The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
APPENDIX 5 CAPACITY BUILDING
Table of Contents
APPENDIX 5 CAPACITY BUILDING ...... A5-I A5.1 Counterpart Training in Japan ...... A5-1 A5.1.1 First counterpart training ...... A5-1 A5.1.2 Second counterpart training ...... A5-8 A5.1.3 Third counterpart training ...... A5-12 A5.1.4 Fourth counterpart training ...... A5-25 A5.2 Environmental Technology Seminar ...... A5-41
List of Tables
Table A5.1.1 Outline of First Training Program in Japan ...... A5-3 Table A5.1.2 Training Schedule of First Training Program in Japan ...... A5-4 Table A5.1.3 Outline of Second Training Program in Japan ...... A5-8 Table A5.1.4 Training Schedule of Second Training Program in Japan ...... A5-9
List of Figures
Figure A5.1.1 Interaction between Project Purpose and First Training Program in Japan ...... A5-2 Figure A5.1.2 Photos of Site Visit in First Training Program ...... A5-6 Figure A5.1.3 Interaction between Project Purpose and Second Training Program in Japan ...... A5-8 Figure A5.1.4 Photos of Site Visit in Second Training Program ...... A5-11 Figure A5.1.5 Interaction between Project Purpose and First Training Program in Japan ...... A5-13 Figure A5.1.6 Evaluation of Third Training Program by Trainees ...... A5-16 Figure A5.1.7 Photos of Site Visit in Third Training Program ...... A5-20 Figure A5.1.8 Interaction between Project Purpose and Fourth Training Program in Japan ...... A5-25 Figure A5.1.9 Photos of Site Visit in Fourth Training Program ...... A5-38 Figure A5.2.1 First Environmental Technology Seminar ...... A5-42 Figure A5.2.2 Second Environmental Technology Seminar ...... A5-42 Figure A5.2.3 Questionnaire of Second Environmental Technology Seminar ...... A5-43 Figure A5.2.4 Third and Fourth Environmental Technology Seminar ...... A5-43 Figure A5.2.5 Questionnaire of Third and Fourth Environmental Technology Seminar ...... A5-44 Figure A5.2.1 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 2017 ...... A5-45 Figure A5.2.2 Increase of Members of Japanese Geoparks Network in 2017 ...... A5-46 Figure A5.2.3 Proportion of People who knows Geoparks in Japan in 2015 and 2018 ...... A5-46
A5-i
The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
A5.1 Counterpart Training in Japan
A training program in Japan has been carried out four times in the course of the Project until October 2017. The training program aims to understand the proposed concepts such as eco-island, satoyama and satoumi, sustainable fisheries, eco-industrial park, eco-tourism, and geopark. The training program includes site visits related to advanced technology for energy-saving and water saving. Table A5.1.1 shows outline of the training program.
Table A5.1.1 Outline of Counterpart Training Program in Japan Target Trainees Title Theme Schedule (n) Management 8 Formulation of Policies and regulations related to 2 weeks in level sustainable environmental conservation and tourism May 2016 development master sector plan Management of Geopark, advanced technology and regional development Sustainable development plan for Qeshm island toward Eco-Island General staff 8 Sustainable fishery Creation of Satoumi and vitalization of 3 weeks from and residents (1st development fishing communities August to session) Fishery technology of Japan September 2016 8 Knowledge Roles and functions of national 3 weeks from (2nd co-creation program authorities and private entities to promote September to session) in Japan for and implement ecotourism October 2017 developing Roles and functions of regional ecotourism administration and public and private implementation partnership to promote and implement mechanism and ecotourism regional marketing Ecotourism products experience Organizational framework and measures of regional marketing Sustainable regional development, collaboration of ecotourism, ecomuseum and Geopark 8 Sustainable industrial Environmental conservation 3 weeks from (3rd development and Green industry and eco-cities September to session) environmental Eco-friendly water sanitation and waste October 2017 technology management Private sector attraction Source: JICA Project Team. The contents and evaluation of each training program are presented in sections A5.2.1 to A5.2.4.
