Dabaso lady wins tourism and conservation award in Malindi fete

Philip Mwakio  Joyce Marimba, (middle) the Woman of excellence Award winner from Watamu Crab Shark restaurant in Kilifi County holds her award after being rewarded by Kenya Association of Women in tourism during a gala dinner at Malindi's Ocean Beach Resort and Spa on Saturday, April 27, 2019. [Maarufu Mohamed,Standard] Joyce Marimba, 51 from Dabaso area, Watamu, Kilifi County has been conferred with an award for promoting conservation of mangrove eco-system within the expansive and idyllic Mida Creek. The mother of 7 received the prestigious Woman of Excellence award from the Kenya Association of Women in Tourism (KAWT) during a colorful all white dinner party held at the Ocean Beach Resort & Spa Malindi over the weekend. The conservationist beat the odds to take part in conservation of mangrove that were under threat due to massive destruction. Traditionally women were not allowed to take part in mangrove planting due to the nature of the process which requires one to walk in the muddy areas of the creek. Marimba who left school at class six said culturally men did not allow their wives to take part in such activities which were male dominated. However, Marimba despite having a child with physical challenges became the first woman to join the Mida Creek Conservation Group which also runs the popular Crab Shack Restaurant in Dabaso Watamu and took part in the conservation work. She said some women are still not allowed by their husbands to join their conservation group. “I was lucky because my husband is a conservationist who has for decades been engaged in protection of the mangroves, before joining I would attend their meetings,” she said. Marimba said the culture was against the women to take part in mangrove conservation because of the nature of dress as one has to pull it up which could expose her body. She said the conservation group after one donor rejected the proposal by the male dominated members citing lack of gender. Currently she said there are 15 women out of the 46 members including youths who are actively engaged in mangrove protection. Mangroves are important because they protect vulnerable coastlines from wave action by holding the soil together and prevent coastal erosion. Further the mangroves act as fish and crabs breeding grounds. “I never expected to win the award. I am surprised,” she said. Marimba said she would use the award to sensitize the women and youths in the community to enable them join the conservation work. The event brought together KAWT from all over the country led by the chairperson, Ms Jane Adam and Cate Mwikali of the Coast chapter who said the association was committed to promote tourism and at the conservation of the environment. Over 50 members including Nana Gecaga, the CEO of KICC, Grace Nderitu the CEO of Eco Tourism Kenya, Jacinta Mbithi -Nzioka, Director of Marketing at the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB). They were hosted by Ms Maureen Awuor, General Manager, Ocean Beach Resort &Spa. Kilifi County Executive Committee Member for Tourism, Ms Nahida Athman who was the chief guest said the county government would allocate funds this financial year to support activities of the KAWT.