SERENA HOTELS CAMPS IN KENYA RETAIN ECO-TOURISM GOLD CERTIFICATION
(Posted 11th July 2021)
EcoTourism Kenya has renewed their coveted Gold status to two of Serena’s tented safari camps, Sweetwaters and Elementaita. Both properties were holding the highest audit certification available under a globally recognized eco tourism scheme since 2013.
The Certification program is recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council since 2016 and is at the same level with other international standards across the globe.
Sweetwaters Serena Camp and Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp went through an in-depth biennial on-site audit that resulted in the Gold Eco-rating Certification.
A ‘Gold Eco-rating’ is awarded to facilities that have shown innovation in responsible resource use, environmental conservation, community empowerment, cultural preservation and promotion and holistic business practices. Some of the notable projects both Camps were commended for but not limited to includes:
· Trees planted by our guests, staff and the local community school children. Both camps have their own seedling nursery with efforts focused on reforestation while in the recent past, on agroforestry which includes the planting of fruit and herb trees. Whilst contributing towards reducing our carbon footprint, it is hoped that this will enhance food security in the long run.
· Has made conscious efforts to reduce ‘single-use plastic’ through initiatives such as: transitioning to a replenishable large format of guest amenities that replaces the traditional single-use miniature bottled shampoo, shower gel and lotion; elimination of plastic straws; and transitioning to the use of glass mineral water bottles from single-use plastic mineral water bottles.
· Lake Elmenteita Serena and Sweetwaters Serena both run on a grid-tied solar system and have solar water heating systems.
· Supports and empowers the local community through the provision of employment, training, internships, priority towards sourcing of fresh food produce, sale of artefacts and handicrafts from the local community groups at the gift shops amongst others.
· Water conservation is achieved through efficient laundry and kitchen washing process formulations and waste water recycling. Treated effluent water is re-used for irrigation and the excess effluent is let back into the environment.
· Serena Clinics are in place at each property and accessible to guests, staff and the local community who receive free medical and wellness consultation.
Mr. Mahmud Jan Mohamed, Managing Director, Serena Hotels, says, “It is an honor to have our camps in Kenya retain this top-tier eco-rating certification that is recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Despite the adverse effects of the pandemic, our daily interactions and business processes continue to be guided by various policies that focus on responsible business along our value chain so as to create shared value between our business and the eco-system within which we operate.”
The Eco-Tourism Kenya Certification places emphasis on standards for running sustainable travel and tourism businesses. The Gold Certification represents the highest level of standard that can be attained by a business as a result of the adoption of best practices in the use of tourism resources, working with local communities, and managing waste and emissions.
Grace Nderitu, CEO Eco-Tourism Kenya also commented on the audit results, saying: “We applaud Serena Hotels for meeting eco-tourism standards to achieve the Gold Certification Rating. This certification is a true testament of how Serena Hotels is making remarkable continuous improvements to uphold sustainable tourism business practices.”
ATCNews congratulates Serena Hotels for maintaining their market leadership and especially their ongoing commitment to not just going green but staying green.
