Kipini Swahili Eco-lodge The Kipini Conservancy is located in the northeast of Kenya, and consists of an area of 220 km2. The conservancy links the coastline to the hinterland and is part of a connected migration corridor for elephants and other species.The size, geographical location and biodiversity of conservancy are unique and recognised as ecologically and biologically outstanding by the WWF.The project partners have developed a concept in which conservancy, tourism, and community involvement are integrated and interconnected. This concept is already successfully introduced with a PSOM grant in Ethiopia.The joint venture will develop and exploit lodges and tourist activities, and thereby generate income for conservancy and local communities. A separate entity, The Kipini Wildlife and Botanical Conservancy (KWBC), will be responsible for maintaining and developing the conservancy. The consortium will contribute a minimum of 25% of his profit to the KWBC. The local communities will be an essential part of the tourist activities. Touristic potential in the communities (Orma tribe, Kipini women's group, Fishery Association Kipini) will be developed, together with the consortium, what will lead to steady income for the locals. They will also add to the maintenance of the conservancy by the sustainable use of it. A joint venture will be established between Princeps Management Consultants and Nairobi Ranching Company.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)The whole business concept is set up around environmental sustainability, ecological conservancy, ecotourism, inclusion of the local community and capacity building of the local community.The joint venture will follow the internationally recognised ETI Base Code regarding the basic working conditions. In addition they will provide free lunches, payment of medical care insurance, education and professional training, access to HIV/AIDS prevention, family planning programmes, housing and transport to and from the lodge. Furthermore, the ecolodge will be certified by the Eco Tourism Society of Kenya, which guarantees a sustainable approach with regard to energy (solar/wind), waste disposal and the design and construction of the lodge. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be executed at the beginning of the project.Impact•	Employment and working conditions36 full-time jobs will be created. In addition employment will be created in the local communities. They estimate that 150 indirect jobs will be created in the local communities at the end op the project. The joint venture will follow the internationally recognised ETI Base Code. Following working conditions will be provided by the joint venture:- Good salaries.- Company lunches.- Medical care insurance/reimbursement of medical costs of employees.- The opportunity of education and professional training.- Access to a HIV/AIDS prevention and family planning programme.- Transport to and from the lodge.- Housing.•	Innovation/Transfer of knowledgeThis project introduces a new business concept to Kenya, in which conservancy, tourism, and community involvement are integrated and interconnected. All stakeholders, including guests, will be taught about the concept, on their own level:- Employees will receive training in the principles of the concept.- The inhabitants of the involved communities will be trained in the development of sustainable economic activities and the sustainable use of the conservancy.- Guests of the lodge (the tourists) will be offered the opportunity to learn about the concept, the unique characteristics of Kipini and the local community culture and traditions.•	Chain effectsParties that benefit directly from the project on long term are:- Employees, by having the opportunity for a secured long term job.- Local communities around the conservancy, by having opportunities to generate income from tourist activities.- KWBC, by receiving a steady flow of income for the maintenance and development of the conservancy.- Tour operators, by being able to offer new activities/locations.- Tourist accommodations in the region, by spin off effect and enhancement of the attractiveness of the area.•	EnvironmentThe central aim of the project is the preservation of the natural environment of the Kipini conservancy. The lodge will be designed by a professional eco-architect to fit as harmoniously as possible into its natural environment. In the design, as many natural materials as possible will be used. State-of-the-art sustainable solutions will be used regarding energy (solar energy, wind energy), water (use of rain-water for flushing toilets, waste water treatment by means of helophyte filters), and waste disposal (a waste treatment and separation system will be considered).•	Position of womenAt least 50% of the workforce will be female. They will be trained and educated. Furthermore, the Community Cultural Tourist Clusters (CCTC) will be managed by local women's groups. Since women will be managing the clusters, mainly women will be trained, in the field of management and creating sustainable income generating economic activities. The preservation, maintenance, and development of the Kipini conservancy by implementing a concept in which conservancy, tourism, and community involvement are integrated. At the end of the project 1,500 guests will be received.