A5.1.1 First counterpart training
(1) Objective of first counterpart training The first training program was carried out in Japan from May 15th 2016 to May 26th, 2016 with the title of Training on Formulation of Sustainable Development Master Plan. The training program was tailored to emphasize sustainable development through introduction of Japanese experience for livelihood improvement and environmental conservation. In particular, the training program focused on tourism promotion, environmental policy, management of Geopark registered in Global Geoparks Network, the concept of "Satoumi" and “Satoyama” and cutting edge technology in environmental oriented city. The training program aimed at providing the trainees of counterpart organizations with a lot of knowledge, know-how and management skill to realize Eco-Island in Qeshm island. Figure A5.1. shows interaction between the Project and the training program.
A5-1 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Objectives of the Project (a) To improve the livelihood of local residents; (b) To conserve the natural resources of the island; and (c) To promote development of environmental-friendly island.
Output of the Project (a) The existing master plan is reviewed. (b) A master plan for conservation of community livelihood and natural resources for 2035 is formulated. (c) Pilot projects for community livelihood improvement and natural resource management are implemented. (d) An action plan for each priority sector including tourism, fishery, sewage management, and solid wastes management is prepared. (e) The promotion of investment by the private sector in the island is supported. Training purpose (1): Policies and regulations related to environmental conservation and tourism sector National policies for environmental management and tourism promotion (Theme 1) Environmental conservation in offshore airport development (Theme 5)
Training purpose (2): Management of Geopark, advanced technology and regional development Interaction between nature, environment and tourism in Geopark (Theme 3) Environmental model city (Theme 4) Efficient and environmental-friendly management of seaport (Theme 7) Advanced technology and promotion of enterprises in international strategic special area(Theme 8)
Training purpose (3): Sustainable development plan for Qeshm island toward Eco-Island Regional development, community participation, and job creation by application of “Satoumi" and “Satoyama” (Theme 2) Promotion of environmental conservation in heavy chemical industry development (Theme 6)
Source: JICA Project Team Figure A5.1.1 Interaction between Project Purpose and First Training Program in Japan
(2) Outline of first counterpart training Five trainees participated in the training program. They included representatives at the management level of Qeshm Free Zone Organization (QFZO), Qeshm County Government, and Hormozgan Province Government. The training program consists of lectures and site visits. Lecturers belong to central and local government, government-affiliated institutions, private companies, and NGOs. The lectures of the government provided substantial information for the trainees in terms of policies, laws, institutions, and management methods, as the trainees belonged to the Iranian government too and were easy to share the opinions in view of the government side. The trainees were keenly interested in the roles and management system to examine the immediate practice in Qeshm Island especially for environmental conservation and management of Shimabara Global Geopark. Site visits were informative. The trainees experienced a lot of activities for improvement of livelihood, tourism promotion and natural environmental conservation. In addition, by visiting Hakata port, they learned advanced operation and environmental-friendly machinery with regard to port management system. The outline of the training program is shown in Table A5.1.2.
