Improving Capacities of Local Community Forest Guides

Project Overview

The “Improving Capacities of Local Community Forest Guides” project was implemented at Mt Kenya Conservancy during October 2013. This one-month initiative, financed by Kenya Forest Service, provided comprehensive training to 45 community forest guides from the surrounding areas of Mt. Kenya Forest.

Project Background

Mt. Kenya Forest is a vital ecosystem and an important tourism destination in Kenya. Local communities living adjacent to the forest have traditionally served as guides for tourists and visitors, but many lacked formal training in eco-tourism practices, conservation knowledge, and visitor management skills. This project aimed to bridge this gap by enhancing the capabilities of local guides, thereby improving both conservation outcomes and community livelihoods.

Project Objectives

• Enhance the knowledge and skills of community forest guides in eco-tourism practices
• Improve understanding of forest conservation and sustainable resource management
• Develop visitor handling and interpretation skills
• Create standardized guiding protocols for consistency in visitor experiences
• Strengthen the connection between tourism activities and community benefits

Implementation Activities

1. Technical Training Workshops: Sessions on forest ecology, biodiversity identification, and conservation principles
2. Practical Field Training: Hands-on experience in trail management, safety protocols, and wildlife tracking
3. Visitor Management Skills: Communication techniques, group management, and interpretation methods
4. First Aid and Emergency Response: Basic first aid and emergency protocols specific to forest environments
5. Business Skills Development: Basic accounting, marketing, and tourism service management

Project Outcomes

• 45 community forest guides successfully completed comprehensive training
• Development of a standardized Mt. Kenya Forest Tour Guide Manual
• Establishment of a Forest Guides Association for ongoing collaboration
• Creation of three specialized thematic trails with interpretive content
• Implementation of a code of conduct for sustainable forest guiding

Impact

The project significantly improved the quality of guiding services in Mt. Kenya Forest, leading to enhanced visitor experiences and increased tourism revenue. Trained guides demonstrated improved conservation awareness and became active advocates for forest protection in their communities. The establishment of the Guides Association created a sustainable structure for continuing professional development and knowledge sharing.

The initiative represents a successful model of community-based eco-tourism development that aligns conservation objectives with economic benefits for local populations.

Partnership and Support