Celebrating our Fridays for Future Wins
In February 2025 we launched our engagement in the movement originally started by Greta Thunburg, ‘Fridays for Future’ FFF. We engage in the spirit of action by dedicating time on (most) Fridays to positive climate and conservation activities.
In this blog we share a running update of the activities each week to inspire, remain accountable and share some of the small ways we can all make a difference.
111 Turtle Hatchlings Make It to Sea at Vipingo Beach
21st July 2025
On Monday 21 July, 111 turtle hatchlings successfully made their way to the Indian Ocean from Vipingo Beach, an exciting milestone for local marine conservation.
This is part of the Oceans Alive Turtle Protection Program, a collaborative effort with Kuruwitu Conservation and Welfare CBO and Bureni Marine and Turtle Protection, a passionate community group that conducts regular beach patrols to protect nesting turtles and their eggs.
Working alongside Bureni Turtle Watch, Oceans Alive has trained 12 local fishermen to monitor a 10 kilometre stretch of coastline within the Kuruwitu Co-Management Area. Their mission is to safeguard turtle nests and give every hatchling the best chance of survival.
This successful hatching event highlights the power of community led conservation in protecting our ocean's biodiversity and ensuring a future for endangered species like the sea turtle.
Leap students hosting at the Beach Club
Through our partnership with Oceans Alive, we hosted the 1st group of under 18 years LEAP Program students, a total of 21 students from 8 different countries for a hands-on marine conservation experience.
The under-18 group, accompanied by 3 teachers, participated in coral restoration work at the Beach Club, including making artificial coral plugs, bricks, and cleaning of the coral nursery tables in the ocean. This initiative forms part of our growing education program, which has so far engaged both local and international schools, universities, community groups and guests. By equipping youth with practical skills and real-world impact opportunities, we aim to inspire the next generation of climate and ocean stewards
Donation of firewood to local communities
July 2025 collections
As part of our Social Responsibility, we continue to supply our surrounding communities with firewood sourced from the removal of non-native tree species. This effort supports ongoing habitat restoration work, helping to rejuvenate indigenous coastal ecosystems while providing a sustainable energy resource for local households.
Aligned with the objectives of Fridays for the Future, the programme promotes responsible resource use, community support, and environmental stewardship. By combining ecosystem restoration with practical community benefits, Vipingo Ridge continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability, climate action, and community well-being along the Kenyan coast.
Scouts Fun Day
Saturday 12th July 2025
As part of our Fridays for Future programme, we hosted an inspiring Scouts Fun Day with 109 scouts and 17 teachers from nine primary schools in Kilifi South Sub-County.
Scouts Tree Planting
The day began with a safety briefing before an indigenous tree planting session, where scouts planted 50 native trees while learning how these species support local ecosystems and restore habitats.
A guided wildlife walk followed, giving them the chance to spot zebras, wildebeests, impalas, Grant gazelles and Elands as rangers shared insights on biodiversity and conservation.
Afternoon activities included team-building games, dances and lively interactions, building confidence and teamwork among the scouts.
After a hearty lunch at the Sundowner, the day ended with a visit to the airstrip, where scouts observed our 3 giraffes; Valentine, Kampoe and Shaa in a natural setting. The event perfectly reflected our mission to nurture young environmental champions through hands-on learning and fun.
Ocean Conservation Film Screening at The Sundowner
Friday 11th July 2025
The powerful documentary by Sir David Attenborough “Ocean” highlighted the importance of the Ocean in sustaining global eco-system. Guests were immersed in breathtaking marine narratives, learning about the threats facing coral reefs, deep-sea habitats, and coastal waters and understanding how their survival is deeply connected to our own.
In partnership with Ocean’s Alive, the event honored frontline conservationists working to heal marine ecosystems. The film’s gripping scenes from plastic-choked seas to resilient coral renewals ignited conversations about collective responsibility and urgent intervention.
OCEAN screening with Ocean’s Alive
In partnership with Ocean’s Alive, the event honored frontline conservationists working to heal marine ecosystems. The film’s gripping scenes from plastic-choked seas to resilient coral renewals ignited conversations about collective responsibility and urgent intervention.
World Giraffe Day Celebration at Vipingo Ridge
Saturday 21st June 2025
As part of Vipingo Ridge’s Fridays for Future initiative, which champions conservation and environmental stewardship, World Giraffe Day was celebrated through a Tale of Rescue, Resilience, and Renewal.
The day highlighted Vipingo Ridge’s ongoing efforts to protect giraffes through the Vipingo Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 2020. Participants heard inspiring accounts from rangers on the journey of the rescued giraffes; Valentine, Chaa, and Kampoe, overcoming early hardships to thrive in a safe environment.
The event honored the dedication of rangers and key conservation partners. A symbolic race and reflections on conservation efforts wrapped up the day, reinforcing Vipingo Ridge’s commitment to wildlife protection and sustainable futures.
