Eco-certification and Insertion of Socioeconomic and Cultural Best Practices in Ecotourism Operations in Kenya
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Date
2013-03
Authors
Muriithi, J.K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science
Abstract
The eco
-
rating scheme, a certification initiative for the tourism sector has existed in Kenya since the year 2003
when eco
-
labels were awarded to the first five tourism accommodation facilities. Since then, interest in
certification by tourism faci
lities has been increasing with close to sixty (60) tourism facilities having received
various levels of awards by mid 2012. As with many certification scheme
s, the eco
-
rating scheme uses a
composite criteria comprising environmental, socioeconomic and cul
tural indicators in assessing whether a
tourism facility qualifies for an eco
-
label award. In many certification schemes, the environmental criterion is
better known and has received much more analysis compared to the economic, social and cultural criteria
. This
paper examines how destination level communities have benefitted from the eco
-
certification initiative in Kenya
by looking at how economic, social and cultural factors are considered in ecotourism practice
s
of a certified
ecotourism facility. The st
udy finds that there are ecotourism operators with a genuine interest in working with
local communities to improve their lot. Secondly there are real and tangible benefits that local people derive from
ecotourism practices
that serve as a motivation for th
eir
involvement in tourism endeavours. The study also
suggests that local people
’s
participation in ecotourism enhances interest in conservation of nature and culture
as well as promoting development at the destination level.
Description
Keywords
Eco - certification, Socioeconomic and cultural criteria, Ecotourism, Responsible tourism, Eco-rating scheme, Kenya
Citation
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Vol. 3 No. 5; March 2013