That morning, Tanjung Benoa Beach in the southern part of Bali looked calm. The sun is warm to touch the body. Ship engines started turning. Very noisy. Crowded people filled each side of the beach. The open space also feels crowded.
Tourists back and forth on the white sandy beach. Almost all of them are faces of foreign citizens. Her skin is white, her hair is rather red. Laughter never left their faces. Like most tourists, they also pose and express themselves to each other as cheerfully and then immortalized in camera shots.
In other places, some people are busy installing equipment on their bodies and preparing to try the existing waterspot. Starting from banana boat, flying fish, wave runner, parasailing, scuba diving, seawalker and others.
Between the boisterous beach and the tourists, several children ran around. About 7-10 years old. They ran to and fro. Not to play sand or enjoy the sea, but to bring a basket. Left hand holding basket so as not to fall when the sea breeze welcomes. His right hand holds beads in the form of a necklace and a bracelet.
With innocent faces and full of courage they offered the beads to visiting foreign tourists. However, none of the tourists bought it. Children who should only learn and play now must peddle their items one by one to tourists who vacation in their homeland, Bali.
Tanjung Benoa can be an example of how random the current Bali tourism management. Tourist transport vessels from Tanjung Benoa milling among other tourists who enjoy water attractions. At the same location there are also snorkeling and diving spots.
The number of tourists also seems out of control. Whatever is accepted. In fact, the carrying capacity of nature, especially the beach there must be a limit.
Tanjung Benoa, a favorite beach tourism location in Bali, might be a sign of Bali's overcrowding due to unsustainable tourism. In fact, tourism is the breath of the island of Bali. If the breath is short, then any activity will be hampered.
Traveloka is again holding the Traveloka Market Update event related to the development of the Traveloka accommodation business and the digital ecosystem in the hospitality business. On the same occasion, Traveloka together with WWF-Indonesia introduced the Signing Blue Program to hotel partners and encouraged partners to implement business practices that support responsible and sustainable tourism.
John Safenson, Vice President of Market Management – Accommodation, Traveloka, said, “We hope that the Traveloka Market Update event can provide hotel partners with a comprehensive perspective on our business development and the current situation in the business industry, so that partners can determine business strategies in a timely manner. better in the future."
Traveloka Market Update this time is being held in Bali which is one of the tourist cities with the highest number of foreign tourists. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) for the Province of Bali noted that the number of foreign tourists in Bali in 2019 as of October reached 5,240,297 visitors, which makes Bali one of the vital areas for Traveloka's business development. Seeing this phenomenon, Traveloka sees the importance of encouraging hotel partners in Bali to utilize digital technology in developing tourism in Bali, especially for the accommodation business.
After officially announcing a strategic partnership with WWF-Indonesia at the end of last November, Traveloka is now strengthening its commitment by inviting WWF-Indonesia as a resource person to provide education regarding best practices to support environmental conservation, marine biodiversity, and empower local communities that can be carried out by hotel managers. in Bali.
Taking shelter in the Signing Blue Program, Traveloka and WWF-Indonesia encourage partners to enroll in this program to obtain comprehensive information and outreach from WWF-Indonesia in efforts to preserve tourism. Through the Signing Blue Program, partners will be provided with education that can be applied to improve their business practices in several aspects covering the environment, socio-economic and culture, as well as management effectiveness.
Regarding Traveloka's collaboration with WWF-Indonesia, John added, his party has seen that many hotel partners have started implementing sustainable business practices, for example by inviting consumers to pay more attention to the use of plastic, water use, minimizing the use of electrical energy and others.
"This is what underlies us in considering that the Signing Blue Program can be a place for partners to get full support in implementing responsible and sustainable business practices, which of course will provide added value to hotels. We are optimistic that collaboration from various parties in this simple movement will have a big impact on the progress of Indonesian tourism," he explained.
Dr. Imam Musthofa Zainuddin, Marine & Fisheries Director, WWF-Indonesia, explained that this program supports and encourages hotel partners in implementing responsible governance and business practices.
