Grading Phase: Assessment Report

Transcription

1 Grading Phase: Assessment Report Flores XP (Tour Provider) Labuan Bajo, Nusa Tenggara Timur 5-6 December 2016 Prepared by Signing Blue Assessor team Nara Wisesa Alexandra Maheswari

2 TABLE OF CONTENT Executive Summary 3 General Information 4 Assessment Objective 4 Overall Score 5 Methods 8 Detailed evaluation 9 1. Principle: Environment Principle: Socio-economic-cultural Principle: Effective Management 23 Conclusion and Recommendation 28

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Flores XP interview and office observation were carried out on 5 th December 2016, and field observation of Flores XP s Dragon Tour was carried out on 6 December Out of the three assessment principle, Flores XP scored - Highest on the Effective Management service and complaints handling which fulfilled starfish 1 (100%), starfish 2 (100%), starfish 3 (100%), starfish 4 (88%) and nearly reached starfish 5 (67%) - In Environment renewable energy investment principle, it has fulfilled the starfish 1 (82%), starfish 2 (76%), and starfish 3 (71%) - For Socio-economy and Culture provides local culture tour package it only fulfilled 40% of starfish 1 and 20% starfish 2. According to these scores and field observations, - Flores XP takes environmental issues very seriously, making it a central part of their company culture - Ensuring that their activities have a minimum impact/ footprint on the local natural environment. - They have also tried to maintain the quality of their service by ensuring their management system runs effectively, and they are always keen to improve the capacity of their staffs and quality of their services. However, there are several areas of potential improvement, such as: - most crucially in their awareness of the National Park regulations (in particular, - the zoning system of the park) - in further improving their socio-cultural and socio-economical link with the local community. Therefore, overall Flores XPI is awarded as Starfish 1, which shows that Flores XP has demonstrated high commitment to implement responsible marine tourism best practices in your business activity and started to encourage other people to engage as well. The overall score obtained: Principal S 1 S 2 S 3 S 4 S 5 Environment 82% 76% 71% 35% 18% Socio-economic-cultural 40% 20% 0% 0% 0% Effective Management 100% 100% 100% 88% 67% TOTAL 74% 65% 57% 41% 28%

4 GENERAL INFORMATION Company Name (client) Type of business Scope business area Tourism destination management Tourism management authority Number of employees 24 Number of visitor/ year +/ PT. Flores XPI Tour operator - Salacia (recreational boat) - Dragon tour o Dive operator (Flores XP) o Trekking at Loh Buaya at Rinca Island Komodo National Park, Manggarai Barat, NTT - Rencana Pengembangan Taman Nasional (RPTN) - Rencana Induk Pengelolaan Pariwisata Daerah (RIPPDA) Manggarai Barat - Kawasan Strategis Pariwisata Nasional (KSPN) Komodo - Komodo National Park - Pemda Manggarai Barat - Dinas Pariwisata Kabupaten Manggarai Barat - Kementerian Pariwisata - Kementerian Agraria dan Tata Ruang ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVE The assessment process is done to evaluate the Company s compliance with WWF standard of responsible marine tourism in Indonesia, define company grading position in Signing Blue and to proceed to the development of a work plan for the Marine Tourism Improvement Program (MTIP). Objective: 1. To define company grading position in Signing Blue 2. To develop a work plan for the Marine Tourism Improvement Program (MTIP)

5 OVERALL SCORE Green : complete Red : uncomplete Yellow : partially complete (there is still any means of verification remaining to be completed) White : not applicable/ not relevant S 1-5 : starfish 1-5 Principle Category Criteria Indicator Score 1. Environmental 1.1. Biodiversity Conservational education Improvement of tour operator s understanding and awareness in handling marine ecosystem and animal conservation S S S S S Interacting with protected and endangered animals Financing of conservation in CSR area is available No activity that leads to threatening animals and damaging marine ecosystem No illegal tourism attraction or souvenir or tool that is made of protected and endangered marine species, also the tour operator understands every step that should be taken when they find an animal that is injured/stranded/trapped/accidentally caught during the tour Participation in informing findings of animal and its habitat that are threatened (by-catch, stranded animal, illegal hunting, physical interaction, etc.) The use of anchors The use of anchor and/or mooring buoy by the tour operator is done responsibly The realization of A responsible development, plan, and responsible and effective implementation of spatial planning of a travel spatial planning of a travel destination. destination Responsible information and promotion of product or facilities

