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Back in 1952 Aldo Soprani bought a small plot in the bush on the edge of what was considered to be, and still is by the way, the best south coast fishing grounds.
Aldo discovered very early on that the sea didn't just offer fishing but there were amazing wonders of the deep, corals, brightly cloured fish, dolphins, whales & turtles. Not far from Shimoni Aldo along with his family and friends discovered wonderful reefs, many surrounding uninhabited islands.
By 1978 Aldo, with the help of many, had persuaded the government to form a protected area now KISITE MARINE NATIONAL PARK & MPUNGUTI NATIONAL RESERVE. Then Aldo started the original day tour to Wasini Island with snorkelling to the marine park. In 1984 we joined Aldo's son Alberto and together we have continued to follow Aldo's lead to ensure that the area is protected and that the community benefit from hopefully only the positive aspects of tourism.
The marine life has remained spectacular and there is always something new to surprise us. Recently the numbers of dolphins have grown and our records show an increasing possibility to swim and dive with them. Our strict policy of not chasing but allowing these curious creatures to join us in the water ensures that there is no infringement to their environment.
Whale Sharks are now common visitors, whereas 10 years ago there were only ever rare sightings. These plankton eating giants are also friendly and inquisitive. Turtles join our divers underwater - even the fun-dives have seen many turtles, almost on a daily basis.
For divers visiting us we are sure you are concerned about the coral bleaching and destruction noted after the el-Nino phenomena. A surprising little amount of damage was done to our reefs and the re-growth has produced fast repair and also very interesting new coral formations. Visiting divers have commented on the lack of damage.
Our dive team are dedicated to ensuring that all divers receive a detailed briefing including all aspects of care and conservation.
We
are members of KESCOM - the KWS turtle project for protection of turtles and
are the Wasini Island report base for all nest sightings.
Over the years , believing that conservation lies in the hands of children, we have taken many of the local children to the marine park as their father's don't sail to the park as they are fishermen and cannot enter the park with their boats - only the reserve where traditional fishing methods are permitted. We also arrange various educational tours for the children and the restaurant helps both island primary schools.
There are 2 community projects in the area, managed well by
the local community to support the many needs of the people. Both of these are
also supported by us, and we encourage our guests to visit.
Ecotourism we believe means sustainable support for communities in areas where there is tourism. We try our best to encourage local community projects, employ and train members of the community and buy as much local produce as possible. All our fish and crab is supplied locally and the fruit and vegetables are grown locally. This way we all work together and as many people as possible benefit from your visit.
Malik, now an advanced SSI instructor, came to us as
a boat crew. His own ability, dedication and sustained hard work have resulted
in this fantastic result. Ecotourism
in practice.
CHARLIE CLAW'S WASINI ISLAND
Conservation, ecotourism & community projects
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SHIMONI
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WASINI
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The
Shimoni Slave Caves.
Wasini
Women's Group.