Environmental and Social Sustainability Standards for Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago Reducing environmental and social impacts of cruise boats through effective voluntary action Ha Long-Cat Ba Alliance Leadership Committee Meeting Hai Phong, December 3, 2015

Standards can help improve tourism in Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago: 1.Global standard models, adaptable to the local context of Vietnam 2.Combination of voluntary and obligatory commitments 3.Incentive measure to improve performance 4.Standards independently accredited and evaluated 5.Global recognition for tour operators, their staff, and products The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) provides global criteria that can be adapted to local context. HLB-CBA can draw on experience of over 50 registered GSTC standards, worldwide. Why standards and certification?

1.Put in place floating wastewater and solid waste collection and treatment system 1.For all 500 boats, day and overnight 2.Enable PPC to implement its July 2015 bilge water regulation 3.Technical and financial feasibility study required 2.Design Green Lotus-based standard for cruise boats 1.Include Green Lotus in standard name 2.GSTC recognition of Green Lotus is needed 3.GL+ should offer real incentives for hotels, resorts, and boats (disconnect) 3.Obtain destination certification from an internationally recognized certification body (EarthCheck, QualityCoast, or Biosphere Responsible Tourism) 1.In line with Quang Ninh’s Green Growth Strategy 2.Expand Ha Long Bay WHS to include Cat Ba Archipelago Needs Assessment

Preconditions Complete feasibility study of cost- effective waste water treatment options Implement waste water treatment system Expand HLB WHS to include Cat Ba Archipelago Identify meaningful incentives for certified businesses and operators The roadmap: step 1

Developing GL+ standard Needs assessment (completed) Stakeholder mapping (partially done) MOU with VNAT to develop GL+ standard Draft standard (progress) Pilot testing on representative boats First public consultation (60 days) Revision of standard Second public consultation (30 days) Final standard publicly available Seek GSTC-recognition of the standard The roadmap: step 2

Certification VNAT owns GL+ Identify multi-stakeholder certification body, including decision-making panel Establish procedures manuals in conformity with ISO Train and contract auditors Initiate certification process Implement incentives program for certified boats and operators The roadmap: step 3

 For highest level of certification  Approval to open new tourism routes  Reduced annual licensing fees  Extended licensing period  Access to cooperative advertising with VNAT  Free participation in international trade shows in Vietnam booth  For all certified boats  Reduced entrance fees  Lower taxes (e.g., 1-2 year tax holiday)  Training workshops with credit for participants  Access to GSTC marketing channels  Use portion entrance fee to subsidize compliance costs for small and medium sized boats Incentives for certified boats

Chapter outline of GL+ Green Lotus existing structure A.Sustainable management  Delete inapplicable criteria B.Maximisation of socio-economic benefits for local society  Delete inapplicable criteria C.Minimisation of adverse impacts on cultural and natural heritage  Delete inapplicable criteria  Add criteria on visitor management (carrying capacity, etc.) for shore activities  Add criteria related to marine biodiversity conservation: avoiding contamination, introduction of exotic species, behavioral impacts on marine birds and mammals, ecological and behavioral impacts at visiting site, etc.  Add criteria on impacts of community visits D.Minimisation of negative impacts on the environment  Delete inapplicable criteria  Add criteria specific to bilge water, sewage, and grey water management, treatment, and effective monitoring  Add criteria related to air and water pollution from engine exhaust New sections for GL+ E.Safety of boat, passengers, and crew  Numerous criteria related to safe operation F.Food handling and hygiene  Staff training  Purchasing  Storage  Preparation G.Boat operation  Anchorage sites  Navigation and mooring principles  Boat maintenance H.Marine tourism activities  Swimming  Diving and snorkeling  Marine mammal watching  Recreational fishing  Kayaking, sailing, and canoeing  Aquatic adventure tourism I.Shore excursions from boats  Community visits  Caves  Rock climbing  Other shore activities that pose a risk to the habitat or the client