[b]Introduction of the Conservational Activities of Campi ya Kanzi[/b]
Eco-tourism and the Maasai
Campi ya Kanzi is the living example of the policies of the Kenya Wildlife Service, which encourages local people to become involved in the conservation of wildlife. This approach to conservation is based on the self-interested involvement of the Maasai, rather than the creation of laws and bans.
For example, when lions kill Maasai cattle, the Maasai naturally wish to eliminate the lions to protect their livelihood. However, if the same lions produce profit through tourism, the Maasai may realize that it is best to co-exist with them. The Maasai now see the benefit of having wildlife on their land, so they protect the animals and view them as extension of their ranching activities.
For each guest accommodated at Campi ya Kanzi for one night, $30 is set apart for the Maasai community. The money is spent as follows:
- Reimbursement of animal damages, compensating Maasai who have incurred loss through damage by wildlife.
- For education, through scholarships awarded on merit and to those who are too poor to afford education. The funds also pay for school supplies and help pay teachers' salaries.
- For health, by providing basic medical facilities and medicines.
- For new infrastructures, such as schoolrooms, toilets, dispensaries.
Luca Belpietro has a degree in economics and wrote his thesis on wildlife as a natural resource in Kenya. He would be pleased to tell you more about how Campi ya Kanzi benefits conservation efforts in Kenya.
Through the trust they have founded, The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, they also have community projects and adoption schemes for the wild animals of the ranch.
The MWCT is also supported by the Maasai Foundation of East Africa, officially recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Eco Sustainability
We believe true ecotourism should be based on the use of the best available technology, to have the lowest impact on the environment.
At Campi ya Kanzi photovoltaic panels transform sun light in electricity. This is stored in a bank of batteries. Two interfaced inverters transform the continuous current in alternate current, at 220V. From the inverters electricity runs through the entire camp, running all our appliances, from lamps to fridges.
Nice to know that every electric need we have is generated by the sun, with absolutely no impact on the environment.
Water is our scarcest resource. We collect rains from the roofs. We recycle all gray waters, with special filters imported from Europe. An anaerobic reaction assures the purity of water at the exit of the system. Water is then used in ponds for the wildlife.
The use of specially imported ecological soaps assures perfect chemical purity of the water.
We use special low energy dish washers and washing machine, to save on water consumption.
Each tented cottage has its own dedicated solar boiler, providing hot water in the bathrooms.
Food is cooked with an eco-friendly charcoal, made from coffee husks, on a United Nations Environment Project recommendation.
Staff is trained to assure minimization of garbage production. All organic wastes are transformed in compost. The rest of the wastes are selected and send to the city council pit and the recyclable wastes (glasses and other container) sent to Nairobi.
We run an organic vegetable garden, and we have few chickens and few cows, for an organic production of eggs and milk.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please post it in the topic appropriate to your question and we will be more than happy to answer.
- Edited by Carsten am 27.06.2006, 14:32 -
