The Eco Warrior Award for ‘Most Responsible Tour Operator’ was awarded to Gamewatchers Safaris.
The awards ceremony was held on the 25th November 2010 at the Southern Sun Mayfair Hotel in Nairobi and was attended by tourist industry stakeholders and conservation organizations as well as keen travellers.
The Eco Warrior awards were set up in 2005 by Ecotourism Kenya to recognize and reward those who have made a significant contribution to sustainable tourism in Kenya.
Ecotourism Kenya state that the reason they awarded Gamewtchers Safaris this accolade was because:
”Gamewatchers Safaris Ltd. presented clear written policies on their engagement in all areas of sustainable tourism including energy, water, waste and land management, conservation of natural resources and promotion of community integration and partnership. Gamewatchers partner with booking agents to contribute a portion of every booking as a donation to a school they have supported in Kibera which has doubled its enrolment from 70 to 140 students. Gamewatchers Safaris is the exclusive booking office and marketing arm of Porini Camps which as a result of Gamewatchers Safaris business has been able to help conserve over 57,000 acres of wilderness and employ over 120 community members.”
Our Commercial Director, Dr Mohanjeet Brar (pictured above, second from left) collected the award from Dr David Western, Chairman of the African Conservation Centre and former Director of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) watched by Mr Muigai, Chairman of Ecotourism Kenya (left) and Mr Mwathi of KWS (right).
Ecotourism Kenya manages a certification scheme for tourism accommodation facilities based on environmental and social criteria. All four Porini Camps have been certified as Silver rated, out of a total of only 21 establishments in Kenya that have this grading.
