Kenyan activist tries to block new Ritz-Carlton safari lodge opening
However, the director of a Maasai conservation institute and researchers said the true cost of the sublime views will run much higher by damaging one of the world's most renowned ecosystems.
On Tuesday, Meitamei Olol Dapash from the Institute for Maasai Education, Research and Conservation (Merc) filed a lawsuit in a Kenyan court against Ritz-Carlton, its owner Marriott, the project's local developer Lazizi Mara and Kenyan authorities to try to block the scheduled opening.
Dapash alleges in the lawsuit that the 20-suite camp, which boasts plunge pools and personalised butler service, obstructs a crucial migration corridor between Maasai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti. Researchers said migration allows wildebeest to find food and maintain genetic diversity among herds.
The lawsuit also said there is no evidence an environmental impact assessment was conducted. Dapash's lawyers asked the environment and land court in Narok to suspend the lodge's opening and hear the case on a priority basis.
Marriott, which entered into a franchise agreement with Lazizi, said in a statement it was committed to respecting the environment and Lazizi had obtained all necessary approvals.
Lazizi's MD, Shivan Patel, said Kenyan authorities conducted an environmental impact assessment, which had established the site was not a wildlife crossing point.
The Narok County government and national environment management authority, which are also named as respondents in the lawsuit, did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
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