01 April 2009
KENYA’S TURTLE BAY CONTINUES TO AID CONSERVATION AND THE COMMUNITY
April 2009
Turtle Bay, Kenya’s responsible resort located directly on the country’s famous Watamu beach , is well known for its community development and conservation work. The resort is the only Silver Eco-rated hotel in the coastal region of Kenya and is aiming for its Gold Eco award this year.
Turtle Bay is the most established hotel in the Malindi region and the Kenyan Coastal area that is really involved in community and conservation projects. The resort, which has invested heavily in energy saving equipment and processes over many years, has been extremely active in the local community and will continue its support throughout 2009 and beyond
Many communities and conservation projects in the area surrounding Turtle Bay have received the support of not only the resort but also its guests, many of whom contribute to the fund raising activities, including local schools and orphanages projects. For example, last year not only did the hotel raise enough funds to buy a school mini bus for the nearby God Our Father Children’s Orphanage but collected enough money to pay for over 40 local children from less privileged backgrounds to go to school.
Turtle Bay guests regularly get involved in the volunteer programmes and contribute and assist through time, money or gifts. One of the projects they get heavily involved in is the Watamu Turtle Watch, a community based organisation dealing with the protection of sea turtles and the marine environment. There are over 150 species of hard and soft corals, such as brain and fan corals and sponges and over 1000 species of fish in the region. Larger species include whale sharks, manta rays, octopus and barracuda.. Watamu is also as important turtle breeding area- primarily Green and Hawksbill turtles, but it is also possible to see Olive Ridleys, Loggerheads and Leatherback species. Regular presentations about the organisation’s work and achievements are held at the resort.
One of the leading projects benefitting is the Arabuko Sokoke Schools and Eco-Tourism Scheme (ASSETS) which involves educating local children on the environment, particularly in the world famous Arubuko Sokoke Forest and Mida Creek, which is a UNESCO area.
Regular beach clean ups are organised by Turtle Bay to retain the beauty of one of the world’s top ten beaches and involve local communities, schools, conservation organisations and guests. To help get rid of future waste, work has started on a new waste incinerator for the local community
The award winning 145 room resort is set amongst 10 acres of tropically landscaped gardens and offers excellent water sports facilities in a national Marine Park hosting an abundant variety of fish, coral and marine life. Above the waves there are hundreds of bird species to see and enjoy. Turtle Bay is also well know for its excellent children’s facilities including a popular Kids Club where junior guests get to have fun on the beach and at the same time learn about the area surrounding the resort, its animals, birds and plants.
The resort is featured by most of the UK’s leading African tour operators including Somak, Hayes and Jarvis, Thomson, Thomas Cook, Virgin Holidays, Kuoni, Responsible Travel and Hands Up Holidays.
For more information about Turtle Bay visit www.turtlebay.co.ke
For media enquiries:
Toby Oliver
Oliver Relations Ltd
01273 818112
toby@oliverrelations.co.uk