Enam perusahaan yang berasal dari kawasan negara Segitiga Karang mendapatkan sebuah penghargaan karena melaksanakan bisnis pariwisata yang berkelanjutan sekaligus berintegrasi. Selain berbisbis, keenam pengusaha ini selain mengedepankan bisnis mereka, mereka juga secara aktif mendukung konservasi kawasan pesisir, biota laut dan habitatnya, serta membantu peran masyarakat dari masyarakat setempat.

Enam perusahaan yang berasal dari Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua Nugini, Filipina, Kepulauan Salomon, dan Timor-Leste menerima penghargaan melalui Forum Bisnis Regional Prakarsa Segitiga Karang, untuk Terumbu Karang, Perikanan, dan Ketahanan Pangan atau Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) ke-4 yang digelar di Nusa Dua, Bali, 27-29 Agustus 2015.

Nah, berikut 6 Pengusaha yang mendapatkan penghargaan, yaitu:

Reef Seen Divers’ Resort, Pemuteran, Bali, Indonesia 
Scuba Junkie, Mabul, Sabah, Malaysia 
Madang Resort Hotel, Madang, Papua Nugini 
Evolution Diving, Malapascua, Cebu, Filipina 
Oravae Cottage, Gizo, Kepulauan Solomon 
Dive Timor Lorosae, Dili, Timor-Leste

Penilaian yang digunakan berdasarkan kriteria yang telah ditetapkan, yaitu dari bagaimana cara perusahaan tersebut dalam mendukung konservasi, apakah perusahaan tersebut memberdayakan masyarakat setempat, apakah perusahaan mendukung potensi kawasan dengan meningkatkan hasil khas daerah tersebut, apakah perusahaan tersebut meningkatkan kualitas hidup masyarakat setempat, dan yang terakhir dalam penggunaan teknologi menggunakan sarana yang hemat energi.

Yang diharapkan dari penghargaan ini adalah untuk mengedepankan peran penting dari sektor swasta dalam memastikan sumber daya laut di daerah kawasan Segitiga Karang dikelola secara berkelanjutan. Selain itu penghargaan ini juga diharapkan dapat mempromosikan sumber daya yang terarah, dan mendukung masyarakat setempat lebih berperan di pariwisata bahari yang berkelanjutan sehingga potensi wisata bahari semakin on-point.

Konten Sos-Med

Facebook:

Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) ke-4 di Nusa Dua, Bali menetapkan penghargaan wisata bahari berkelanjutan ke 6 pengusaha, yaitu: (1) Reef Seen Divers’ Resort, Pemuteran, Bali, Indonesia, (2) Scuba Junkie, Mabul, Sabah, Malaysia, (3) Madang Resort Hotel, Madang, Papua Nugini, (4) Evolution Diving, Malapascua, Cebu, Filipina, (5) Oravae Cottage, Gizo, Kepulauan Solomon dan (6) Dive Timor Lorosae, Dili, Timor-Leste.

Instagram:

Tahukah kamu, Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) ke-4 di Nusa Dua, Bali menetapkan penghargaan wisata bahari berkelanjutan ke 6 pengusaha, yaitu: Reef Seen Divers’ Resort, Scuba Junkie, Madang Resort Hotel, Evolution Diving, Oravae Cottage, Dive Timor Lorosae.  

Tujuan dari penghargaan Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) ke-4 adalah untuk mengedepankan peran swasta dalam pariwisata bahari, mempromosikan sumber daya secara terarah, dan mendukung masyarakat sekitar wilayah untuk berperan dalam perekonomian berkelanjutan.

Twitter:

Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) ke-4 di Bali menetapkan penghargaan wisata bahari berkelanjutan ke 6 pengusaha.

6 pengusaha itu berasal dari negara Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua Nugini, Filipina, Kepulauan Salomon, dan Timur Leste.

Sobat tahu, tujuan dari penghargaan wisata bahari ini untuk mendukung sektor pariwisata pesisir secara berkelanjutan.