6 2. Socioeconomyculture 1.2. Ecological footprints 2.1 Equality and social value Food management Concern in choosing packaging material to reduce waste The use of seafood products that are environmentally-friendly The use of local food to reduce carbon footprint Energy and water Implementation of electricity conservation and saving saving activity Implementation of fossil fuels saving and conservation activity Implementation of clean water saving and conservation activity Garbage and Policy of waste management activity is dangerous waste available and implemented management Run a dangerous waste management system during any activity associated with the sea (oil waste, oil, spent fuel from the boat, battery, water-resistant paint) Pollution and Reduce of noise and light pollution during contamination tourism activity For participant with special need Tour facility and product for participant with special need* NOTE: *Elderly, wheelchair user, autistic, deaf, etc Respecting local values 2.2 Participation Involvement in local community business Involvement in tourism management Promoting local culture and following both formal and informal rules that are associated with social tradition/ custom in tour destination Improvement of local business through promotion and partnership Support of entrepreneurship program of local community in tourism destination Access for local community to plan and take part in making decisions in tourism management policy

7 3. Effective management 3.1 Legality Legal compliance Legal and law-abiding business management system 3.2. Health and Health and safety Availability of internal mechanism that safety concern in managing improves health quality and works safety business Provides basic standard and relevant tools regarding health and safety issues, also list of emergency numbers Employment Employee Employment legality Service quality, guests satisfaction and branding Composition of domestic (WNI) and foreign employees Child protection Free of children employment Women have role and authority in management position Zero tolerance of sexual harassment for all employees and guests Employee rights Rights and facility of the workers are in accordance with the legislations or applied local rules Partnership, membership, and relation of Indonesia tourism business Debriefing of education and skills Employee and work partner service Company that is involved and active in relevant and recognized tourism association in Indonesia Improvement of employee capacity/ training based on the field and responsibility Understanding of good service to guest/ work partners

8 METHODS The company that undergoes the assessment of Company s compliance to WWF standard of responsible marine tourism in Indonesia. The company has the options to use consultant service or WWF-ID tourism team to conduct the assessment. After result obtained, a work plan will be developed together by the Signing Blue team and Company representatives to become the basis of the Marine Tourism Improvement Program (MTIP). Scoring explanation of Signing Blue s Starfish standard Assessment result gathered based on its level of commitment, willingness to implement best practice in their marine tourism business and also their effort to educate and influence other relevant parties to participate in responsible marine tourism. The result is categorized to level Starfish 1 as the early stage to Starfish 5 as the intermediate stage: Starfish 1: Demonstrate knowledge and commitment to responsible business/ practices in tourism sector Starfish 2: Demonstrate high commitment to implement best practices in business sector (minor implementation/ less than 50% of internal staff committed and implement best practices) Starfish 3: Aware and willing to conduct Responsible Marine Tourism activity by involving relevant parties (major implementation/ minimum equal and more than 50% of internal staff committed and implement best practices) Starfish 4: Possess awareness to educate implement and influence other relevant parties to participate in responsible marine tourism practices (make a minor contribution/ contribute to less than 50% of external party) Starfish 5: Able to show innovative tourism program and provide significant impact towards environmental sustainability, economic and sociocultural and reduction of carbon footprint, as well as able to influence policy and regulation in sustainable natural resource management (make a major contribution/ contribute to equal and more than 50% of external party) Scoring System 1. Compliance of Starfish 1-3 (internal implementation) is when the assessment score reach >= 70% 2. Compliance of Starfish 4-5 (external implementation) is when the assessment score reach >= 70% and after the Starfish 1-3 (internal implementation) reach 100%

