•Kenya has made significant strides towards sustainability by implementing various initiatives, that have seen it become a global leader in sustainable tourism practices.
•A key milestone in this journey was the plastic ban implemented in 2017 to reduce plastic pollution and protect the environment.
Image: Douglas Okiddy
Kenya's commitment to sustainable tourism and green growth initiatives will come to focus as the country prepares to host the inaugural Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week.
This is from September 4-6 , and 4-8, in Nairobi.
According to Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage CS Peninah Malonza, the event will allow Kenya to showcase its sustainable tourism and travel action.
It will also highlight the positive role that the sector can play in addressing climate change.
“This is a great opportunity for us to showcase our country as a sustainable destination, demonstrate our commitment to protecting the environment, share knowledge on sustainable tourism practices being undertaken, and forge partnerships for future action,” Malonza said in a statement.
She said Kenya’s tourism policy has prioritised sustainability by focusing on policies that emphasise environmental conservation, community participation in tourism development, social inclusion, capacity building and cultural preservation.
"The correlation between climate change and tourism is undeniable. Our efforts to safeguard our environment are inextricably linked with ensuring the long-term viability of our tourism sector," Malonza said.
By aligning these agendas, the country is not only safeguarding natural treasures but also enhancing the quality of tourism experiences for generations to come, she added.
Kenya made pronouncements at the 2021 Cop26 that confirmed climate change and green projects as anchors to conservation, key pillars of tourism.
Some of the declarations include retraction on the use of vehicular transportation within all national parks and reserves, to those that use non-fossil renewable energy, by 2030.
It is also pushing for all hospitality and tourism facilities in Kenya to adopt renewable energy and circular economy in their operations by 2030, among others.
The climate forum, which is hosted by the Kenyan government in conjunction with the African Union, will bring together heads of states, thought leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and stakeholders from around the world.
More than 20 African heads of state and governments and 13,000 delegates from across the world, including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, are expected to take part.
Kenya Tourism Board CEO John Chirchir noted that the event being the biggest to be held in Kenya in post pandemic era, it presents an opportunity to profile the country as-the go-to destination for MICE(Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions).
“MICE has been one of the most disrupted segments in tourism, the Africa Climate Summit gives us a great platform to kickstart this segment, as we work towards hosting more big events in the destination,"Chirchir said.
He said the government is currently working on expanding and developing facilities to ensure Kenya remains a top meetings destination.
Over 60 hotels and establishments within Nairobi and the outskirts are expected to gain from summit.
"The summit will boost tourism businesses as well as serve as a powerful platform, showcasing Kenya's strides in sustainable tourism practices and highlighting our efforts in nurturing a destination that embraces both environmental preservation and unforgettable travel experiences,” he said.
The inaugural Nairobi Africa Climate Summit aims to give Africa’s voice and position during the upcoming global COP28.
This is in recognition of the increasing impacts of climate change on development, with sustainable tourism identified as a high impact sector with global relevance.
Kenya has made significant strides towards sustainability by implementing various initiatives, that have seen it become a global leader in sustainable tourism practices.
A key milestone in this journey was the plastic ban implemented in 2017 to reduce plastic pollution and protect the environment.