On 22^nd March 2007, Ecotourism Kenya announced and awarded the first tourist accommodation facilities to achieve Gold and Silver Eco-rating in the Eco-rating Scheme.

 

Basecamp Masai Mara, Campi ya Kanzi and Malewa River Lodge are the premier winners of Gold Eco-rating. Gold Eco-rating signifies excellence and/or innovation in environmental management, sustainable use of resources and community/social linkages. It is the highest level of certification in the Eco-rating scheme.

 

Additionally,  Amboseli Porini Camp, Mara Porini Camp, Olonana, Ol Seki Mara and Turtle Bay Beach Club were awarded Silver Eco-rating. These are also the premier winners of this level of rating. Silver Eco-rating signifies a facility that is moving towards excellence in the areas of environmental management, sustainable resource use and community linkages.  

 

The Ecotourism Kenya-managed Eco-rating Scheme was the first in Africa.  The scheme has three successive levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Upto 22nd March, there were 31 facilities that had been holding Bronze Eco-rating.

Apart from evaluating performance of lodges/camps, the Eco-rating Scheme is contributing to branding of Kenya as an ecotourism destination. In a market where travellers are increasingly concerned about the ecological and social impacts of their holidays, this scheme offers guarantee to the traveller that the product they are consuming is ecologically and socially responsible.

 

For more information on the winners, visit the eco-rating section on the homepage of this website.