9 Data gathering Assessment is done based on several methods of data gathering, namely by an interview to the company and related stakeholders, observation, - Rencana Pengembangan Taman Nasional (RPTN) documentation of relevant paperwork and manuals needed and through media research. Detailed information regarding assessment methodology refers to Signing Blue Standard Guideline. Information source Date and location Name and position Company Contact 5 December 2016 Miguel Albarram / Dive and tour guide supervisor search and development Flores XP - 5 December 2016 Maria Herlina / Komisaris dan administrasi 6 December 2016 Berto / Tour guide Flores XP 6 December / Awak kapal Flores XP Other sources Flores XP - 6 December 2016 Jeff wisatawan - Tripadvisor Flores XP Adventure Tours (Labuan Bajo Indonesia). Reviews-Flores_XP_Adventure_Tours-Labuan_Bajo_Flores_East_Nusa_Tenggara.html Flores XP Sea Tours Flores Experience adventure. Balai Taman Nasional Komodo Rencana Pengelolaan Taman Nasional Komodo Tahun Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan Direktorat Jenderal Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam dan Ekosistem.

10 DETAILED EVALUATION Flores XP owns Salacia ship, a 15-meter long motorized wooden boat that is equipped with a lifeboat to reach the diving spots and shallow water area. The explanation of safety access was delivered to all tour participant during a briefing that included how to access safety relieve tools or devices. The boat is operated by 1 captain, 2 crews, and 1 tour guide who were also a dive guide. The Signing Blue team evaluated the Dragon Tour, a two-day trip journey which was begun with picking up the guests at Pirate Camp, Sebayur Island; and then followed with adventure activity by visiting Sembilan Island, an island that is formed from uplifted rubble and inhabited by stingless jellyfish; and trekking activity in Loh Buaya, Rinca Island. Tourism activity in Sembilan Island (left) and briefing for the guests in Salacia boat (right)

11 Flores XP performed their tour activities with awareness towards environmental aspects and responsible implementation. Flores XP had the understanding to educate the tour participant about the marine animal biological aspect and how to interact with it that is written in a red book, and also their website that contains information on animal that inhabited Komodo National Park. Not only that, Flores XP also supported the use of refillable drinking bottle provided for each guest to reduce plastic waste. From the safety aspect, Flores XP upheld their guests and crews safety and security by providing evacuation plan, adequate safety equipment, and not running any diving activity during the storm and high wave situation. One added value that Flores XP had was their concern on employee capacity building and community empowerment aspects in running the business. On the other hand, there are several things that are yet developed by Flores XP such as; knowledge in Komodo National Park zoning and regulation, concern in culture and partnership aspects to support development of local business, better records and documents to report findings or incident of threat to wildlife even though they once had reported it to the manager, a well-documented proof of discussion or session with local stakeholders, and yet to find promotion materials of responsible and environmentally friendly tourism activity that could add values of Flores XP.

12 1. PRINCIPLE: ENVIRONMENT - Overall, Flores XP ran the tour with high concern and awareness in environmental aspect, especially in educating marine wildlife biology, how to interact with marine animal, and treatment of mooring buoy. Flores XP even had invested on procurement of solar panels and wind power plant, also recycling of used (dangerous) waste. Scores that are obtained in environmental principle is Starfish 3, namely 82% completed Starfish 1, 76% completed Starfish 2, and 71% completed Starfish 3. Red book consisted of biological aspect of sea animals - Indicators that should be fulfilled are followed with; absence of documentation or records of written mechanism system of wildlife thread, how to dock with mooring buoy and/or anchors, water saving, waste management, dangerous waste management (oil, battery), reducing light and noise pollution mechanism.

13 Category Criteria Indicator Assessment Result Score 1.1. Biodiversity Conservational education Awareness and understanding improvement in managing marine ecosystem and wildlife conservation Existing Condition Existing Gap S 1 S 2 S 3 S 4 S 5 > Interpretation materials > Absence of tour location map that (guides of interaction with manta, responsible diving & shows national park zoning snorkeling, interaction with marine wildlife) in handout > Have not yet educate work partners form provided for guests, and in electronic form such and document it as company website > Tour guide is able to organize briefing and guide to the guests during tourism activity > Documentation of beach clean-up activity by the guest > No documentation of social work and donation (CSR) > No list of collaboration partner > Applied punishment system for guest and staffs who disobey/break the rules/misbehave towards code of conduct or responsible tourism principle (red-yellow-green card) that is documented > Applied reward system for on-field staffs with best performance that is documented

