The Heri Kenya Black Fly Project in Diani Beach

Compost

At Adventure Expeditions, we're always on the lookout for ways to have a meaningful impact. Today, we're diving into the Heri Kenya Black Fly Project, a groundbreaking effort that's turning waste into useful compost. We proudly collaborate with local lodges who make use of the Heri Kenya Black Fly project to reduce waste. Kitchen waste from big hotels is a huge area that can use improvement worldwide.

What is the Heri Kenya Black Fly Project?

At its core, the Heri Kenya Black Fly Project—often referred to as the Heri Farm Blackfly initiative—is a flagship program under HERI-Kenya, an organization dedicated to advancing sustainable health and environmental solutions through research, learning, and community action. Focused on areas like waste management, vector-borne diseases, and climate change, HERI-Kenya translates scientific insights into real-world interventions that benefit both people and the planet.

The project harnesses the power of black soldier flies (BSF) to tackle one of tourism's hidden challenges: organic waste. In bustling areas like Diani Beach and Ukunda, hotels and restaurants generate massive amounts of food scraps daily—up to 30 tons across the region! Instead of letting this waste pollute landfills or oceans, the Heri Farm collects it and lets nature do the work. Black soldier flies, which are harmless and non-pest insects, break down the organic matter through a natural decomposition process. Over several stages, this transforms the waste into high-quality compost (known as frass) and protein-rich larvae that can be used as animal feed.

This isn't just recycling—it's a full circular economy in action. The compost enriches soil for local crop cultivation, while the larvae support poultry farming, creating a self-sustaining loop that reduces environmental harm and boosts local agriculture. To date, HERI-Kenya has processed over 50 tonnes of organic waste, planted 15,000 trees, and trained hundreds in sustainable practices, showcasing the project's scalable potential.

Black Fly Processing

At Adventure Expeditions, sustainability is woven into every journey we craft. That's why we partner with forward-thinking lodges such as Leopard Beach Resort who work in collaboration with the Heri Black Fly Project. Leopard Beach Resort generates about 130 kilograms of kitchen waste daily—from fruit peels to vegetable scraps. This waste is collected daily and transported to the Heri Farm for processing.

Guests staying at partner lodges can join guided tours to the Heri Farm, turning a simple beach vacation into an immersive learning experience. It's a win-win: lodges enhance their green credentials, and our expeditions provide authentic, behind-the-scenes insights into Kenya's sustainable innovations.

Hands-On Experiences for Adventurers

At Heri Farm, you can witness the entire cycle firsthand: from the arrival of fresh waste to the bustling activity of black soldier flies, the composting stages, and finally, the application of nutrient-rich frass in vegetable gardens and poultry coops.

We incorporate these visits into our adventure itineraries, offering eco-tours that combine education with excitement. Whether you're a family on holiday, a solo traveler seeking purpose, or a group of eco-enthusiasts, these experiences highlight how small actions lead to big changes. It's a fantastic way to engage with local communities—HERI-Kenya's programs include youth mentorship, community forums, and school eco-clubs, fostering the next generation of environmental stewards.

Processing Food Waste

The Broader Impact on Sustainable Tourism

The Heri Black Fly Project isn't just a local gem; it's a model for sustainable tourism across Kenya's South Coast. By addressing waste management head-on, it mitigates pollution, supports biodiversity, and creates livelihoods through jobs in farming and resource recovery. For a tourism hotspot like Diani, where hotels and restaurants are key economic drivers, this initiative promotes a cleaner, greener destination that attracts conscious travellers.

At Adventure Expeditions Kenya, we're committed to showcasing these stories because we believe adventure should leave a positive legacy. Projects like this align perfectly with our ethos: exploring Kenya's wild beauty while protecting it for future generations. The potential for growth is immense—with Diani's waste volumes, scaling up could revolutionize regional agriculture and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers.

Ready to experience sustainability in action?

Book one of our Diani Beach expeditions today, where we'll connect you with the Heri Black Fly Project and partner lodges like Leopard Beach Resort and know that your stay contributes to a positive impact locally.