Green Initiative

Since inception, Vipingo Ridge has been supporting a local community marine initiative through our membership of the Kuruwitu Conservation and Welfare Association. This is a community-based marine conservation and management initiative which together with artisanal fishers and private beach residents within the Vipingo/Kuruwitu marine came together with the goal of promoting sustainable use and management of the coastal and marine resources in the area.

The fundamental goal is to enhance understanding and capacity support for the protection and promotion of marine ecosystem for environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits of the community and other stakeholders through sustainable practices within the Vipingo/Kuruwitu marine area.

We are actively involved in the Associations plans to emulate the success of the two existing marine sanctuaries by setting up a network of seven other similar protected areas between Mtwapa and Kilifi. This marine conservation sanctuary will become the first ever establishment of its kind in Kenya and has become a role model for other communities along the Kenya coast.

Vipingo Ridge will be entirely self sufficient in terms of water use. Apart from the huge natural existing dam, rain water is channelled off roads throughout Vipingo Ridge and diverted into a dam in the lower part of the development.  This dam will serve as emergency water storage but more importantly it will also become a peaceful haven for birds and animals. All waste water from the Clubhouse and apartment blocks will be collected and fed into bio-digesters and then into ‘wetland’ type ponds. These ponds can be used both for localized irrigation or picturesque water features which encourage abundant birdlife. By demonstrating how easy it is to recycle water, residents and the avid gardeners alike, will hopefully follow suit.

During the 1930s the rainfall in Mombasa was around 25-30 inches per year, and remained at this level until fairly recently.  During the 1980s and 1990s tens of thousands of trees were planted in Nyali, creating a nascent forest.  Critical mass was reached about 10 years ago.  Since that time until now, the rainfall in the Mombasa area has increased by over 100% to more than 60 inches per year.  The last 12 months’ rainfall has been over 90 inches. Owing to the location of Vipingo Ridge, it is likely that once critical mass is attained with 200,000 new trees planted on the estate; Vipingo Ridge will also have a similar effect on rainfall.

4 years ago Vipingo Ridge was a 2500 acre derelict sisal estate. On buying the land, Vipingo Ridge decided to try to bring back the natural vegetation as far as possible and to remove any invasive non indigenous species.  A 5 acre block of natural coast forest was left intact by a far sighted previous estate manager.  This forest is invaluable for several reasons; one being that the natural beauty and serenity of this spot is inspiring and informs the Vipingo Ridge vision.  The forest also serves as a vital resource of a variety of seed which are propagated in the Vipingo Ridge tree nursery. The tree nursery is currently stocked with around 10,000 trees, predominantly indigenous coastal species. At present, about 15,000 trees have been integrated into the natural Coastal scrub at Vipingo Ridge, creating a harmonious transition from bush land to fairways. The planting will be an ongoing exercise for many years.

In the hot, humid conditions at the coast, large established trees can produce around 6 bags of charcoal per acre per year without any reduction in tree cover by trimming lower branches and occasionally by the removal of an entire tree when thinning to prevent overcrowding. With care, about 1800 bags of charcoal per year can be produced; later when the planned major plantings at Vipingo Ridge come on stream, this total will rise further. Charcoal will be sold to the local communities at a price well below the market value.  This will ensure that the area around Vipingo Ridge will not import charcoal from other areas. By producing 5 bags of charcoal 1 tree is saved.