14 Availability of financing for conservation in work area (CSR) > Has the strategy and plans to organize social programs for local community>have the unwritten internal policy to participate in conservation activities (such as Trash Hero, Manta Watch)>All guests pay for national park entrance ticket and retribution; company pays taxes>all dive master and instructor involved in manta watch and manta ID photo collection by Megafauna foundation>support DOCK in mooring buoy development > Generally, C=company profit s contribution and allocation in Taman National Komodo and Manggarai Barat conservation activity are not wellrecorded

15 Interaction with protected and endangered animal No harmful activity that could threat or damage marine ecosystem No illegal tourism attraction/souvenir made of protected and endangered marine animal, also understand what step should be taken while finding an animal that is injured/stranded/trapped/ accidentally trapped during the tour. > Company's commitment is written in a red guide book that is given to each guest and in the website>briefing is organized before the tour begins>is there any best practice (referring to BEEP interacting with wildlife/diving/interacting with local community/mooring buoy) that is applied during observation?>warning the guest in briefing/during diving/snorkeling/trekking to not disturb animal, and not to take out animal or fishing in national park area > Company only organizes wildlife observation from a distance that is suggested in code of conduct that included in briefing material > Company does not promote souvenirs that are made of protected animal > No appropriate documentation or record regarding the staffs training and the result, implementation of practices on field. > Need to update information related with latest knowledge of interacting with injured/stranded/trapped/accidentally trapped animal

16 Participation in informing findings of threaten wildlife and its habitat (non-target trapping, stranded animal, illegal hunting, physical interaction, etc) Has reported findings to the manager of Komodo National Park regarding to fish-bombing in TNK area (date and incident are to be confirmed) No documentation system and consistency, and implementation of record, also no reports of rule-breaker that are handled by the authority The use of anchors The use of anchors and/or mooring buoy responsibly > Employees have understood the use of anchor and mooring buoy, but no written manual yet > Working Operational Manual documentation/internal mechanism is not available, regarding how to dock with mooring buoy and/or anchors > boat crews and guide are well-informed regarding dock location, berth, mooring buoy, and safe spot to release the anchor but no written manual yet > No form of collaboration in docking practice education with partners that is documented > Involved as DOCK members who are regularly involved in mooring buoy installing and treatment activity > Has one mooring buoy (location is to be confirmed)

17 The realization of responsible and effective spatial planning of a travel destination A responsible development, plan, and implementation of spatial planning of a travel destination. > Involved in the making of tourism master plan at Komodo National Park>include RIPPDA Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, but has not arranged carrying capacity and spatial planning of travel destination>include zoning and planning of Komodo National Park management > Komodo National Park tourism master plan is still on development process>include RIPPDA Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, but has not arranged carrying capacity and spatial planning of travel destination Include promotion information regarding responsible tour product/ facility > Tour promotion and product material still contain less-responsible content > Tour guides are able to explain principles and concept of responsible tourism while travelling >Tour promotion and product material still contain less-responsible content > Staff s understanding (outside tour guides) regarding responsible tourism principles is not documented yet Ecological Footprint Food management Concern in choosing packaging material to reduce waste > Sell and lend stainless steel refillable bottle to the guests > Choosing snacks with big-sized plastic packaging > No written mechanism/manuals > No proof of the employee has received instruction/training and understood this policy > No list of suppliers and receipts The use of seafood products that are environmentally-friendly > Avoid using tuna products and only consuming trevally, barracuda, Spanish, mackerel, and squid. > No manuals of seafood choice policy

18 The use of local food to reduce carbon footprint > Company has unwritten policy regarding the purchasing and stocking ingredients process (for example: purchasing only local product except pasta, tomato sauce, and olive oil) > Ratio of local ingredients more than 50% from supermarket or local traditional market (Labuan Bajo) > No written mechanism/manuals > No proof of the employee has received instruction/training and understood this policy > No list of suppliers and receipts > No list of menus offered to the guests Energy and water saving Implementation of electricity conservation and saving activity > Has the manuals of electricity saving for each guest in red briefing book >Has used the latest renewable energy source such as solar panels and wind power plant >Has not shown any footprints of electricity use and inventory of electronic device >Has no written internal mechanism and training materials of energy saving for employees >Has used energy-saving device such as TL lamp Implementation of fossil fuels saving and conservation activity Has electricity source from solar and wind that can reduce fossil fuels No policy of fossil-sourced fuels and fuels savings

