Private Sector Partnership Models for Conservation based tourism LAIKIPIA Laikipia stretches from the slopes of Mt Kenya to the rim of the Great Rift Valley. Over 80 mammal species birds, big five Rare and endangered species - Grevy s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Jackson s Hartebeest, Wild Dog, four of the world s last eight surviving Northern White Rhinos. Kenya s second largest elephant population. Half of Kenya s Black Rhino population. Laikipia is not a protected area. Large tracts of land set aside over the years by local communities for conservation and ecotourism.
About Us The Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF), is a not for profit membership led environmental conservation organization. Membership: NRM groups, tourism operators, private ranches, conservancies, small and large scale farmers, pastoralist communities, individuals, organisations. LWF provides a platform for dialogue for a cross section of people. The principal resource and strength of the LWF is the people. Conservation in LWF links the well being of people to the health of the natural environment. Healthy functioning environments will support healthy societies which will develop healthy economies. Our Programmes: Rivers & Wetlands, Forests, Conservation Enterprise Development, Rangeland Rehabilitation, Wildlife Management, Environmental Education, Tourism & Communications
Laikipia s Tourism Some of our tourism investments have been structured as jointly owned ventures between private investors and the local land-owning communities. Over 40 accommodation facilities in the Laikipia area, many of which have been awarded tourism awards lodges, tented camps, ranch houses, farm houses High levels of community involvement and participation. Access to cultures and customs of Mukogodo Maasai, Samburu, Pokot Free from constraints that apply in most national parks and game reserves. Based on selling a wilderness experience expansive, freedom, exclusive, personal. Bed capacity is low average 12 beds. LWF actively markets Laikipia locally & internationally - Tourism & branding strategy for Laikpia, acts as regional marketing board, tourism website, Laikipia Map, Ecoguide, Tourism Promotional Film, Coffee Table Book, Places to Stay Guide, E news updates, database of images.
Laikipia Tourism Marketing Products Conservation DVD Tourism Promotional Film Coffee Table Book www.laikipia.org Laikipia Map www.laikipiatourism.com
Private Partner Sector Models in Laikipia LWF has played a pivotal role in brokering development of world class award winning community-owned tourism projects such as: Il Ngwesi Tassia Koija Star Beds The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille Campsites on community land/group ranches
Il Ngwesi lodge Pioneer for community conservation and ecotourism in Kenya Owned and managed by Mukogodo Maasai of Il Ngwesi Group Ranch Received support from conservation agencies, donors and its neighbours Borana Ranch & Lewa Wildlife Conservancy who initially were directly involved in management of the lodge. The Group Ranch collectively developed numerous by-laws (and continue to do so) - all approved by community members at AGMs. By laws focused on the conservation area and its buffer zone in which the lodge is located. During past unstable economic times, Il Ngwesi has entertained approaches by private investors all turned down in favour of self-management. Now fully self sufficient with an office in Nanyuki town, dedicated website
Koija Starbeds Partnership between the community, a private sector operator and a conservation organization. The Koija community owns the camp through the Koija Community Trust. Provided the land for the camp and set aside a 500-acre community conservation area. The Koija community did not have the capacity to run a safari camp Partnered with a responsible, experienced private sector operator, Loisaba Wilderness ( next door), to run it professionally Koija acts as a satellite facility complimenting the existing lodge next door - Loisaba
The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille The Kijabe Group Ranch entered into a 25 year agreement with Regenesis Ltd to manage its tourism business and its conservation area. Regenesis Ltd has 100% management control of the business and the conservation area on which it was located All benefits (fees) are payable to the Kijabe Group Ranch and since January 2006 they have been receiving a steady income from the lodge
POSITIVE OUTCOMES Employing local members as game scouts for security has resulted in the number of incursions and incidences on Group Ranches reducing significantly. Access to resources such as vehicles for health emergencies, as well as business and management support. Community ownership of ventures and wages from those who work at the camp, provide a strong incentive to conserve the land and its wildlife. Considerable training and skills transfer has taken place and staff turnover is low. The local employment strategy has resulted in a high proportion of jobs going to local people.
POSITIVE OUTCOMES Development funds & philanthropy supported by guests providing invaluable support e.g. education facilities,resource centres, improved teacher training Eg For the first time in the Koija community, a student was able to attend university from funds generated by Starbeds. Land within conservation areas has recovered remarkably well from previous overgrazing supporting noticeably higher numbers of wildlife. Clear socio-economic benefits for the community ( healthcare, education, infrastructure and water) Lodges utilize local suppliers from surrounding communities and towns for groceries, merchandise for gift shops, cultural visits etc As lodges showcase their culture, traditions are sustained by communities.
GOING FORWARD: CHALLENGES/ KEY ISSUES Many communities have overly high expectations of involvement in tourism ( levels and rates of returns and roles and responsibilities of their private sector partners) Lack of cohesion and good leadership in communities eg Oreteti, Ol Gaboli cases. A lack of awareness of tourism in the community a need for business skills, understanding the industry and corporate culture in order to gain credibility with the private sector, or to negotiate effectively or to become self supporting Providing support in the form of training, finance, technical assistance and marketing to individual community based tourism enterprises. Dependence of external funding and goodwill and the implications this has for their long-term sustainability
. Communities will invest in conservation if they can get better economic gains from it than from other land use options eg livestock, farming, seeking jobs in urban areas. Wildlife based tourism needs to ogenerate revenue to support conservation. ocreate political support so that the value of this land use is generally recognized. Development eg Kenya Ethiopia Power Line. Lobbying GOING FORWARD: CHALLENGES/ KEY ISSUES Land rates - if these are put too high, particularly for wildlife areas, this may be a serious disincentive for the development of tourism. Taxation - this could have an unfair impact on the tourism sector, and if possible tax breaks be given.
CONCLUSION Recognise the value of membership organisations in providing a voice and finding solutions. The secret to Laikipia being a model for conservation success is the people and their attitude. People need to be willing to experiment and take risks, and to work together to find solutions. This way we can help each other better conserve the environment in which we all live and share. We can act as family and demonstrate good neighbourliness in times of need and in times of success With thanks from the people of Laikipia