KEEPING CLEAN

Millions were demonstrating across the world. Young and old have taken to the streets in 185 countries to demand action since 2019

Kenya, however has long been in the vanguard of those countries committed to using green energy and outlawing plastic. Kenya has implemented some of the world’s strictest laws on single-use plastic bags. Here you can expect large fines for simply carrying a small plastic carrier bag. Meanwhile on our beaches and in our national parks, forests and conservations areas, single-use items such as straws, cutlery and drinking cups are to be banned completely.

Down on our Indian Ocean beaches, regular teams of visitors, students, youngsters, activists and ordinary people alike, head out daily to collect the huge drifts of plastic that wash up on our shores. Given that around three percent of global annual plastic waste enters the oceans each year – which in 2010 was approximately 8 million tonnes – this might seem like the labours of Hercules.

Some youngsters in Nairobi refuse to be daunted. And they’ve taken an ultra- practical approach to the polymer problem. Plastiki Rafiki and local adventure sports company, Savage Wilderness, came together recently to lead a rubbish collectin and awareness drive on Mt Kenya. 

Since June 2020 any single use plastic is also banned from National Parks and Conservation areas. We from Adventure Expeditions banned plastic already last year from our tours after we had recycled it for a long time.

Kenya´s green tourism is supported by Ecotourism Kenya – established in1996 as the Ecotourism Society of Kenya and rebranded in 2006 – is the team that certifies camps, lodges, resorts and hotels. They aim to promote responsible tourism practices, and to link conservation and communities for sustainable tourism development.

They have three awards – bronze, silver and gold, with a number of specific criteria required for certification at each level. These criteria include the management o water, energy, chemical usage, equipment and building designs on site, as well as the support of environmental conservation beyond the site. They also include sound business practices such as ethical purchase, staff welfare, health and safety, and the protection of the children’s rights. Finally, the team looks for the promotion of cultural heritage and the support of local communities 

The increase in the number of properties attaining certification shows a growth of interest and awareness in sustainability in the tourism industry. Ecotourism Kenya isn’t only about a certifying safari lodges. They have a bunch of projects that create awareness of ecotourism. As part of their leadership and mentorship programme, the team visits college campuses that offer tourism related courses, offering interniships  to the students.

Beside banning plastic from our tours we also plant trees and do have cooperation with seedballs Kenya and are a member of Ecotourism Kenya. We support conservancy projects established and run be locals. Sustainability and our environment our important to us. If you bother about this too, karibu Adventure Expeditions.

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