19 Implementation of clean water saving and conservation activity > Has manuals of water savings on boat and at camp for guests>using saltwater for toiletflushing (documented on the ship) and waste water to water the plants>store rain waters at camp >Has not shown footprints of waterusing >Has no documentation of information of water availability access in travel destination >Has no internal mechanism/written manuals and training materials for employee regarding water-saving Garbage and dangerous waste management Policy of waste management activity is available and implemented >Has internal policy in managing waste from boat and camp (all the waste will be brought back to Labuan Bajo, the sorting of organic waste, the reuse of used bottle as an ice pack) >No written manuals/management document >Collaboration of managing waste is not documented yet >Has not done composting for organic waste >Staffs are implementing waste managing on the boat and helping to collect garbage found in travel destination >Has no strategic plans to reduce waste >Collaboration of waste manager with Trash Hero

20 Run a dangerous waste management system during any activity associated with the sea (oil waste, oil, spent fuel from the boat, battery, waterresistant paint) >Managing oil waste from the boat >Ensure the battery is not carelessly thrown away in travel destination >Recycle oil residue by collecting and precipitating it in a container, the residue after the precipitation can be used as a layer of gearbox and wood >Has not managed battery waste >No written manuals regarding dangerous waste management >Has not involved partner in managing dangerous waste Pollution and contamination Reduce of noise and light pollution during tourism activity > Reducing noise pollution aspect is written in code of conduct while interacting with wildlife > Employee understands the impact of noise pollution towards wildlife, and applies code of conduct on the field. >No documentation of reducing noise pollution practice on the field >Cooperation/deal of every DOCK member is not written yet >Has not involved partners, especially local community, government, and academics > Establish a cooperation with DOCK to make every member agree on reducing noise pollution > Using a low noise generator and installing sound-proofing inside the boat to muffle sound of the machine

21 2. PRINCIPLE: SOCIAL-ECONOMIC-CULTURE - In overall, aspect of socio-economy-culture gets the lowest scores compared to other aspects, which completes 60% for Starfish 1, and as for Starfish 2, 3, 4 the score is 40%, also 20% for Starfish 5. - Main indicator that gets the best score in this aspect is Flores XP s concern in promoting local cultures by providing tour package based on request. - Another indicator that needs to be improved is providing tour package for participant with special needs, information regarding customs in the travel destination, involvement in developing local community business, also more involvement in local community discussion session. Category Criteria Indicator Assessment Result Score 2.1 Equality and social value For participant with special need Tour facility and product for participant with special need* NOTE: *Elderly, wheelchair user, autistic, deaf, etc. Existing Condition Existing Gap S 1 S 2 S 3 S 4 S 5 >The boat is accessible >Has no manuals or packages for for participant participant with special need with special need (entrance position to ship s deck) >Can adjust the package for participant with special need >Staffs and partners have not received trainings to assist participant with special need >No documentation of tour package for participant with special need

22 Respecting local values Promoting local culture and following both formal and informal rules that are associated with social tradition/custom in tour destination >All staff understand and are proficient in local s language and customs >Tour package can be arranged for guests who want to visit the location/village >No bad reports from the locals > Does not have manuals/materials/informati on regarding customs applied in tour destination > Has not yet promoted locality/customs of tour destination on communication media (website/instagram/faceboo k/twitter) also the rules the rules have not been promoted yet >Have brought tourist to do Caci dance (originated from Mabar) based on interview and documentation on their website > Does not have any contribution form from company nor guests to promote community culture 2.2 Participation Involvement in local community business Improvement of local business through promotion and partnership - Does not have any program to improve community economy in form of partnership as a provider for goods and services Support of entrepreneurship program of local community in tourism destination - Has no program nor initiation in improving local community business

23 2.2.2 Involvement in tourism management Access for local community to plan and take part in making decisions in tourism management policy > The company respectes all rules and social norms applied (no complaints from the locals) > Has not yet involved actively in discussion with the locals >No complaints from the locals >Attending invitation of social activity (wedding, customary blessing ritual in Ruteng) 3. PRINCIPLE: EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT In the principle of effective internal management, Flores XP gets the best score compared to other principles, which is 100% for Starfish 1, 2, 3, 88% for Starfish 4, and also 67% for Starfish 5. The best aspect of this principle is found in the composition of domestic and foreign employees, women s managerial position in company, and also handling of guests complaints on the trip advisor portal. Flores XP will develop further more if they could improve the aspect of making standard training on capacity building mechanism of each employee, rights and obligations of employee, standard of guest service and complaints handling, and make an overall current-employees database.

