Community-Based Bat Conservation and Ecotourism Development at the Three Sisters Giant Caves, Fikirini Village (Kwale, Kenya)

To guide sustainable bat conservation and community development, a feasibility study was launched to assess the eco-tourism potential of the Three Sisters Giant Caves in Fikirini Village. The 10 hectare site, Kaya Forest area containing four caves (three key roosts for several endangered bat species and one used for spiritual practices), faces serious degradation. Using field surveys, stakeholder consultations, and market analysis, the study evaluated the ecological, cultural, and economic value of the 10-hectare Kaya Forest that hosts the Three Sisters Giant Caves. 

The assessment further identified poor access roads, lack of signage, and limited tourism infrastructure as key barriers that need to be addressed through joint community and county government efforts. The study confirmed that despite degradation the area retains strong biodiversity and cultural appeal. It recommended developing a low-impact, community-managed tourism circuit linked to nearby attractions such as Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, Wasini Island, and Kibuyuni Board Walks to diversify livelihoods, enhance conservation, and promote local heritage.

Following the feasibility phase, community members participated in an intensive, week-long training covering sustainable tourism, storytelling, digital marketing, customer engagement, snake awareness, and first-aid. The training brought together a total of 24 participants, carefully selected to represent a diverse cross-section of the local tourism and conservation ecosystem. The cohort reflected a strong commitment to gender inclusion, with approximately 60% of the participants being women, ensuring that female voices and leadership were central to discussions on sustainable tourism development. The goal was to prepare local guides and entrepreneurs to host visitors safely, communicate conservation messages effectively, and build a positive visitor experience. Sessions were facilitated by experts in communication, tourism sustainability, and wildlife safety, using participatory and experiential learning techniques. The sessions helped participants connect their cultural heritage and biodiversity assets with concrete visitor experiences, such as the “Snake Awareness & Safety Experience” and cave-based storytelling trails.

The organizational and operational capacity-building component aimed to transform the Tswaka Three Sisters Giant Caves Community-Based Organization (CBO) from an informal custodianship group into a structured and accountable Community-Based Tourism Organization (CBTO) capable of managing, governing, and marketing its own tourism enterprise. 

Training sessions focused on leadership, governance, financial management, partnership coordination, conflict resolution, and benefit-sharing mechanisms. Participants learned the fundamentals of institutional development, e.g. how to register the organization, define member roles, maintain transparent records, and coordinate with partners such as the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), BCI, and county authorities.

Through guided exercises, participants co-created an action plan outlining working groups for marketing, product development, and conservation storytelling. This plan formalized operational roles and responsibilities, ensuring that women and youth could take leadership positions. By linking governance to conservation outcomes, the CBO strengthened its ability to act as a bridge between community aspirations and ecosystem stewardship within the wider Kwale-Tanga coastal corridor.

As parts of the forest surrounding the Three Sisters Giant Caves had become degraded due to past deforestation and unsustainable land use, the community decided to initiate tree-planting activities to restore ecosystem health and strengthen bat habitats. With logistical support from project partners, the Tswaka Three Sisters Giant Caves CBO could intensify their reforestation efforts aimed at improving both ecological functionality and tourism appeal. The restoration of native vegetation not only contributes to the protection of endangered bat species but also enhances the scenic value of the area, making it more attractive for visitors seeking authentic nature-based experiences. In cooperation with the community-led tree nursery, the community was able to replant two acres of native tree species in Kaya Forest.  

To enhance visibility and attract visitors, the project placed strong emphasis on digital marketing training, enabling community members to develop storytelling, branding, and social media engagement skills using accessible tools such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. 

Recognizing that the Three Sisters Giant Caves currently lack basic tourism infrastructure, project partners further engaged a graphic designer, who worked closely with the community to co-create informative posters and signposts for visitor guidance and site interpretation. These materials now serve as the first tangible elements of a community-driven marketing and visitor management system, bridging the gap between local storytelling and professional tourism presentation.