Kenya risks losing out on eco-tourism

By Luke Anami

The lack of a harmonised Government policy on tourism is hampering the growth of eco-tourism in the country, and contributing to the degradation of the environment.

"While Kenya is rated third in eco-tourism, the country lacks a policy to foresee a sustainable environmental conservation programme," Adam Jillo, the chairman of Eco Tourism, the first eco-tourism society in Africa, said.

The devastation of the country’s water towers, and destruction of forest cover, coupled with the effects of global warming have slowed down growth of eco-tourism in the country.

"Eco-based tourism is the sharing the natural resources of a local community with visitors from home and overseas for the sustainable benefit of that local community whilst conserving the natural environment and respecting the way of life," the Eco tourism chairman said.

But while the concept of responsible tourism is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, Kenya has been held back by the lack of a comprehensive land policy to inform the use of land for conservation purposes, even though a bill is in place. Further, the absence of a tourism law that promotes responsible, and sustainable, environmental, and socio-economic practices has further cut back development in the sector.

Harmonise laws

"There is a need to harmonise laws on the conservation of the environment, and tie them with those of a Land Policy and Tourism Act," Jillo said during the last week’s Eco Tourism conference at Utalii Hotel, in Nairobi.

While community-based tourism is a growing market that Kenya could tap as new generations of travellers seek more meaningful experiences from their leisure time, the country is always in the news for all the wrong reasons; from the post election violence, to the current constitutional debate and even the Mau dispute.

And while the growing number of tourists and growing interest by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), have spurred many communities to develop tourism infrastructure and services, projects are often abandoned when political pressures rise, jealousies intensify or the heralded eco-tourists don’t arrive immediately.

Well-informed travellers, with sufficient purchasing power, are spoilt for choice everyday as many options spring up each day.

"There is a need to focus on marketing and branding of the country as an eco-tourist destination," Edith Alusa-Bosire, the chief executive officer of Ecotourism Kenya said.

Moreover, in a bid to attract foreign investment, many tourism resources in the country are now owned by non-indigenous people, And consequently, local communities shun tourism development and miss out on the benefits accruing from it.

But even as the country turns its sights to eco-tourism, it is crucial that the sector is differentiated from all other forms of tourism. The people should be educated on what it entails.

"Those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should build environmental and cultural awareness, and provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people," she says.

Further, the Government must integrate the locals in the decision making process, and also educate them on the benefits of community tourism, and the standards that must be maintained to please eco-tourists.

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