24 Category Criteria Indicator 3.1 Legality Legal compliance Legal and law-abiding business management system Assessment Result Score Existing Condition Existing Gap S 1 S 2 S 3 S 4 S 5 > Has good bookkeeping system, completed financial and organizational documents, and dedicated staff in finance >Has performed tax liability and proof of tax receipt 3.2 Health and safety Health and safety concern in managing business Availability of internal mechanism that improves health quality and work safety > Has manuals and materials regarding safety-working > Accessible documents related with safetyworking >Some of the staffs are not competence enough to give first aid to guest > No collaboration yet with partners > Dive master and instructor haven a certification as rescue diver, and captain also have certification on first aid

25 Provides basic standard and relevant tools regarding health and safety issues, also list of emergency numbers > Provides tank of fire extinguisher, evacuation route, oxygen 100% >Has list of emergency/important numbers regarding health and safety issue in company s office >Has one lifeboat on each ship > Not known whether there is a checking logbook that is evaluated regularly Employment Employee Employment legality >All employees work legally and under the contract system Composition of domestic (WNI) and foreign employees > Has only 1 foreign workers as a dive instructor/guide and he has complete documentation >All positions are occupied by domestic employees Child protection Free of children employment >No underage children is being >Need guides (printed or electronic) regarding working age restrictions >Need to show list of total employees also with their age 1 1

26 Women have role and authority in management position Three out of 25 employees are women, and two of them (66%) are in managerial position >Need a document of list of total current employees complete with position and composition of men and women employee Zero tolerance of sexual harassment for all employees and guests >No reports of sexual harassment >Need a Working Operational Manual that is regulating sexual harassment Employee rights Rights and facility of the workers are in accordance with the legislations or applied local rules >All employees accept their rights and facilities based on applied legislation and written in the contract, and received salary based on Regional Minimum Wage (UMR) Partnership, membership, and relation of Indonesia tourism business Company that is involved and active in relevant and recognized tourism association in Indonesia >Become a member of recreational boat association and dive operator in DOCK >Has not yet registered as member of tour service provider in national and regional level >Has not documented activities during in DOCK 1 0

27 Debriefing of education and skills Improvement of employee capacity/training based on the field and responsibility >Company has the unwritten policy to conduct training for the staffs based on their competence and required skill >Dive master is funded by the company to get the certification >Has not yet provided Working Operational Manual documents of training or documents of training materials of capacity building based on their fields Service quality, guests satisfaction and branding Employee and work partner service Understanding of good service to guest/work partners >Guests satisfaction and feedback are documented through feedback from trip advisor with score 4.5 ( >Has not yet provided Working Operational Manual/standard/ guides regarding guests service/work partners) >Respond actively in trip advisor 100% 100% 100% 88% 67%

28 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Through this Signing Blue, WWF-Indonesia aims to invite Flores XP to develop a responsible tourism activity and cooperate with local authority and community. Improvement can be done with improving internal capacity, service to partners, also contribute further in preserving Komodo National Park as a work area. Signing Blue directs its members to fulfill requirements with three main principles, namely; environmental, socio-economy-culture, and effective management. According to the assessment stage, by overall, Flores XP is awarded Starfish 1, which indicates that Flores XP has fully committed towards a responsible tourism activity. However, from all three principles, Flores XP reached differently in achieving responsible marine tourism, the highest score obtained in Effective Management principle (completed Starfish 4), followed by Environmental principle (Starfish 3), and the lowest score is from Socio-Economy-Culture principle. The aspect that needs to be prioritized to be developed further and better for Flores XP is Socio-Economy-Culture principle. Hopefully, this principle can be easily improved as well by Flores XP as Flores XP is providing tour service in cultural tour field and that is potential can let Flores XP interact more frequently with the locals. In addition, this principle can also be developed by providing tour package to people with special need, information materials regarding customs that is implemented in the travel destination, involvement in developing local community business and discussion session with the local community.