Porini Ecotourism Project
Case Study C0070
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| Date | 2001 |
| Agency | Porini Ecotourism |
| Donor/support agency | Kenya Wildlife Service African Wildlife Foundation African Conservation Centre Born Free Foundation Care for the Wild UK Rhino Group IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Protected area |
| Geographic coverage | Kenya |
| Locality | Periphery of Amboseli Biosphere Reserve in Kajiado District |
| Biodiversity focus | Species |
| Development focus | Local Community |
| Conservation goals | Promote low impact tourism and wildlife conservation |
| Poverty reduction goals | Generate income and economic benefits for the local community |
Summary
Eselenkei Group Ranch is in the periphery of Amboseli Biosphere Reserve in Kajiado District of Kenya. It has an area of 74,794 ha and a population of about 10,000 IlKisonko Maasai. A large portion of the ranch is arid with highly variable rainfall amounts ranging between 300 and 500 mm per year. Vegetation resources are scanty, being retarded by overgrazing and the harsh physical conditions. Although Eselenkei Group Ranch supports a large number of Maasai livestock, it is a dispersal area for wildlife of the Amboseli Biosphere Reserve. Crop–wildlife interaction is generating new dimensions of conflicts. Stray wildlife trample on crops leading to them being killed by angry farmers. All these factors have led to Eselenkei Group Ranch lagging behind in terms of national development.
In May 1997, the Group Ranch Committee entered into a lease agreement for 16 ha of the Eselenkei Conservation Area (ECA) with a private developer for the Porini Ecotourism Project (PEP). The objective of PEP is to promote low tourism and wildlife conservation, and generate income and economic benefits for the community to avoid dependence on pastoralism alone and, reduce wildlife-related conflicts. Since its inception, PEP has contributed to local livelihood and natural resource management.
Conservation impact
Ecotourism initiatives have made little positive impact on natural resource management compared to poverty alleviation. However, there is evidence that overall the numbers of wildlife (including charismatic species) in the area have either remained stable or increased (e.g. resident giraffes, bird species and bush-loving wildlife have more than doubled following the increase in biomass and antipoaching campaigns spearheaded by community scouts). Through exposure tours and consultative meetings, the community has been sensitized to the need to reduce livestock numbers. Formerly degraded sites around community watering points are regenerating.
Poverty reduction impact
Porini Ecotourism pays a fee of US$5,300 per year with a 10% increment for the lease of 16 ha of land. In addition, the community receives amounts ranging between US$500 and 1,200 per year as gate fees and bed charges paid by tourists. The Group Ranch Committee uses these earnings to support different community livelihood initiatives, such as the construction of schools, payment of hospital bills and maintenance of boreholes. Individual households benefit from the sale of firewood and charcoal, and from the salaries Porini pays to 26 members of staff drawn from the Eselenkei community. Earnings received from ecotourism are used in various ways, including purchase of livestock drugs and steers, initiatives that are contributing towards livelihood in general and local food security in specific. Finally, in recognition of the community’s willingness to share grazing resources with roaming wildlife, the Kenya Wildlife Service contributes US$12,500 annually. The annual contribution by KWS is used to support community projects.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Partnership with private sector
Revenue sharing
Reference 1
Ogutu, Z.A., 2002 'The impact of ecotourism on livelihood and natural resource management in Eselenkei, Amboseli Ecosystem, Kenya', Land Degradation & Development 13 (2):251-256, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
More information
http://www.porini.com/search/press_april2000.html
http://dlc.dlib.indiana.edu/archive/00000914/00/ruttenm150502.pdf