Signing Blue is a program initiated by WWF-Indonesia to realize responsible tourism, including marine tourism. As the first step of a strategic partnership with WWF-Indonesia, Traveloka has embedded the Signing Blue Program education with the aim of aligning and increasing the performance of Travelola hotel partners in the Bali area with environmental and natural sustainability. It is believed that natural preservation and a well-maintained environment will support the performance of the hotel business to continue to increase.
*See original article https://swa.co.id/swa/trends/wwf-dan-traveloka-dorong-mitra-gencarkan-pariwisata-berkeuntungan
Bawah Reserve, one of South East Asia’s most earth-conscious resorts is honoured to partner with WWF-Indonesia through its Signing Blue program, which was launched in 2015 to promote responsible marine tourism in Indonesia.
WWF is the world’s leading non-governmental organisation in wildlife conservation; and its Indonesian arm is dedicated to stopping and eventually reversing environmental degradation in the region and building a future where people live in harmony with nature.
Paul Robinson, COO of Bawah Reserve, said the Bawah team is proud to be a part of the Signing Blue initiative to further support marine conservation in the Anambas Archipelago (a remote part of Indonesia accessible via Singapore).
“At Bawah Reserve we are aware that tourism can boost economic growth, but without careful management, it could adversely impact the environment. We need to ensure that we will be able to enjoy this beautiful paradise for many generations to come,” he explained.
Bawah is located in the tropical waters of the Coral Triangle, an ecologically-blessed region that’s home to half of the coral species on the planet; a habitat for a diverse range of marine life; and a migrating transit for large nautical mammals.
If tourism is not responsibly and sustainably managed in the area, the risk of marine degradation and extinction is severely heightened.
Signing Blue encourages tourists and tourism businesses visiting and operating in the surrounding countries to improve their behaviours and activities. It also educates people about how they can actively protect natural resources.
In order to be admitted to the Signing Blue program, tourism businesses such as Bawah Reserve go through an extensive accreditation process by a team of independent auditors. Sustainability practices, community welfare, and most importantly, marine conservation efforts are checked and verified onsite.
World Resorts of Distinction Resort Marketing Director, Nina Coulson, said it’s a privilege to represent Bawah Reserve in the Australian market.
“The resort is doing such impressive things for the planet, and creating a blueprint for sustainable tourism, so it brings us great pride to share their stories and hopefully inspire change during the process,” she explained.
The MoU with the tagline "Initiative for environmental improvement and providing scholarships for the sons and daughters of employees and drivers" between Bluer Bird and an international non-governmental organization that deals with issues concerning conservation, research and environmental restoration was carried out at the Blue Bird Jimbaran Office, Badung, Bali .
WWF Indonesia Conservation Director Lukas Adhyakso explained that Blue Bird as a large company has a very big role in influencing people's behavior. Blue Bird Bali is a pilot program for waste management, especially plastic waste, he hopes that in the future Blue Bird will also develop the same initiative nationally. "With Blue Bird's commitment, it will be very easy for loyal customers to change their behavior to care about plastic waste. We also hope that other companies can do the same and imitate Blue Bird Bali in caring for the environment," hoped Lukas Adhyakso after signing the MoU. .
Director of Blue Bird Jakarta, Noni Purnomo who was accompanied by the General Manager of the Blue Bird Group Bali-Lombok Area, dr. I Putu Gede Panca Wiadnyana acknowledged that Blue Bird Bali is a pilot program for waste management, especially in terms of plastic waste. "Bluebird Bali has been the most creative with new ideas and new programs to be piloted at other Blue Birds in Indonesia," said Noni while appreciating Panca's leadership in leading Blue Bird Bali.
Noni revealed that in one year at Blue Bird itself there are 1.6 million trash or plastic bottles. "The impact is very large, awareness arises. This awareness must come from the heart and one's own will. Now we are also working with waste banks to collect and accommodate plastic waste," said Noni.