Ocean Conservation Film Screening
Saturday 14th June 2025
As part of Vipingo Ridge’s Fridays for Future initiative championing conservation and environmental stewardship we proudly hosted a special screening of the groundbreaking Kenyan documentary "Reef Builders".
The evening spotlighted the precarious state of Kenya’s coral ecosystems, highlighting intimate stories of local conservationists battling ocean degradation. Guests immersed themselves in raw, hopeful narratives of reef restoration, discovering how bleached corals symbolize planetary vulnerability and why their survival is indivisibly tied to coastal communities’ resilience.
The event honored grassroots heroes pioneering coral nurseries and marine recovery. The film’s gripping scenes from barren sea beds to thriving regenerated reefs ignited conversations about collective action and urgent stewardship.
World Reef Day Planning Meeting
Thursday 24th April 2025
A planning meeting for World Reef Awareness Day 2025 was held between Vipingo Ridge and Kilifi Innovation Hub to develop a programme focused on youth engagement, environmental education, and community participation. Discussions centered on incorporating interactive activities, including beach clean-ups, educational film screenings, and school talent showcases, all aimed at raising awareness on coral reef conservation.
The meeting also focused on engaging local schools and community groups, with special attention on highlighting the importance of the Kuruwitu Marine Reserve. The planned activities directly support the objectives of Fridays for the Future by fostering practical climate action, youth leadership, and sustainable community practices. The session concluded with clear logistical planning and stakeholder coordination to ensure a well-organized and impactful Reef Day celebration aligned with broader coastal conservation efforts.
All Hands Beach Clean Up
Friday 4th April 2025
The seasons are changing and when the winds change we can find that the ocean ‘cleans itself’. At the normally pristine Vipingo beach we can find ourselves the recipients of litter from far-away places, unfortunately this doesn’t happen often, but of course is a stark reminder of the impact of littering.
This Friday team members from across departments leapt into action to head to our Beach Club for a voluntary beach clean-up activity.
As well as socialising and a mindful exercise in why we must all be stewards of the environment, this was also an opportunity to give back.
We are partnered with a women-led community based organisation (CBO) who collect waste, sort and sell for recycling, upcycling and proper disposal. This ‘Trash for Cash’ programme gives directly to the community as well as making our beaches idyllic to support our eco-tourism activities - a win-win.
Educating the next generation
Wednesday 26th March
The school holidays meant we had our FFF activity on a Wednesday this week.
Local international school partner Kivokoni, joined us to head on a game drive with the Vipingo Wildlife Sanctuary and learn from our Ranger team about our programmes and environmental education.
We love to host school visits and welcome them. Please read more about our activities: Wonderful School Trips To Promote Environmental And Conservation Education
Waste Management training
Thursday 20th March
An important part of being eco-conscious as a company is waste management. This week, a day early, we focussed on how our team engages with the disposal of waste.
Sourcing products that are eco-friendly as well as disposing of them in a conscious way is key to our role as custodians of the future.
This Thursday over 50 Vipingo Ridge team members attended a training session to reinforce the importance of recycling, and how they play a critical role. At Vipingo Ridge we have colour coded bins to categorise our waste, which is then collected and disposed of by our partner ‘Go Green’. The sessions were to reinforce the different bin colours, the types of waste that qualify in an interactive and fun way.
Digitisation of our Ranger team
Friday 14th March 2025
Following the successful connection to the international game changers Earth Ranger, this Friday we dedicated specific time to focus on Ranger training.
Earth Ranger came to Kenya in 2024 for a global conference as part of an engagement roadshow, and Vipingo Ridge was delighted to be the partner venue for the multiday event.
This Friday for Future was focussed on investing in our Wildlife team.
Celebrating World Wildlife Day
Thursday 6th March 2025
Technically a day early, this week we dedicated the morning to an action packaged programme with stakeholders, local school children to recognise the global World Wildlife Day.
Read more about this in our news article: Conservation financing: World Wildlife Day 2025
When Housekeeping and Wildlife teams collaborate
Friday 27th February
Our Housekeeping team is an essential part of the fabric of Vipingo Ridge, maintaining our shared spaces such as the restaurants, as well as the Signature Villas. They are custodians of waste management, following our strict recycling and disposals processes.
This FFF they engaged in a new type of ‘housekeeping’, working with our Ranger team for the afternoon to focus on a specific area of the Ridge that has become prone to litter and refuse
Important discussions about the impact of litter on the environment, the wildlife and the future were an important part of a social and productive afternoon, where two teams that do not often interact - Wildlife and Housekeeping - were able to meet and connect with a common purpose: conservation of our environment.
FFF Launch
Friday 6th February
For the first Fridays for Future activity the Wildlife administration teams, along with the Rangers headed to some of the wilder areas where the wildlife are breeding to make sure that any litter and refuse was cleared to help the new residents have a brighter future. Read more: Fridays for Future at our Wildlife Sanctuary
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