- Competitive destinations like Kenya must strike a balance between tourism development and conservation for a more sustainable future.
- Communities will be supported to transition to clean energy solutions, reducing reliance on charcoal and the cutting of trees.
Image: FAITH MATETE
Every tourist visiting Kenya will plant a tree as part of efforts to improve the country's tree cover.
The 'One Tourist, One Tree' campaign will rally stakeholders and travellers to plant trees to preserve and replenish Kenya's rich biodiversity.
Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtua said the campaign is centred on the growing need for competitive destinations like Kenya to balance tourism development and conservation for a more sustainable future.
Speaking during tree-planting and activation of the campaign in the western tourism circuit at Kajulu Hills forest in Kisumu, Ololtua said tourism is a major economic driver, contributing 10 per cent of the GDP and employing one in 10 worldwide.
However, the industry accounts for about eight percent of greenhouse gas emissions.
"With global tourist arrivals expected to reach 1.8 billion by 2030, there's an urgent need for sustainable practices to safeguard the natural and cultural assets that attract visitors," the PS said.
Ololtua spoke of the ministry's commitment to environmental conservation, noting that traveler involvement will be central to achieving the national goal of increasing tree cover to 30 per cent by planting at least 15 billion trees by 2032.
"Today marks a strong call to action for every visitor to our country to play a role in elevating Kenya’s status as a leading sustainable tourism destination in Africa and, indeed, the world. Each traveler to Kenya has the opportunity to contribute to sustainability by planting a tree, helping to offset their carbon footprint while enjoying the natural beauty of the region," he said.
The initiative will be rolled out and implemented in collaboration with various stakeholders in tourism, including hotels, tour operators, and community-based organisations.
Kisumu CEC for trade, tourism and marketing Farida Salim thanked the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife for marking the Tourism Week and World Tourism Day in Kisumu.
She added that conservation is a key pillar for tourism in Kisumu County.
“Kisumu is glad to host the 2024 World Tourism Week, which culminates in World Tourism Day on September 27. As a key conservation area, Kajulu forest, with its rich biodiversity and indigenous trees, is poised to become a focal point for eco-tourism in the western tourism circuit.”
Through the campaign, communities will be supported to transition to clean energy solutions, reducing reliance on charcoal and the cutting of trees.
The county policies will reinforce the commitment to sustainable travel and community empowerment, encouraging more travellers to engage in these initiatives.
Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemei lauded the groundbreaking planting initiative, saying that it complements efforts to market tourism products responsibly and sustainably.
She said Kajulu forest is a premier eco-tourism destination and called upon the Kajulu Community Forest Association to champion the preservation of the forest endowed with rich biodiversity.
"Kenya's allure lies in its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. By integrating sustainability into our tourism strategy, we are not only attracting conscientious travellers but also safeguarding our natural assets for future generations to enjoy,” Chepkemei said.