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Christian Lambrechts and Jane Wangui, a Kenyan conservationist couple from Timau, Meru, have been awarded for developing the most sustainable Airbnb facility in Africa. The award ceremony was held on Monday night in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The couple has not only created an environmentally friendly listing but also implemented steps to educate guests on the need for sustainable use of natural resources.
“We are greatly honoured to be recognized for the work we have done in creating a sustainable facility, especially by restoring bare land in northern Kenya. We are happy to share it with people who appreciate conservation,” said Jane after receiving the award.
The farm, which has incredible views of Mount Kenya was mainly built as a family home and according to Jane, hosting visitors was not her original idea.
"The farm and the cottage built on it were initially a personal project to promote sustainable land management and natural resources for the benefit of the neighbouring community," she said.
However, Jane and her husband wanted to broaden the impact of the project’s sustainability and that's how they got themselves hosting. "I started hosting to showcase within a wider community how a home can be designed and built to minimise its impact on the environment and how degraded land can be rehabilitated," stated Jane in her acceptance note.
The cottage is solar-powered and has a system for rainwater harvesting. It was designed and built to fit in with existing trees, using timber only from the commercial forest plantations. The couple has planted over 8,000 trees and aloes to stop erosion in addition to erecting 140 beehives to promote pollination.
“We must minimize human and carbon footprints on the environment and thus stop negative impact on nature,” she said.
Jane has also been recognized as a ‘superhost’ by going over and above the usual Airbnb hosting by ensuring every guest learns about the home’s sustainable efforts.
“The greatest satisfaction is knowing that the home has inspired people to make changes of their own. At times guests inform us that they may replicate some of the concepts implemented at the cottage. This is quite rewarding," she added.
