Empakase Conservation, a community-based conservancy group, is set to build a unique dinosaur-themed lodge within the Oloolua forest in Kajiado County, Kenya. The group claims to have been granted a special permit by the Kenya Forestry Services (KFS) for the project at the Murunya camp site. The proposed lodge aims to promote conservation while providing eco-tourism facilities.
The development is designed with a conservation-first approach, prioritizing minimal environmental impact. The project aims to achieve a zero-tree-cutting target through the use of elevated structures, raised boardwalks, and reversible construction methods. This approach is expected to minimize the project's ecological footprint and preserve the forest's natural habitat.
The lodge will feature various eco-friendly facilities, including a robotic dinosaur theme park, museum, eco-restaurant, raised tented eco-cottages, and children's recreational facilities. The project also includes the establishment of an indigenous tree nursery with a proposed capacity of approximately 500,000 seedlings and rehabilitation of at least 15.26 acres of Oloolua forest.
The proposed development is situated within a gazetted forest environment and will be implemented under a conservation-led approach. Empakase Conservation emphasizes that the project will protect the existing forest ecosystem and integrate built components sensitively into the environment. The concept is based on a "forest-led destination" principle, where the forest remains the primary attraction.
The Oloolua forest has been a sensitive topic due to frequent protests against suspected land grabbers. In March 2024, communities near the forest protested against the alleged grabbing of 66 acres of forest land. However, the Kenya Forest Service denied these claims, stating that the land in question is occupied by four government agencies.
The KFS clarified that there is no individual allocation of land within Oloolua Forest, contradicting community claims of land grabbing. Despite these assurances, concerns about the forest's management and conservation persist. Empakase Conservation's project aims to contribute directly to forest conservation through sustainable tourism practices.
The dinosaur-themed lodge project has the potential to promote eco-tourism and support conservation efforts in the Oloolua forest. If successful, the project could serve as a model for sustainable tourism developments in sensitive environmental areas. Key aspects of the project include its conservation-first approach, eco-friendly facilities, and commitment to protecting the forest ecosystem.
Key points
- Empakase Conservation has been granted a special permit by the Kenya Forestry Services for the dinosaur-themed lodge project.
- The project aims to achieve a zero-tree-cutting target and promote conservation through sustainable tourism practices.
- The lodge will feature eco-friendly facilities, including a robotic dinosaur theme park and indigenous tree nursery.
