How does climate change affect women in Kenya's coastal tourism?

Climate change impacts women in Kenya's coastal tourism by threatening their livelihoods, eroding cultural identity, and causing personal losses due to environmental shifts like rising temperatures and sea levels.

What are the non-economic losses caused by climate change in coastal Kenya?

Non-economic losses include the erosion of heritage, loss of cultural traditions, diminished sense of place, and weakened community bonds, all of which are deeply felt by women in coastal tourism.

Why is it important to consider cultural practices in climate policy for Kenya's coast?

Considering cultural practices is vital because they are tied to caring for ecosystems and sustain tourism, fisheries, and coastal businesses, providing communities with resilience against climate change.

Home / Environment / Climate Change Devours Kenyan Culture, Identity, and Tourism

Climate Change Devours Kenyan Culture, Identity, and Tourism

28 Jan

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Summary

Climate change threatens coastal women's livelihoods in Kenya.
Rising temperatures and sea levels impact tourism operators directly.
Non-economic losses like heritage and sense of place are critical.

Climate Change Devours Kenyan Culture, Identity, and Tourism

In Kenya's coastal tourist towns like Kilifi, women are facing severe impacts from climate change, which are eroding their livelihoods and cultural identity. Rising temperatures, ocean levels, and unpredictable weather patterns are directly affecting tourism operators, from tour guides to seafood suppliers.

Mangrove forests, vital for coastal ecosystems and marine life, are struggling to grow as freshwater sources dwindle. This directly impacts the availability of seafood and the health of fish nurseries, affecting women who supply restaurants and hotels.

Beyond economic losses, climate change causes deep personal devastation, including the loss of cultural traditions, culinary heritage, and a sense of place. When traditional food stocks diminish or crucial trees fail, centuries-old recipes and community bonds weaken.