If we succeed with the Koyaki conservancy the maasai landowner can stay on their land with their cattle and at the same time benefit from a vibrant tourism industry that supports them and gives competitive income compared to other kind of land use.

 Basecamp is part of the think tank to develop a new model – where the local people will benefit. It’s a holistic approach where local livelihood, tourism and community development are integrated. The idea is also to take this model to other areas.

 

We have just started, but we are on the right track. We will all explore and gain experience in the process.

It’s a new situation here – the land is not longer belonging to the community. Its subdivided. The landowners have now to decide by themselves and not as a group, but we are dealing with a community with international recognition on taking care of its culture and the wildlife.

 

But if the landowners don`t cooperate everyone will loose. The landscape will be scattered. Wildlife will disappear. We just have to succeed and make people work together.

 

When Basecamp build their first camp in Masai Mara it was just another camp. Now they have shown the community and the tourists that they can give first class safaris and still support the local people. Basecamp is actually both changing tourism and the community.

 

It was therefore a honour for me and the community when I won the EcoStorm environmental award. I am happy to represent both community and Basecamp in the work I am doing.