By Mwanaharusi Rashid.
The Principal Secretary of the State Department for Tourism, John Ololtuaa, yesterday launched the Coastal Beach Management Unit (BMU) Programme at Kongo Beach in Kwale County as part of significant strides towards enhancing the sustainability and conservation of Kenya’s coastal regions.
The event held against the backdrop of the serene and picturesque Kongo Beach, attracted a diverse gathering of local stakeholders, environmental activists, government officials, and members of the community. The programme aims to fortify the stewardship of coastal and marine resources, ensuring that the economic, social, and environmental benefits are optimized for the local communities and the nation at large.
Ololtuaa in his keynote address, emphasized the critical role that coastal regions play in Kenya’s economy, particularly through tourism, fishing, and biodiversity. He highlighted the importance of sustainable management practices that align with global environmental standards to preserve the pristine nature of these areas.
“The Coastal Beach Management Unit Programme is not just a government initiative but a collective responsibility. It embodies our commitment to protecting our invaluable coastal ecosystems while promoting sustainable tourism and livelihoods,” said Ololtuaa. “We are here to ensure that our beaches remain clean, safe, and attractive to both local and international tourists.”
The programme is aimed to empower local communities by involving them directly in the management and conservation efforts. By fostering a collaborative approach, the initiative seeks to leverage local knowledge and promote community-led actions that enhance environmental conservation.
The Coastal Beach Management Unit Programme encompasses several components aimed at comprehensive coastal management, according to the PS capacity Building and Training is key whereby local community members will be trained on best practices for beach management, conservation techniques, and sustainable tourism operations.
Ololtuaa, the Principal Secretary, underscored this community-centric approach in his speech. “Our goal is to create a sustainable model where local communities are the primary custodians of their environment. This initiative will provide training, resources, and support to ensure that they can manage the coastal resources effectively,” he stated.
Another component that he stressed on is waste management and clean-up Initiatives, by Implementing robust waste management systems and regular beach clean-up drives to maintain the cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of coastal areas.
“Tourism Development by identifying tourist sites is also a key component, for example the natural formation resembling the map of Africa visible from above found in tiwi beach remains relatively unknown”, he said. By enhancing infrastructure and amenities to support eco-friendly tourism, including the development of information centers and recreational facilities the sites will attract more tourists.
To support this vision, the county executive committee member department of tourism in Kwale Mr. Michael Mutua who was in attendance during the launch said that substantial investments in infrastructure have been planned.
“The county government is planning the construction and improvement of roads leading to Tiwi Beach, where the natural formation resembling the map of Africa visible from above,famously known as the Tiwi Africa pool so as to ensure seamless access for tourists. Upgrading existing roads and building new ones will not only facilitate easier travel but also enhance the overall tourist experience”. stated Mutua.
He also added that Street lighting is another crucial component of the development plan. The installation of energy-efficient streetlights will improve safety and visibility, encouraging tourists to explore the area during evening hours. This move is expected to boost local businesses, as tourists will have more flexibility in planning their activities.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, the development plan envisions the establishment of recreational facilities and other amenities to enhance the tourist experience. Plans are underway to create well-maintained picnic areas, walking trails, and viewing platforms that offer panoramic views of the beach and the map of Africa formation. These facilities will cater to a wide range of tourists, from families seeking a relaxing day out to adventure enthusiasts looking to explore the natural landscape.
Moreover, local businesses stand to benefit significantly from this development. The county government is actively encouraging the establishment of eco-friendly resorts, restaurants, and shops. By promoting local entrepreneurship, the plan aims to create job opportunities and stimulate the local economy.
However Mr. Ololtuaa stressed the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, private sector players, and international partners. The programme seeks to harness the strengths and resources of each stakeholder to create a cohesive and effective strategy.
The local community at Kongo Beach and the broader Kwale County have expressed optimism and support for the Coastal Beach Management Unit Programme. Community leaders and residents see it as an opportunity to enhance their livelihoods through sustainable tourism while preserving their natural heritage.
In conclusion, the launch of the Coastal Beach Management Unit Programme marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s efforts to balance development with environmental stewardship.
