The largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa proves its conservation efforts go far beyond a single species, as it wins Best for Wildlife Conservation at the African Responsible Tourism Awards in Cape Town.
On the 7th April, key players in Africa’s tourism industry gathered in Cape Town to celebrate the growing number of responsible tourism destinations on the continent. Categories included best for beach tourism, best contribution to cultural heritage conservation, and best operator for people with disabilities. Several countries were represented in the line up of finalists, but it was Kenya that outshone the rest in wildlife conservation.
“There were two Gold Award winners in the category both in Kenya and both conservancies: Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the Mara Naboisho Conservancy. The judges recognised that these are two outstanding examples of how tourism can be used by conservationists to protect habits and species and to uplift local communities.” Said the judging panel.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers a rich wildlife experience for tourists. It is home to 108 critically endangered black rhinos, as well as elephants, big cats and countless antelope species. Just as importantly, Ol Pejeta invests heavily in its community outreach efforts, which was one of the judge’s priorities for the Best for Wildlife Conservation Award 2016, sponsored by sponsored by the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary.
Tracking collared lions with an antenna is just one of the 'hands on' conservation activities offered at Ol Pejeta
Ol Pejeta aims to ensure wildlife conservation and improving the livelihoods of the 55,000 people that live along its borders is inextricable. Support to Ol Pejeta's surrounding communities increased by 54% in 2015 (compared to 2014), to USD 750,000. This has translated to better infrastructure in schools, mobile clinics for remote communities, education bursaries for poorer families, solar power for schools off-grid, drip kit technology, conservation agriculture methods and rain-water harvesting systems for farmers, and energy-saving stoves for households.
Ol Pejeta and partners ensure that the benefits of conservation are felt in all aspects of local life - from schools to health centres
Speaking before a packed audience of over 100 tourism professionals, media, ministers and officials, Heidi van der Watt, managing director of Better Tourism Africa pinpointed what makes the Award winners the leaders in responsible tourism in Africa:
“Our winners have a vision that extends beyond the commercial – linking business success with the wellbeing of local communities and the longevity of their environments. They want to make profits with principles, communicate balance sheets alongside beliefs, and won’t undermine passion in the pursuit of professionalism. They are resilient, determined, humanising advocates for their destinations. They are the future of tourism in Africa.”
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy still maintains a herd of 6,000 beef cattle. It is one of the few conservancies in the world able to cover almost all of its basic operating costs (US$ 6 million) through its own, sustainable, commercially generated revenues from tourism and agriculture.
The event in Cape Town forms part of the prestigious World Responsible Tourism Awards; the world's most respected responsible tourism awards. Winners of the African awards will automatically be entered into the global awards, which take place at World Travel Market in London each November.