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Community and Eco-Tourism
In Kenya, the environment and
tourism have always been inextricably linked, and this is a truly symbiotic
relationship. Wildlife in particular has always served as one of our major
tourist draw cards, and the resultant revenue has played a major role in the
great priority placed on wildlife preservation in Kenya.
This is
not just for the benefit of foreign visitors- Eco-tourism means more than just
preserving wildife for our visitors, it also means protecting our own world and its resources for the future benefit
of Kenya, our people and our wildlife.
Eco-tourist and community
wildlife and conservation ventures offer the visitor a personalized and
rewarding wildlife experience that gives them a chance to appreciate, respect
and protect our country’s wildlife.
Genuine eco-tourism means
tourism that has no negative impact on eco-systems, and positively contributes
to the destination on a social and environmental level. Visitors should learn
from their experiences and develop a greater understanding of the issues and
challenges of preserving this great natural heritage for generations to come.
Kenya’s dedication to eco-values sets it apart from many other African
destinations. This has again been proved by the “Eco-Ratings” scheme- a project
by the Eco-Tourism society of Kenya (ESOK) www.ecotourismkenya.org.
This pioneering
scheme- the first of its kind in Africa- means that Kenya’s hotels, lodges and
camps will be able to apply for a special rating- which will rate their level
of eco-friendliness.
Community based tourism and eco tourism is a
growing sector, globally. It currently accounts for 5% of the global tourism
market and is growing at a rate of 20-30% annually.
Increasing numbers of tourists want to interact with local communities
and they want to stay in places that positively impact on both the environment
and the local population.
Throughout Kenya there is growing
awareness of the benefits of community based tourism projects.
Communities that have allowed access to their land have seen their
lifestyles improved through increased revenue through wages, land leases and
development funds. Many projects have built boreholes, schools and clinics for
the local community.
There are a growing number of community
tourism projects in Kenya, ranging from Il Ngwesi and Tassia in the Laikipia
area, Sarara in Namunyak, Shompole in the Magadi region and Losikitok in
Amboseli.
The projects range in scale from complete community
management to a partnership with an investor or trust who provides the capital
to build the guest accommodation and related tourist facilities. The
community provides the use of the land, through a lease and helps to ensure the
protection of the local wildlife. Community members are often employed and
trained in the tourism projects and benefit from wages, community development
funds and involvement in spin off enterprises.
In Kenya, the
community based tourism concept is just taking root and there is a need to
harness this product and direct it towards the market in a more cohesive and
systematic manner.
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Tourism Trust Fund (TTF)
Tourism Trust Fund
was established as a joint initiative of the European Union and the Government
of Kenya in 2002. One of the key objectives of TTF is to diversify the tourism
product by supporting new and existing ventures, projects and initiatives, and
to create an enabling environment for sustainable tourism development and
enhanced product quality. This involves identifying, supporting
and funding community tourism projects.
In the last three years TTF has funded eco-lodges and camps, tourism management
plans, cooperative projects between wildlife conservationists and communities,
handicraft workshops, and cultural centres. To date a total of Ksh 260 million
has been distributed to community projects in various parts of Kenya.
The TTF funds have been used to develop and upgrade lodge facilities,
conserve and protect local flora and fauna and develop new activities and
experiences for tourists. The funding has also been used to develop tourism
plans for areas such as Tana River, Western Kenya, Amboseli/Tsavo and Samburu.
To see some successful projects supported by the Kenya Government
through TTF click
here
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