“berkelanjutan” merupakan aspek konservasi, ekonomi, sosial dan budaya sekitar pesisir dapat berjalan dengan terarah dan sesuai.

The rapid development of tourism presents a challenge for all stakeholders involved, not only for the communities who act as players or the government as policymakers, but also for tourism operators who bear significant responsibility in preserving the local environment, social structures, and culture. This preservation is crucial for the sustainability of their businesses, which inherently depend on these three aspects.

The concept of marine tourism understanding was initiated by WWF Indonesia in 2013 under the Signing Blue and Responsible Marine Tourism programs, becoming active in 2016. This program aims to assist tourism operators in enhancing their understanding of responsible marine tourism.

Divine Diving, a member of Signing Blue in Labuan Bajo since 2018, has shown a high level of understanding regarding corporate responsibility towards the environment, social, and cultural aspects of their operational areas. This is evidenced by the assessments conducted by the Signing Blue team and assessors on Divine Diving's business performance. From the first assessment, Divine Diving demonstrated awareness and willingness to engage in responsible marine tourism by involving external parties (government, communities, NGOs, guests, and the public).

Compliance percentages for environmental, socio-economic cultural, and management principles increased from the first to the second year of assessment. Environmental compliance rose from 65% to 99%, socio-economic cultural from 36% to 80%, and management from 91% to 98%.

During the second year's Signing Blue assessment, which involved interviews and observations tailored to Divine Diving's trips, the team visited three dive sites—Batu Bolong, Sebayur Besar, and Manta Point—to evaluate trip activities. Dive guides demonstrated how to brief tourists, explain interaction ethics with protected wildlife, and collect data on manta rays and shark identification.

Divine Diving's responsibility extends beyond wildlife understanding; they also strive to reduce ecological footprints by minimizing water usage and conserving energy through solar panels on their boats. They have established Standard Operating Procedures for the environment, promote responsible tourism materials on their website, and implement WWF Indonesia's best practices in their business operations.

Divine Diving also engages external parties in environmental understanding, influencing partners to adopt responsible marine tourism practices. They organize sessions on area management, facilitate training on the impact of plastics on marine life, stranded marine mammals, and actively monitor the Komodo National Park area.

In terms of socio-economic cultural principles, employees, especially divers, have implemented best practices by promoting tourist destinations and respecting local cultures. They collaborate with local partners and recommend local shops, travel agencies, hotels, and other supporting businesses through Divine Diving's website. Additionally, they support local communities by selling local handicrafts and sourcing company operations from local suppliers.

Signing Blue aims for Divine Diving to achieve a five-starfish rating, indicating full commitment to sustainable and comprehensive marine tourism understanding, both internally and externally, alongside their partners.

Griya Santrian

Another Signing Blue partner, Griya Santrian, talked about the environment and its efforts to maintain the many trees that grow around the hotel in providing comfort for guests, especially guests from Europe who have three seasons. "They don't always see a green environment, so giving them a view of trees is interesting," said Ida Bagus Gede Sidhiarta Putra, owner of the Santrian Group.

According to Gusde, his nickname, tourism is about international transactions. No wonder the visitors are people who are environmentally conscious. For this reason Griya Santrian is very concerned about environmental aspects in its daily operations.

In the use of energy, for example, in this place at 23:00 WITA the automatic light system will automatically turn off. "For our use of high compressed water, it means that the water used becomes less because the water that comes out like dew due to high wind pressure," he explained.

For waste treatment, Griya Santrian chooses organic and non-organic waste. And try to reduce paper waste by making savings in the form of the use of paper back and forth. This has become a separate policy from the leader or owner. "We have implemented these policies in all three locations that we have, namely The Royal Santrian (Tanjung Benoa), Puri Santrian and Griya Santrian," said Gusde.

Gusde said, sustainability is something that is very important. Therefore, it is necessary for a hotel to take action to maintain a sustainable environment. This can be a plus, so the selling value will be higher. Because it has an appeal in terms of the environment.

