EcoStorm Lamu February 23 – 26th 2010

Lamu- A Brief description
Lamu Old Town is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, retaining its traditional functions. Built in coral stone and mangrove timber, the town is characterized by the simplicity of structural forms enriched by such features as inner courtyards, verandas, and elaborately carved wooden doors. The island itself is a beautiful place of rolling dunes and endless beaches, where tiny villages nestle among coconut and mango plantations and lateen sailed dhows ply the waters. In addition Lamu is a World Heritage site. These attributes and more, have made Lamu an attractive tourist destination. Indeed tourism is the backbone of Lamu's economy.

Yet Lamu has challenges in as far as tourism is concerned.   There is the challenge of restoration and preservation, the challenge of product development, the limits of use of attractions, the involvement of local people in preservation and tourism and the impact of climate to mention a few.

EcoStorm Lamu
Basecamp Foundation and partners plans to host an EcoStorm workshop in Lamu in February 2010 to brainstorm on challenges and to formulate strategies that will sustain Lamu as a model for preservation through sustainable tourism.

Consultations with partners and stakeholders are on-going. For more information on participation or interest in partnering with us, contact: tina@basecampfoundation.org