On the same occasion, Panca added that the awareness of caring for plastic waste from 1,600 drivers would infect their homes, families and their environment. Panca admits that raising awareness and concern for the environment, especially plastic waste, for thousands of drivers and employees is not like 'bim salabim' magic which is so easy and short. "Raising awareness and concern at Blue Bird Bali is a long process, in fact we have been doing this education for drivers and employees for almost 4 years. The program will not work if the driver's mindset has not been fixed first. We start with the humans, because that is the key. The weight is not now but in the past and in the future," said Panca ending.
*Visit the original article https://www.baliberkarya.com/read/201812080009/mou-dengan-wwf-blue-bird-bali-kini-jadi-contoh-pengelolaan-sampah-plastik.html
As soon as he saw the plastic straw in the glass of juice that was served, Ida Bagus Sidhartha Putra immediately called his staff back. "How come you still use plastic straws? How ridiculous. We have replaced the paper ones," said the owner of the Griya Santrian Hotel, Sanur, Bali.
The staff immediately took the two juices off the table, and served them back with white and blue paper straws.
"Our problem is consistency. So we need strong leadership. At least in Bali," said Gus De, his nickname in mid-October. Gus De is not only the owner of Griya Santrian, one of the pioneering hotels in Sanur, Bali. He is also the Chairman of the Sanur Development Foundation (YPS), which oversees tourism actors in Sanur. Griya Santrian has other hotels such as Puri Santrian in Semawang and Royal Santrian in Tanjung Benoa, Badung. Gus De wants to show that tourism that applies the concept of sustainability both from a social, cultural and environmental perspective is actually more profitable. For example, using paper straws which are environmentally friendly compared to plastic straws.
Santrian Group has proven. Since its establishment 46 years ago, this hotel, which is right on the edge of Sanur Beach, emphasizes aspects of sustainability, including the environment. As soon as you enter the hotel area, the atmosphere feels more spacious and beautiful. It's not like cheap hotels (budget hotels) which increasingly fill other areas in Bali.
"We apply the concept in the basic building coefficient (building and land ratio), 40 percent. This means only 40 percent for buildings, 60 percent for supporters," said Gus De. Those supports, according to Gus De, include courtyards, gardens, ponds, and others.
In their newest and most expensive hotel, the Royal Santrian, the comparison between buildings and supporting facilities is even greater. With a land area of 3 hectares, the number of rooms at Royal Santrian is only 22. “This certainly gives more space for the environment. For example water absorption, but also the aesthetic factor," he said.
The atmosphere of the hotel looks more beautiful with large trees that are tens of years old. Most of them are trees that existed even before the hotel was built. Generally they are coastal tree species such as coconut and mangrove (Calophyllum inophyllum L.) or camplung in Balinese. The big trees were deliberately maintained like before there was a hotel. In some parts of the hotel, the rooms even follow the shape of a tree. It's not the trees that are cut down, but the buildings that adjust. Each tree contains a board with each name, such as kemoning (Murraya paniculata), oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.), and others. Each tree also contains information in English. "We also invite guests to plant trees at our hotel," he continued. He pointed out the tree on the page that read “Planted by Mr. Christian French & Family. September 2016”.
Sanur, which is famous for its beaches and sunrises, is one of the pioneers of tourism in Bali. Since the 1920s, this place has become a tourist destination. When most places in Bali are filled with towering cheap hotels, Sanur can relatively keep up. Lecturer at the Faculty of Tourism at Udayana University Nyoman Sukma Arida said Sanur was indeed more sustainable than other tourism centers in Bali, for example, Kuta. Apart from the focus on the market for mature tourism connoisseurs (elderly) it is also due to the strong role of traditional villages. "Sanur is also managed with the principle of small scale tourism," said the doctor in the field of ecotourism studies.
In general, hotels in Sanur are still in the form of cottages and bungalows with small and separate buildings. They also still allow a large, beautiful yard with shady trees.
