Gamewatchers Community Conservancy Concept
Integrating Sustainable Tourism with Wildlife Conservation and Community Benefits
The Gamewatchers Community Conservancy model represents an effective integration of wildlife conservation, community welfare, and sustainable tourism. This innovative approach strives to establish a form of tourism that not only contributes substantially to wildlife conservation and the preservation of the vital ecosystem but also provides tangible and significant benefits to the local communities.
Three Core Pillars of the Conservancy Concept This model is structured around three interconnected elements: Environment, Community, and Tourism.
- Environment: A key focus is on halting the degradation of the ecosystem such as the Mara. Efforts include reversing the decline in wildlife populations, enhancing biodiversity, facilitating the recovery of wildlife habitats, and conserving various species of fauna and flora.
- Community: The model ensures meaningful benefits for the Maasai landowners, whose lands are utilized for wildlife conservation, thereby aligning their interests with conservation goals.
- Tourism: The model promotes a new, more sustainable form of tourism that moves away from the conventional high-density minibus safaris, thereby enhancing the experience for visitors and benefiting the Kenyan and African tourism industry.
These aspects collectively form the “triple bottom line”, delivering advantages to the environment, local communities, and the private sector involved in safari operations.
Collaboration with Local Communities:
Gamewatchers Safaris has been instrumental in the creation of community-owned wildlife conservancies, starting with initiatives such as Selenkay Conservancy in 1997, Ol Kinyei Conservancy in 2005, Orok Conservancy in 2006 and expanding to include others like Motorogi, Naboisho Conservancy and most recently this year (2023) the new Mara Ripoi Conservancy.
Challenges in the Environment Tackling Negative Trends in Wildlife
Decline in Wildlife Populations:
Studies have indicated a marked decrease in wildlife numbers in the Maasai Mara reserve over several decades. Led by Dr. Joseph Ogutu, the research identified a 70% drop in species like impala, warthog, giraffe, topi, and Coke’s hartebeest.
Primary Causes of Decline:
The decrease in wildlife is attributed to factors such as increased poaching, changing land use patterns, and a surge in livestock numbers within the Mara ecosystem, adversely impacting wildlife.
Tourism Challenges Addressing Over-Development in the Mara
Expansion of Tourism Facilities:
The Mara Reserve has seen significant growth in tourism infrastructure, with the number of lodges and camps escalating dramatically since the 1960s. This development has led to crowded wildlife viewing experiences and a diminished visitor experience.
Benefits of the Conservancy Approach Promoting Environmental, Community, and Tourism Benefits
Community Benefits:
The approach ensures direct financial benefits to landowners, provides employment opportunities for local families, improves land conditions, and fosters active participation in conservation efforts. Educational initiatives like the Koiyaki Guiding School offer training and career opportunities in conservation.
Tourism Benefits:
Key features include small-scale, authentic bush camps such as the Gamewatchers Lion Camp and Gamewatchers Mara Camp, eco-friendly operations, exclusive wildlife viewing opportunities, and expert guidance from Maasai guides. This approach has been well-received, earning accolades for its sustainable practices and customer satisfaction.