On the other hand, protecting the environment will be something that can be passed on to our children and grandchildren later. "So that our children and grandchildren can still enjoy the beauty of nature," he concluded.

What Does Responsible Tourism Mean?

Fritzgerald William Wenur as Signing Blue Engagement added, being responsible in this case means being able to follow the established rules. Starting from managing energy, tourism actors are able to use energy-efficient equipment and follow programs developed. Such as the Denpasar Sewerage Development Project (DSDP) program in the Sewerage Development Project in Denpasar Bali which is an integrated waste treatment program by the government.

Environmental aspects are responsible for biodiversity and ecological footprint. Meanwhile, social, economic, and cultural empowerment is a form of responsibility for adat compliance. Effective management is also not free from responsibility for the legality of the company, workers' rights, and the company's ability to explore the creativity of its employees.

Over time, it seems that the dominant member of Signing Blue in Bali departs from the hospitality sector. This is because the number of hotels in Bali is more than any other tourist area. "Meanwhile, the number of recreational vessels in cooperation with Signing Blue is not as much as the hospitality, precisely 80 percent of hotels and the remaining 20 percent are recreational boats," said Gerald.
 

In Indonesia, tourism actors in various regions have joined Signing Blue. Including in conservation areas such as Labuan Bajo, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. This area, according to Panca (Secretary, Signing Blue), has been quite concerned about environmental issues.

This is evidenced by the existence of quite good environmental management. Such as waste management, utilization of energy sources and management for services to tourists so that they are responsible for protecting the surrounding environment.

Good things like this, can be an example for more tourists in Bali. Where, Bali is one of the world's tourist destinations. "As a key to tourism in Indonesia, tourism operators in Bali are deemed to need more learning in managing environment-based tourism management," Panca added.

Mtra Signing Blue in Bali

In 2015, tourism actors in Bali began to join Signing Blue as a form of commitment to tourism practices, especially marine tourism which is responsible for environmental sustainability. At present, there are 19 Signing members

As was done by three members of Signing Blue in Bali. Namely The Haven Bali Hotel Seminyak, Griya Santrian Hotel, and SeaTrek Sailing Adventures Recreational Boat.

SeaTrek Sailing Adventures

Maria Widhyasari, SeaTrek Sales and Development said, SeaTrek has the same tourism mission as Signing Blue, which is responsible for the environment, community and culture.

From a cultural standpoint, SeaTrek introduces the culture of woven fabrics and how to make them. Including using materials from nature, natural dyes. As well as from the environmental side, SeaTrek uses sun cream and environmentally friendly soap. As well as guest education to save water. "Because even though we have a water filter machine. However, to operate the engine using a diesel engine, "he explained.

Nature protection is carried out ie not using plastic straws and not using disposable bottles. In order to reduce plastic waste in the sea the SeaTrek boat route is divided into two big groups. The east wind route starts from August to September with the aim of Bali, Komodo Island, and Sumba. Then the west wind route to Papua, Maluku, Ternate and Ambon. During the transition period in March the destination sailed to Sulawesi. SeaTrek also conducts education and environmental campaigns through websites and social media.

"Hopefully the guests will participate in protecting the environment," added Maria.

The Haven Bali Seminyak

Besides SeaTrek, another Signing Blue partner is The Haven Bali Seminyak inn. The Haven currently holds Star Fish 3. As tourism practitioners are also required to care about the marine environment. By making announcements about what may and may not be done by guests in Bali. So that guests do not become arbitrary towards the ecosystem, especially those in the ocean, for example maintaining coral reefs.

Tri Christy Novia Tambunan, Assistant PR Manager of The Haven Bali Seminyak said, that her party saw Signing Blue is a program that can direct more responsible tourism actors. So that starting in March 2017, The Haven officially becomes part of this program.

