CALL FOR APPLICATIONS 2019

According to 2019 WTTC report, Kenya’s Travel & Tourism industry is responsible for 8.3 percent of all Kenyan employment which translates to 1.1 million jobs. This therefore puts the tourism sector in perspective while considering the contribution of responsible employment and especially green jobs on the Green Economy.  In line with the global UNWTO’s World Tourism Day 2019 theme: Tourism Jobs and the Green Economy: A Better Future for All, Ecotourism Kenya is pleased to announce the call for applications for the 2019 Eco Warrior Award that will be celebrating organizations, businesses and individuals that are promoting green jobs and the green economy.

The focus of the 2019 Eco Warrior Award is on four (4) main categories that have been carefully selected to exemplify how tourism creates significant economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits on local people and places. Applications are therefore welcome from tourism businesses and suppliers – destinations, accommodations, Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and Community Based Tourism Enterprises (CBTEs), Safari Airline Companies and Tour Operators, guides, journalists, bloggers and individual members of Ecotourism Kenya can apply in a specific category that has been reserved for them.

Objective of the Award

The 2019 Eco Warrior Award seeks to recognise and celebrate best practices in sustainable tourism within Kenya’s tourism industry. This is based upon the principles of environmentally friendly operations; the protection of cultural and natural heritage; and direct benefits to the social and economic well-being of local people. It further aims to highlight achievements and exceptional innovations made by different players in the tourism industry to integrate the Global Sustainable Development Goals in their operations. This year, we wish to recognize the responsible employers and those businesses making a social impact within their destination.

Standard Definition of Key Words to Be Used for This Year’s Award

Tourism is a high-growth industry that has the potential to create millions of jobs and boost employment prospects.  The award takes a deeper focus on green jobs as this is a significant aspect of a green economy. The following is how the two underlined phrases shall be defined with regards to the 2019 Eco Warrior Award:

• Green jobs: These are jobs that contribute to the green economy through preservation and restoration of the natural environment and promote social fairness.
• Green economy: Is one that is environmentally friendly, with abundant resources that are shared fairly and have an outcome on better social well-being.

Ecotourism Kenya hereby welcomes you to forward your applications for any of the following Eco-Warriors categories:

Promoting Decent Work and Reducing Inequalities at the work place

This category is linked to SDG 8 and 10. It involves reducing inequalities (internally) within the business or organization by ensuring equal opportunities and promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, productive employment and decent work for all.

The category is open to conservancies, accommodations, tour operators, community based tourism organizations and any other organization within the tourism/ conservation industry.

• Conservancies must be recognised by Kenya Wildlife Association of Conservancies (KWCA)
• Accommodations must be Eco-rated by Ecotourism Kenya
• Tour Operators must be members of Ecotourism Kenya and/or KATO.

Social Impact Category

This category is linked to SDG 1. It seeks to recognize tourism organizations that mobilize resources to eradicate poverty, implement social protection systems, support local community investments, enterprises and create jobs for local communities.

Change Makers Category

This category is open to individuals only.  This includes safari guides, journalists, bloggers, students, recent graduates (should have graduated within the last two years) and individual Ecotourism Kenya members. They are expected to have made positive evident contribution towards achieving a green economy.

It involves actions, projects, initiatives, best practices or campaigns inclined towards promoting and influencing natural and cultural environment preservation, and restoration.

Green Tour Champions

This category is linked to SDG 12. It shall involve demonstration of best practices in responsible production and consumption of resources. It has 3 elements:

1. Resource Use Efficiency
2. Tour Operators Category
3. Single Use Plastics Category

The category is open to Ecotourism Kenya’s Ecorated accommodation facilities, hotels that have signed the Plastic Free East Africa Coast pledge and Travelife engaged tour operators only.

For detailed description of the Award Categories and judging criteria, kindly follow this link – Description of Award Categories

How to Participate:

The 2019 Eco Warrior Award is now open for applications until 9th August 2019.

1. Download the application form for a specific category using the following links: