Potential Use and Challenges of Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment and Conservation in Game Lodges and Resorts in Kenya
Date
2020Author
Makopondo, Richard O. B.
Rotich, Laban K.
Kamau, Cynthia G.
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Constructed wetlands are cost-effective wastewater treatment alternatives that receive worldwide acceptance. For the Kenyan
hospitality industry, in particular, constructed wetlands (CWs) provide opportunities for wastewater reuse and recovery of
resources, as well as improvements in local environmental conditions. Hospitality establishments produce large volumes of
wastewater that is sometimes discharged to the environment without being treated. ,is is not only harmful to communities living
downstream of these rivers but also to the flora and fauna which are the main attraction for most who visit these lodges. ,is study
used qualitative methods to collect and analyze published official government documents, peer-reviewed research articles, and
professional reports including leading international and Kenyan case studies to explore how constructed wetlands can be effectively used in game lodges and resorts situated in arid and remote areas of Kenya. ,e study investigated wastewater
management systems adopted by remote game lodges and resorts in Kenya and the potential role, as well as the challenges to
adopting constructed wetland (CW) technology. ,e results indicated that hotels, game lodges, and resorts both internationally
and locally are adopting different types of CWs including surface and subsurface flow as alternative nature-oriented wastewater
management systems. ,e study identified opportunities in the use of CWs as a wastewater management and conservation
strategy. ,e results suggest that there are potential challenges which include inadequate expertise and technical support; low
volume of discharge during off-seasons; limited space or land; and the attitude of hospitality managers towards constructed
wetlands. Based on these preliminary findings, one may conclude that game lodges, ecolodges, and resorts in remote areas are
prime candidates for constructed wetland establishment. ,e study makes specific recommendations with implications for policy
and practice to promote sustainable hospitality operations and environmental conservation. It is suggested that future studies test
the efficacy and efficiency of CW technology as wastewater management systems in the Kenyan wilderness areas including
national parks, game reserves, and forests
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- Journal Articles (THM) [111]
