#EcoTourism #Kenya releases Eco Warrior 2017 award nominees shortlist

AND THE ECOTOURISM WARRIORS 2017 WILL BE …

(Posted 26th September 2017)

Ecotourism Kenya has earlier today announced the short list for the 12th edition of the Eco Warrior Awards which recognize innovations and leadership in responsible tourism. The finalists consist of Kenyan tourism initiatives with good practices that have been able to translate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their operations and can positively demonstrate and report tangible outcomes. This year, the Eco-Warrior Award is in sync with the 2017 UNWTO Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development and the WTM and Africa Responsible Tourism Awards.

Winners in the 9 categories will be announced on Wednesday 27th September 2017 in a Magical Night Experience Gala Dinner to be hosted by the Ministry of Tourism at Radisson Blu, Nairobi.

The Gala Dinner which will also mark the World Tourism Day will be graced by Hon. CS Najib Balala EGH, Tourism Cabinet Secretary, Fatuma Hirsi Mohamed CBS, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and KTB Chairman Jimmi Kariuki among other invited guests, dignitaries, international hosted buyers and the tourism/conservation fraternity.

Those who have made it to the short list include:

1. SDG 8 Decent work and Economic Growth Award

1. Ol Pejeta Conservancy
2. Northern Rangelands Trust
3. Sirikoi Lodge

2. SDG 12 Award Sustainable production and consumption Award

1. El Karama Lodge
2. Kilima Camp
3. Rekero Camp

3. SDG 13 Promoting Climate Action Award

1. Campi ya Kanzi
2. Tawi Lodge
3. Kilaguni Serena

4. SDG 14 Protecting Life below Water Award

1. Serena Beach Resort
2. Eco Ethics Kenya

5. SDG 15 Protecting Life on Land

1. Safari Link Aviation
2. Ol Pejeta Conservancy
3. Game Watchers Safaris

6. SDG 3 Good Health & Well Being

1. Turtle Bay
2. Amboseli Institute

7. SDG 4 Quality Education

1. Joseph Kang’ethe
2. Irene Muchuma
3. Paul Kirui

8. Individual Category

4. Joseph Kang’ethe
5. Irene Muchuma
6. Paul Kirui

About Eco Warrior Awards

Eco-Warrior Awards recognize efforts, innovations and exceptional achievements for promoting responsible tourism. The emphasis is on enhancing tourism sustainability which directly conserves the natural environment linked to local communities (either credible individuals or groups) through mutually beneficial and equitable partnerships. Therefore, the award aims to celebrate ecotourism best practices in different tourism sectors and tourism set ups in Kenya. Eco-Warriors Awards truly recognized these unsung heroes and heroines for their effort to promote responsible and sustainable tourism in Kenya. The unique characteristic of ecotourism is its cardinal principle of linking tourism to nature conservation and community development, especially for local people who have conserved the environment since time immemorial through their traditional customs and cultural practices.

About Ecotourism Kenya:

Ecotourism Kenya is a business membership association directly serving more than 450 members, and reaching out to hundreds more in Kenya and East Africa. Since its inception in 1996 Ecotourism Kenya has been involved in a wide range of activities to promote and broaden the industry understanding of sustainable tourism, and attract membership beyond the mainstream tourism industry. For further read, visit our website http://ecotourismkenya.org/