9 ways In Which You Can Participate In Responsible And Sustainable Tourism In Kenya As A Tourist
Taleb Rifai, the former Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization once said, “Tourism can and should be a force for good, for the people and for the planet. When managed responsibly, it can contribute to inclusive economic growth, social development, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage.”
This is all there is about Responsible and Sustainable tourism. It should be for the current interaction with nature and cultures with consideration for the future generations.
The Kenyan Tourism Sector is currently focused on prioritizing environmental conservation. Responsible and sustainable tourism is the main agenda in realizing global environmental goals and Kenya’s Vision 2030.
All sectors that see to the fluid running of the country, are geared up and about ensuring that climatic change awareness is done, trees are planted, animal sanctuaries are well managed and cultures are preserved as well. Tourism is a vital organ of environmental, social, and cultural conservation.
In relation to the above-stated reasons, here are 9 suggestions that will help you as a tourist to travel responsibly and foster sustainable tourism, specifically in Kenya.
Nature Conservancy Parks
Kenya prides itself in having over 50 nature conservancies. These are sections of national parks or private parks. The main activities here are:
- conserving the tree species,
- carrying out research on animal species
- breeding endangered species
- preserving bird species
- creating nature trails.
The conservancies invite well-wishers to participate physically and financially to see to the smooth running of the parks. You can always check up on the nature conservancies in Kenya and contact Come Travel Kenya to arrange your tour to the most preferred.
Eco-Tourism
Kenya has a number of man-made ecological systems that help in nature conservation. These ecosystems are in Amboseli National Park, Lamu Island, Maasai Mara, Mount Kenya National Park, and Lake Nakuru National Park.
These, among other places, are on a quest to create ecosystems that are all-rounded and inclusive of all conditions. Take a walk in the coral reefs of Lamu and you will never want to be somewhere else. The air is fresh, the breeze is so therapeutic and the slapping waves of the ocean so soothing.
These places always ask for volunteers to help in tree planting, research, and other activities that you can choose to participate in during your visit.
Adopt an Elephant or any other animal already!
Many animal orphanages rescue elephants and rhinos. These are endangered species due to poaching and severe drought. The orphanages raise them and are usually put up for adoption after some years. You can always help take care of them while they are in the park.
The orphanages rely on the tours and visits to run fluidly. Your visiting of such animal orphanages can go a long way in saving these species.
Let us Clean the Water Bodies
There are campaigns going on about reducing or rather stopping dumping waste in water bodies. Rivers, Lakes, and Oceans are being choked to death due to pollution. One of the best and most popular tourist participation is being part of stopping water pollution.
You can always help save flamingoes on the rift valley Lakes, remove hyacinths on Lake Victoria, or better, clean up the Indian Ocean and its beaches. All these are fulfilling activities. They are also loaded with fun!
Supporting Local Communities
This is as simple as:
- Buying stuff from the local shops
- Buying artifacts and takeaways from the local artists
- Listening to local music
- Attending the local communal function and ceremonies
It is being a part of the community and contributing towards the betterment of the community you visit for as long as you stay there.
Cultural Preservation
Culture is what defines a person. You don’t have to subscribe to the beliefs and ways of the locals’ lives but you can respect and appreciate them. That is responsible tourism. These cultures, when preserved are handed down to generations. This helps in keeping the people going and who knows, years later, you might want to tell your generation about a certain indigenous tribe in Kenya.
Climatic Change awareness and campaigns
It could be as simple as sharing this article on your social media handles to poke more people with similar interests. It could also be talking about climatic changes and creating awareness in the communities you visit. Also, you can just stick a poster on your tour vehicle and drive around with the message. The point is, the more people know about climate and environmental conservation, the more they take into responsible and sustainable tourism.
Choosing Responsible Tour Operators
If your purpose is to travel responsibly and in a sustainable way, well, you have no choice but to reach out to tour operators who subscribe to this. Come Travel Kenya, has ensured Responsible and Sustainable tourism by arranging eco-friendly tours all over Kenya, advising on the best products to use in Kenya, minimizing waste production, and selecting places that will be amazing destinations for your quest. Choose wisely.
Choosing Ecofriendly and Sustainable Accommodation
Recently, there are many Air BnBs that you can always rent when touring. This is one of the many ways of interacting with the community of your destination. You will get to shop in their markets, drink their water, interact with the neighbors, and eat local meals. Now, this is an experience on another level.
There are other eco-friendly lodges and guest houses all over the country. As a responsible tourist, you will definitely check these ones out.
Family visits are the best. You can stay with a Kenyan family and just blend in. You got to try this, one of these days.
You now have a wide scope of what you can do to foster sustainable and responsible tourism in Kenya. When are you visiting? Be sure to talk to Come Travel Kenya about the arrangements. We are the most Responsible tour operators.
WRITER: Emily Wekulo
