Contributing to conservation with ethical ecotourism - Vol 6 Sneak Peek
A conservation experience like no other. Shiva Mehta takes us on a journey to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya.
Article by: Shiva Mehta
Artwork by: Hayley Purdey
Global tourism is steadily increasing after a slow recovery post-pandemic. In recent years, attitudes have changed with more people shifting towards ecotourism and away from mass tourism which has negative environmental consequences.
Voluntourism, an outgrowth of ecotourism, is a rapidly growing industry gaining popularity among those seeking an enriching travel experience with purpose. However, finding a truly ethical and sustainable fit that benefits both the location and community can prove challenging.
When the world began to open up its borders again, like many, I was longing to resume travel. However, I was committed to doing so by engaging in conscious, responsible ecotourism with a deep sense of meaning.
I had been following the plight of the northern white rhino since the death of Sudan, the last remaining male in 2018, making the species functionally extinct. This story captivated my heart and ignited curiosity and compassion within me, ultimately leading me to my destination of choice, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya.
Ol Pejeta is a 90,000-acre conservancy situated on the equator in Central Kenya’s Laikipia County, nestled between the foothills of the second highest peak in Africa, Mount Kenya and the Aberdares mountain range.
It is the largest black rhino sanctuary in the whole of Central and East Africa and home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos. Ol Pejeta not only boasts the big five, but it is also the only place where you can see chimpanzees in Kenya.
As well as offering the ultimate safari experience to suit a range of budgets and desires, Ol Pejeta also offers a unique opportunity for wildlife lovers to participate in a hands-on Immersive Conservation Experience (ICE) – a programme that provides an enthralling behind-the-scenes insight into the day-to-day operations of their wildlife conservancy. I found the perfect fit for my eco-conscious trip!
Environmental Footprint
Tourism has a negative impact on the environment including the depletion of local resources and overconsumption, subsequently causing increased waste and pollution on land.
Ol Pejeta is committed to sustainable practices. It has a plastic-free policy and a phased plan is underway to introduce solar power across the entire conservancy.
Rivers in the conservancy are at risk of running dry, especially in seasons of drought. However, long-term improvements are being made to allow for water to be captured efficiently and made available across all points.
Research Matters
Critics may deem that the impact of volunteers may not typically last longer than the trip. However, at OI Pejeta, we assisted the important on-going work of the Ecological Monitoring Unit (EMU) in collecting data in the field for their Endangered Species Recovery Programme. The aim of this research is to help develop thresholds for concern and to establish demographics and threat status so that required action can be taken such as moving a species to a predator-safe area so that numbers can recover.
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