One of the reasons why Sanur is still relatively well-maintained is the Denpasar Mayor Regulation (Perwali) No.6/2013 concerning Zoning Regulations for the Sanur Strategic Area. In general, this Perwali regulates Sanur in three zoning.
Another important thing is the commitment to protect the environment in the Sanur area, such as managing garbage and waste. It is also because of this commitment that Griya Santrian has received the annual Tri Hita Karana (THK) Award from the Tri Hita Karana Foundation since 2000.
Tri Hita Kirana is a Balinese concept of maintaining balance with three things, namely God (parahyangan), humans (pawongan), and nature (palemahan). This award is given to Bali tourism actors who are considered able to apply the THK concept in their operations. Gus De said that traditionally, the Balinese people have the wisdom to protect the environment. Apart from the THK concept, several rituals also aim to maintain the balance of nature, such as Tumpek Bubuh, a celebration to honor plants, and Nyepi, an activity to give the Earth a rest for 24 hours.
With its success in practicing sustainable tourism, including protecting the environment, hotels in Sanur actually get bigger profits. In terms of price, they are quite expensive. Griya Santrian, for example, has the cheapest price of almost IDR 2 million/night. Royal Santrian even up to IDR 5.3 million / night.
After all, although the price is more expensive, the occupancy rate is relatively stable, between 70-80 percent. When Bali is increasingly trapped in mass tourism, which emphasizes the number rather than the quality of tourists, it is important to remind again the importance of Bali implementing sustainable tourism. Including the environmental NGO WWF.
Since 2015, WWF Indonesia has launched the Signing Blue platform as a guide for sustainable tourism practices, especially marine tourism. Not only for business people but also tourists themselves. Maritime tourism business actors are divided into four, namely accommodation, trip organizers, restaurants and recreational boats. According to Indarwati Aminuddin, WWF Indonesia's National Coordinator for Sustainable Tourism, Signing Blue is expected to answer a number of current maritime tourism challenges. For example land conflicts, environmental exploitation, and marginalization of local residents.
"Without standardizing tourism management, we will not answer the challenges of sustainable development," said Indarwati.
Indarwati added that Signing Blue is not a certification, but she provides an assessment of the extent to which tourism businesses have implemented a number of criteria in their business. For example social, economic, or environmental aspects. In terms of the environment, for example, how do business actors pay attention to ecological footprints, waste management, and so on.
Criteria with numbers to indicate its application. There are five levels in the Signing Blue assessment called Bintang Laut. Starfish 1 means that the business manager is committed. Bintang Laut 5 has demonstrated concrete conservation efforts, including for example making blueprints in their business policies.
Currently, there are only seven members of Signing Blue in Bali. One of them is Griya Santrian, which received 2 Bintang Laut. Apart from that, there are also The Haven Bali and Sea Track which have received 3 Bintang Laut with The Santa Villa Ubud. In Indonesia, currently there are 104 companies participating in the Signing Blue. They are spread across 12 provinces with the largest number in Bali, NTB and NTT. "Not only stating a commitment, they have also implemented the principles of sustainability," said Indar. According to Indar, if the business is not managed wisely, slowly or quickly, ecosystems and natural resources will experience a decline in quality.
By applying the principles of sustainability, tourism business actors can obtain economic benefits because they increase the selling value of tourism actors. "Currently the majority of tourism businesses depend on healthy ecosystems, and in Indonesia, nature has been kind enough to provide everything needed," he added.
The same thing was conveyed by Gus De and Sukma Arida. “By increasing attention to sustainability, we can be able to increase tariffs. It increases the resale value. The environmental aspect is very influential on the selling price, "said Gus De.
Sukma added that sustainable tourism will provide greater benefits in the long term. "In the short term it may lose money, but sustainable tourism provides far greater non-financial benefits because it puts environmental elements as a guide," he said.
See the original article https://www.mongabay.co.id/2018/10/24/wisata-berkelanjutan-terbukti-lebih-menguntungkan/
