Eco Tourism

Eco-tourism is an important ally for the long-term future of Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Mida Creek. Given the rare and unique wildlife in these areas, the potential for income generation from eco-tourism is high.

ASSETS is promoting eco-tourism by providing facilities which allow visitors a more in-depth experience of the sites. A tree house has been constructed near the visitor centre in the forest and a hanging mangrove walkway and bird hide is located at Mida Creek. All the proceeds from the entrance fee at Mida will go directly into the ASSETS eco-bursary fund for secondary school scholarships.

Unlike other eco-tourism projects, which provide direct benefits only to those offering visitor services (such as the guides themselves), ASSETS channels the funds from eco- tourism equitably throughout the communities around the forest and creek. Community projects such as building clinics and schools are of great benefit to the local areas. However, ASSETS will have an even greater impact by spreading benefits throughout all of the secondary schools in the target area. Additionally, because the project is long term, the communities will continually be aware of how they are benefiting from the sites.

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