Colobus Trust

On the 25th of April, a consultative stakeholders meeting was convened as stipulated by National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), at the Baobab Resort to discuss the Environmental Impact Assessment report. In attendance were representatives from Baobab Beach Resort’s management, Pollmans, The South Coast Residents Association, The Colobus Trust & the District Environmental Officer designated by NEMA and Mr Suresh Patel, the lead expert undertaking the EIA for Baobab Resort.

Mr. Suresh led the discussions and the meeting was open and candid in discussing all the concerns on environment impacts envisaged that the development could have on the forest. We firstly discussed as to why this process was 5 months overdue. Our main concern was the impact the extra guests and additional staff would have on the environment and other pertinent environmental concerns, namely the water recycling system, electricity, sewage and garbage disposal systems. We have assurance that Baobab Beach Resort’s has adequate facilities and this was confirmed by the District Environment Officer and as with any other tourism establishment, would be assessed by NEMA periodically. We were also told that these systems were to be evaluated (using scientific analysis where possible) and this would be published in the final report.

Encouraging is the involvement of Abdulaziz Abdalla, Pollmans Special Project Executive who is also representing Baobab Resort. Over the years he has worked in conservation undertakings involved with the Kenya Wildlife Service. He presented a balanced reporting on the matter and has pledged to work with the Colobus Trust in a mutual cooperation in addressing issues pertaining to tourism development and its effects on the Diani’s Forest Ecosystem. We report to our supporters and readers that we are glad that this matter has taken an amicable turn and look forward to seeing the final report and hope that Baobab Resort can be an example for others.

We are still being notified of numerous developments underway in Diani, where large areas of natural beauty, and importance, have been cleared. Sadly this is a nationwide problem and soon many unique habitats, and their inhabitants, will be lost due uncontrolled development. Therefore we desperately need NEMA to clarify the laws governing development and see these upheld. If this is not the case and development goes on unabated then we are faced with a bleak future for Diani. The forest cannot take this level of disturbance and fragmentation, and at current rates it will not be able to support a viable Colobus population (and many other species) within the next decade. Please help us fight for what is right, without your help all our work will be in vain. We are currently forming a partnership with other like-minded organisations and people to promote truly eco-friendly tourism in Kenya. But this work will be undone, unless the government and developers commit themselves, in action, to protect Kenya’s remaining beauty, before it is too late.

Watch this space!

Gwili Gibbon
Assistant Manager