Although they have made many efforts to protect marine tourism, The Haven Bali Seminyak wants to improve Star Fish, because for them it is a challenge to educate those closest to them, such as guests and employees' families. "So that protecting the environment is not just the perpetrators of tourism, but everyone who wants to care," said Riri, her nickname.

In addition, The Haven Bali Seminyak also invites the cooperation of Seminyak customary communities to manage waste and comply with government regulations in accordance with responsible wastewater management through the Denpasar Sewerage Development Project (DSDP) program in an effort to maintain soil and water quality.

"For water savings, we also appeal to guests to save bed linen changes so they are not replaced every day," he added. In every faucet, there is also an appeal to save water and save electricity. Even small things are shared with guests because they have a big impact on the earth.

Riri said, The Haven Bali has also collaborated with B3 waste services with its partners in Surabaya, namely Prasadha Pamunah Waste Industry (PPLi). This is a matter of pride because The Haven Bali is the only hotel that participates in the management of B3 waste.

"The Haven Bali Seminyak has also been granted a temporary storage permit for B3 waste from the Integrated Licensing Services Agency, Badung Regency Government," he continued.

Meanwhile, in terms of social culture, traditional clothing, traditional dances, and various cultural attractions become a means of introducing Balinese culture to tourists.
 

Sophie, an instructor at Dive Komodo, a tour operator company, is giving a briefing to a number of tourists who will be diving in the Komodo National Park (TN). He introduced the crew, existing facilities such as refill water, dive sites, and how to prevent environmental destruction. He informed that this national park is a water conservation area and is recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO. “Don't take anything, don't touch the coral because it takes so long to grow,” this woman remembers. Not only as a World Heritage Site, the marine area of Komodo National Park has also been recognized by the Man and Nature Biosphere Reserve and The New Seven Wonders of Nature. The entire area is worthy of conservation. To reduce pressure on regional damage, Signing Blue was formed, an agreement on sustainable and environmentally friendly natural tourism practices. A number of tour operators have joined such as Dive Komodo, Divine Diving and Flores XP. However, there are many more other entrepreneurs who have not been involved.

Susi Yanti Kamil, WWF-Indonesia staff in Labuan Bajo said that the entrepreneurs involved in the Signing Blue program were committed to environmental preservation. Also implementing good practices and ship management to reduce waste. For example using refill water and sorting and collecting organic and inorganic waste. His party also encourages community-based waste management by holding a number of training sessions for community groups. "The garbage collected on the ship is brought ashore to be sorted," he said. If allowed to accumulate on the island it is very easy to be carried out to sea during high tide. Based on a study conducted by the Regional Government of West Manggarai together with the Komodo National Park Office in 2016, around 13 tonnes of waste is produced in the national park area and Labuan Bajo in one day. Most of the sources are in housing, then restaurants, and roadside. At present there is a lot more organic waste, so it is proposed that waste be sorted from the source, then processed by TPS 3R (reduce, recycle, reuse) units, then the rest will just go to the Final Disposal Site (TPA). Preparation of short and long term scenarios regarding the need for facilities, investment costs, and the volume of waste that can be processed must also be carried out.

Martha Muslin, manager of Wicked Diving who actively campaigns for sustainable tourism also sees this waste problem as very crucial if it is not addressed. In one event, he and more than 100 divers from various countries combed the waters of a number of busy islands in the Dive for Debris campaign to transport dozens of sacks of trash. Fabi, a dive master, said that marine activity in the Komodo National Park area is getting higher because the number of visitors has increased. Currently, it is estimated that more than 107 thousand visitors per year come to this area. Not only seeing Komodo dragons on land, many tourists also want to see sharks and manta rays in the sea. "Maybe the manta population [now] is decreasing, before we could see so many of them every day," he said. An area sometimes congested. At sea level snorkeling and under diving activities. It could be that the density of sea activity reduces the comfort of the animals. The more tourists, the more trash. Especially with the development of recreational boats or liveaboards which have been booming in recent years. Living on board tourism or eating and sleeping on a ship in this area makes the risk of waste pollution at sea higher.

