In Wakatobi, the welfare of the people and the health of the reefs have long been closely connected. Generations have looked to the bounty of the reefs for sustenance, and for a time, this traditional balance seemed threatened by new fishing methods. But Village elders had the wisdom to recognize that income from sustainable tourism is providing the incentive to preserve the coral reefs around their communities. Thanks to the innovative paradigm fostered by the Wakatobi Collaborative Reef Conservation Program, the balance has returned. For more than 20 years, the local communities have supported the protection of the reefs and the people have learned the value of pristine reefs. Local villages thrive and the reefs are in better shape than ever, thanks to a combination of revenue generated by diving eco-tourism and the implementation of sustainable harvesting practices supported by no-take zones and community-based conservation initiatives.

Area villages are thriving and the reefs are in better shape than ever. Photo by Dave Morgan

Despite the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Wakatobi’s commitment to the community has remained a top priority. In simple terms, the thinking was “happy people, healthy reefs.” To maintain this balance in the absence of guests, Wakatobi’s owners and management formulated an interim plan to upgrade and refresh the property and preserve the jobs of more than 160 local workers. The resort has continued to pay health insurance costs and maintain payments to the pension fund and continues to fund the conservation lease payments, social programs, and reef patrols that are key elements of Wakatobi’s iconic Collaborative Reef Conservation Program.

Maintaining operations through the pandemic has required resort management to make some economic sacrifices, but the alternative would have resulted in a far more devastating effect on the surrounding community. Since opening in 1996, Wakatobi Resort has become an important and integral part of the region’s local economy. In addition to providing direct employment for local workers, the resort’s programs create a wide range of both social and economic benefits to surrounding communities.

A member of the local reef patrol prepares a daily report during the pandemic. Photo by Marco Fierli

Much has been written about the unique solution for reef conservation enacted by Wakatobi founder Lorenz Mäder. The lease payments Wakatobi provides to villages in exchange for honoring no-take zones on the reefs provide the obvious benefit of much-needed revenue. But there are other rewards of the program that have emerged in the years since the Collaborative Reef Conservation Program was created.

With ongoing protection and local collaboration, the Wakatobi region’s entire marine ecosystem has benefitted. Photo by Marco Fierli, marcof8.com

The no-take zones specified by the agreement serve as marine life breeding grounds and fish nurseries that have actually increased fishermen’s yields in other areas. And as local communities witnessed the tangible benefits of conservation, attitudes shifted, and the region’s entire marine ecosystem has benefitted.

Local stonemasons have continued to work at the resort throughout the pandemic, making updates and improvements. Photo by Wakatobi Resort

Less newsworthy, but equally important to the local communities, are the direct economic benefits created by resort operations. Employment and revenue first began flowing to local communities during the resort’s construction. Stone workers were hired to quarry and shape limestone walls and foundations, while local carpenters used traditional tools to shape the original longhouse, the resort’s villas, and bungalows. Wakatobi continues to employ local craftsmen for expansions and repairs, including the ongoing process of roof replacement.

Eco-friendly, locally-produced products, require replacement over time, creating both jobs at the resort and ongoing work for local villagers. Photo by Marco Fierli, marcof8.com

Resort buildings are roofed with traditional materials. Sago palm leaf shingles known as rumbia are held in place with retainers known as penindis, which are woven from bamboo. These eco-friendly and locally-produced products require replacement over time, creating both jobs at the resort and ongoing work for local villagers. In all, up to 200 individuals produce the rumbia shingles, and another 100 produce the penindis weavings.

With no guest traffic during the pandemic, Wakatobi’s local team had the opportunity to widen and smooth the jetty. Photo by Wakatobi Resort

In addition to supporting a wide range of local craftsmen and vendors, Wakatobi Resort is the area’s largest employer, with the vast majority of jobs coming from the surrounding community. In fact, some 90 percent of all resort jobs go to local workers. This workforce includes not only expected positions such as gardeners, boat crews, housekeeping, and restaurant staff but also supervisory positions and some department heads. On-the-job training in all departments creates opportunities for advancement, and non-local staff is brought in only when needed to train and lead the local staff.

“I have many happy memories of the Wakatobi staff and of visiting the village. The Indonesian people are so special. I look forward to returning to Wakatobi and seeing familiar faces.” ~ Guest Steve Lyons

Along with employment opportunities, Wakatobi contributes a wide range of services to local communities. These include providing supplies and educational materials for village schools, sponsoring teams of village representatives to promote conservation initiatives and sustainable fishing practices, organizing village reef parols, installing moorings in local harbors, and forwarding the interests of the Wakatobi region and its citizens to all levels of the Indonesian government.

Guest Steve Lyons has fond memories of visiting Lamanggau, particularly the “sweet, smiling faces of the Indonesian children.” Photo courtesy of Steve Lyons

For all these reasons and more, the Wakatobi team understands the importance of maintaining operations during this time of hardship. We remain committed to our community, and confident that current economic sacrifices are a small price to pay for ensuring the long-term success not only of the resort, but also the local people who have become like family.

Plan your visit to Wakatobi!  Contact our team at office@wakatobi.com or inquire >here.