Munyoro Contributors: be included to the accompanying articles, Joyce Kiruri, Irene Amoke, Melanie Wood, Bonface Kihima, Julia Ecotourism Kenya’s Mut, Jane Spilsbury, Steve Trott, Aleema Noormohamed, Gacheri with permissions and photos credits clearly Mbogori, Zarek Cockar, Billy Oyaro shown. Use of facts, figures, illustrations and Magazine Editorial Policy examples is greatly encouraged. The language Cover Photo: Ecotourism Kenya Archives. Derrick Nabaala (Basecamp Eagle View) receives Ecotourism The following editorial policy acts as a guideline used should be for the average reader; highly Guide of the Year 2013 trophy from Samantha Spooner (Kenya for publishing Naturals magazine primarily for EK technical or academic language, plagiarism Wildlife Trust) members. Naturals aim is to promote ecotourism and clichés must be avoided. knowledge and best practices in support of Design & Layout: The Editorial Committee has the right to responsible and sustainable tourism in Kenya. Sunburst Communications Ltd decline and refuse to publish contributions [email protected] The editor welcomes editorial submissions on or advertisements deemed racial, derogatory, interesting and pertinent topics. 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Every effort has been made to ensure the consult Ecotourism Kenya at any point during to the Editor at [email protected] accuracy of all the information contained in this magazine. their writing. Appropriate photographs can 3 MESSAGE FROM THE CEO & CHAIR The Kenyan tourism industry has Expo (MKTE), an annual exhibi- for the sustenance of the tourism demonstrated remarkable resilience tion that has garnered increased industry. Ol Pejeta, a privately- in the face of numerous challenges participation from organizations in owned conservancy in Laikipia Message this year. This has been attributed Kenya and around the world. gives emphasizes on sustainability to increased partnerships between through investment in agriculture from the the local communities and the The articles in this issue of Naturals and education, with the ultimate public and private sectors. This is demonstrate that responsible tour- aim of increasing the community’s what has informed the theme of ism is only possible when coopera- income-generating potential in the the 2014 Eco Warriors Awards tion is inherent and evident among long run. CEO and the 5th edition of Naturals the local communities, tourism magazine: “Responsible tourism is enterprises and other stakeholders We look forward to receiving your #WhyILoveKenya.” in the industry. For instance, under views on these articles so we the Commendable Commitment can work together to continue Every year we gather to celebrate section read on how Kicheche spreading the gospel of responsible individuals and organizations that Camps, the first chain of accom- tourism, like our renowned na- have made exceptional achieve- modation facilities to have two of tional spirit of Harambee (coming ments in the practice of responsible its camps attain Ecotourism Kenya’s together), as this is only possible if tourism, and the selection of this Gold certification within a year, everyone is actively involved. theme – borrowed in part from the have heavily invested in education, current tourism industry’s online family and health care through On behalf of the Ecotourism Kenya campaign – is meant to foster the Kicheche Community Trust. Secretariat and editorial team, patriotism within Kenyans from all Under Community Conserved Areas I wish all readers to adopt the walks of life. The Kenya Tourism section the staff of Gamewatchers theme: Responsible Tourism is Board’s continued commitment to Safaris, who also run the multiple #Why I Love Kenya. promoting ecotourism ethos part- award-winning Porini Camps, teach nered with Ecotourism Kenya to the children from Ol Kinyei Conser- include the Eco Warrior Awards as vancy that wildlife is important not Grace Nderitu, part of the Magical Kenya Travel only for the environment but also CEO, Ecotourism Kenya Despite the challenges that the Kenyan tourism industry has faced, 2014 has been an incredibly significant year: it marks the third anniversary of one of the most renowned environmental warriors the late Professor Wangari Muta Maathai; the Born Free Foundation celebrates 30 years of existence, the First World War took Message place 100 years ago and it was a year where we saw the largest area under wildlife conservancies both from the private and community that Kenya has ever had! The recently concluded 2014 World Tourism Day with the theme “Tourism and Community Development” continues to raise international awareness on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic benefits. Bringing this back home, we need to ensure these important points are communicated, Chair valued and encouraged because sustainable tourism can be a major driver of poverty alleviation and in a way that allow communities to retain their identities while reducing inequalities. Furthermore, the tourism supply chain has a significant cross-cutting impact on many of the other key drivers of our economy such as: agriculture, infrastructure, communication and manufacturing; in addition to the vital role it can play in pro- tecting biodiversity by helping to secure and protect the habitat in partnership with the local communities. Kenya as one of the global leaders of ecotourism, continues to pave the way in pioneering sustainable tourism models and initiatives; this year’s Eco Warriors Gala Awards will be a night to celebrate the leaders and ambassadors of best practice! I congratulate everyone that had the courage to apply, those that were shortlisted and the winners who are our 2014 Eco Warriors! My wish is that these winners will inspire us to greater heights of sustainable tourism for the long-term benefit of our children and country.