Traveling on recreational boats often targets traveling to areas that are still remote, protected, far from government monitoring, with minimal facilities and infrastructure. Even though ecologically, the intended location may be important for certain animals and ecosystems. The 2010 International Sustainable Travel Data, mentions that in the context of sea transportation for recreational purposes, a number of studies have shown environmental impacts. Traveling on a recreational boat means moving all types of tourist activities that are usually carried out on land to being on the water. For this reason, good recreational ship tourism management is not only important to ensure the safety of the tourism activities themselves, but also to maintain the sustainability and beauty of the destination area. For example, pollution due to residual engine oil, waste produced by the crew or passengers of ships, waste water originating from use on ships and containing detergents, and air pollution due to engine noise.

Then, how can tourism contribute to reducing waste so it doesn't pollute the sea? Best Environmental Equitable Practices (BEEP) or Practical Guidelines for Responsible Recreational Ship Operations have been prepared by WWF-Indonesia, supported by the Indonesian Recreational Ship Network (JANGKAR) and academics. A number of good practices recommended by this guide are providing sufficient landfills for Hazardous and Toxic Materials (B3), organic and non-organic waste separately so that it is possible to store it until the ship returns to port. For ships measuring 100 GT or more, they must at least be equipped with oil pollution prevention equipment which includes oil and water separator equipment, sludge tanks, and standard discharge connections. For ships with a number of sailors 15 people up to 100 GT ships must have equipment to prevent contamination by sewage which includes sewage treatment equipment, sewage crushing equipment, and/or sewage storage tanks, as well as standard disposal connections.

On land, waste disposal is carried out through pumps/discharge connections at ports which will be forwarded to waste treatment facilities on land. Where pump/sewer connection facilities are not available, there are several chemical (biodegradable) cleaners or mechanical devices that can be used to reduce solid and hazardous waste before disposal. Guidance for tourists in principle is to educate tourists not to throw garbage in the sea, including small trash such as cigarette butts. Tourists are asked to manage their waste during the trip. According to data from The United Nations of Environment (UNEP) in 2001, most tourists visiting developing countries use ten times more water than local people. This pattern is certainly not efficient in a voyage, especially if the ship is leaning in areas where clean water is scarce. For gallons of drinking water, tourists must refill it, so there is no need to bring packaging to reduce waste. Management of clean water on board must also be considered by the crew.

*See the article https://www.mongabay.co.id/2017/12/18/mengurai-tekanan-limbah-laut-di-kawasan-taman-nasional-komodo/
 

Are you a fan of marine tourism? The fresh coastal breeze and the beauty of the underwater world will surely make all of us fall in love with them. As a Traveler, dry bag and outdoor hat are essential to protect your tourist activity in the coast and on the sea.

Worry not, Signing Blue can give you both for free! All you have to do is to sign up as a Blue Traveler and compete in the photography competition: Be a Blue Traveler, Be the Ocean Warrior!

Here's how you do it.

Rules and regulations:

1. Sign up as a Blue Traveler via http://www.signingblue.com.
2. Upload a photo of you on Instagram when you travel to the coast or ocean as a marine tourist. Tell your followers why it's important for us to conserve the tourist site and travel responsibly.
3. Tag three of your friends' accounts and encourage them to be a responsible marine tourist
4. Follow @signingblue and @wwf_id on Instagram.
5. Make sure your account is not private.
6. Use hashtags #BeABlueTraveler #BringTourismToTheNextLevel on your post.
7. The photo must be original, never competed, and relevant to the responsible marine tourism theme.
8. The photo does not encourage racism, etnocentrism, religiophobia, pornography, smoking, drinking, gambling, and activities that can harm the environment and society.

Travelers must upload their submission no longer than December 10, 2022.

Become a responsible Blue Traveler now for the better ocean! 🌊