Diani beach resort in Kenya
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
Opened in 1997, the resort was build with the idea of giving our guests the feeling of staying in nature. Since then we have been working hard to create an authentic forest with its indigenous wildlife, like the wild flowering fruit trees which all monkeys and birds adore.
Wildlife
Forest Dream plays an important role to help the conservation of the indigenous wildlife in Diani Beach to stay as beautiful as it was when we first arrived. We have managed to expand the natural forest grounds around our resort to ensure that birds and monkeys have a place to live in the future. Currently we are expanding our forest grounds so even more indigenous wildlife is protected. On our forest grounds we have local flora, with many endangered types of plants and trees. With the results of behavioral studies we plant the food that attracts different kinds of monkeys and birds. We have a big nursery for all indigenous flora which is almost lost in Diani. Our staff makes sure that all our wildlife is protected and that snares are demolished. We offer our guests the chance to enjoy Diani Beach in a way that is not a threat to nature.
Disposal
Waste is divided so that plastic and glass can be recycled. Organic waste is brought to our farm and paper and other waste is burned. We use waste water management.
Energy
Both the farm and the resort use solar-powered waterpumps for our own wells. Solar-powered boilers are used to provide hot water and we have an experimental bio-generator study. Water is recycled and water filtering systems are used. On the grounds we use only LED lights and usage of electricity and water is monitored.
Local
About 95% of the staff is local and trained in house. By hiring locals we provide employment and an income for them and their families. We established a farm of 10 acres outside the forest where we grow vegetables and fruits. Having a wide variety of free roaming animals including cows, chicken, ducks and others, giving them all the space they want. We have a solar water irrigation system on our farm and this provides all the water we need in the near future. Most of our other fresh supplies are bought locally like vegetables, fruit and fish.
Community
Campaigning for change
20 years ago Forest Dream director Kees van Velzen came upon Diani Beach. He found the wildlife here so fantastic he decided to stay. Unfortunately wild animals around were in the decline, like the endangered Colobus monkey. He set up the Colobus Trust found which now has managed to help the population of Colobus monkeys to regain strength in their local surroundings. Now the Trust has numerous projects concerning the wildlife and the citizens of Kenya, including animal welfare, biological/ecological research, community development and education, forest protection and enrichment and eco-tourism awareness programs.
Expanding the local forest
ForestDream plays an important role to help the conservation of the indigenous wildlife in Diani beach to stay as beautiful as it was when we first arrived. We have managed to expand the natural forest grounds around our resort to ensure that birds and monkeys have a place to live in the future. We study the behaviour of the animals so we can plant the plants and trees they need. We are always looking for new ways to become more eco-friendly.
Sponsoring
Besides the Colobus Trust we have decided to help a local school by sponsoring them to ensure that the children will get better chances in life. We believe strongly that education is the answer to poverty.
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