A5-2 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A5.1.2 Outline of First Training Program in Japan Theme of Site Visit Purpose Contents Theme 1: To understand an overview of Tourism promotion measure and policy, National policies for environmental policies, tourism promotion trend of Japanese tourist for Iran and other environmental and local revitalization measures middle east country management and tourism Eco-Tourism, tourism promotion of the promotion region, resident’s organization related to the regional heritage and measure of and EIA
Theme 2: To understand about the specific measures Overview, specific measures and Regional development, To understand the collaboration program introduction of example for “Satoumi" community participation, involving residents and management and “Satoyama” and job creation by method though conducting the site visits of Livelihood improvement and employment application of “Satoumi" the model location, promotion through the marine products and “Satoyama” distribution, processing and branding Brand establishment, development and productive infrastructure environment creation through “Rural Fishing Village Activation Strategy Action Plan” Theme 3: To understand the history, natural and History and nature of Geopark Interaction between activities to promote tourism in Shimabara Tourism model course nature, environment and Geopark Public relations and introduction of tourism in Geopark tourism promotion activities in Geopark Theme 4: To understand the outline of the Eco-town, Environmental model city Environmental model city environment urban city with reference to Smart community creation model the case of Kitakyushu city Promotion of tourism industry Theme 5: At offshore airport, to get an overview of Kitakyushu airport environment plan Environmental the environmental protection plan implementation system, the conservation in offshore implementation plan (air, noise, vibration, airport development water, soil, etc.) Theme 6: To understand the connection between Operation and environmental conservation Promotion of petrochemical complex and environment Dealing with residents by Oita environmental petrochemical complex conference conservation in heavy chemical industry development Theme 7: To understand the method of management Method of environmental planning and Efficient and for seaport operation by Hakata port environmental-friendly management of seaport Theme 8: To understand the method of activating Science and technology city Advanced technology and cutting edge technology and environmental Environmental management promotion of enterprises management in “Tsukuba science city” in international strategic special area Source: JICA Project Team According to the themes as shown in Table A5.1.2, a training schedule was planned effectively with consideration of efficient travel in Japan. The training program started with lectures about the policies and laws in the tourism agency under Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Ministry of the Environment. Thereafter, the trainees travelled to Kyushu area for site visit of the Global Geopark, the offshore airport, examples of "Satoumi" and “Satoyama” and so on. Then, they visited Tsukuba Science and Technology City after returning back to Tokyo metropolitan area. The training schedule is shown in Table A5.1.3.
A5-3 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A5.1.3 Training Schedule of First Training Program in Japan Place to Date Activity/Visit Outline and theme of the site visit/training stay 14 Sa Tokyo Leave from Iran for Tokyo 15 Su Tokyo Arrive in Tokyo JICA (Tokyo International Center) Outline of the training Lecture from Advanced Industrial Operation and management of the 16 Mo Tokyo Science and Technology Geopark JICA headquarter Courtesy call and opinion exchange Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Tourism promotion and trend of Transport and Tourism (Tourism Japanese tourist for Iran and other agency) middle east countries 17 Tu Nagasaki Environmental policy, conservation of Ministry of the Environment environment and Eco-tourism Move to Nagasaki (By flight) Survey for Shimabara World Operation and management of 18 We Nagasaki Geopark Shimabara Global Geopark Move to Hakata (By bus) Method of environmental machinery and Hakata Port 19 Th Fukuoka operation Inspection eco-tour conducted by a Eco-tour Japanese NPO Environmental planning in offshore Kitakyushu airport airport Eco-town, environmental model city, May 20 Fr Oita Kitakyushu city smart community creation model, waste management Move to Oita (By bus) Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific Application of “Satoyama” and 21 Sa Oita University (APU) “Satoyama” for regional development 22 Su Oita Survey in Oita Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific Application of “Satoyama” and University (APU) “Satoyama” for regional development Satoumi creation model 23 Mo Oita Activation strategy in rural village Oita prefecture Environmental conservation with the promotion of heavy chemical industry 24 Tu Ibaraki Move to Ibaraki (By flight) Tsukuba city, Fujikin company Science and Technology City, and Japan Aerospace Exploration environmental protection 25 We Tokyo Agency Move to Tokyo (By bus) JICA (Tokyo International Center) Review of training program Iranian Embassy in Japan Tourism seminar 26 Th Tokyo Survey in Tokyo area Commercial area in Tokyo Leave from Narita 27 Fr Arrive in Iran Source: JICA Project Team
(3) Tourism seminar in Embassy of Iran In the end of the training program, a tourism seminar for Qeshm Island was held in Embassy of Iran in Tokyo to promote the tourism on the island. With cooperation of the Embassy and JICA headquarter, the JICA Project Team (JPT) and Qeshm Free Zone Organization (QFZO) prepared this seminar. For the sake of tourism promotion of the Qeshm Island, more than 40 participants were invited from
A5-4 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Japanese travel companies, industrial and manufacturing companies, and media. In the seminar, the outline of the Project with the concept of “Eco-Island” was introduced. The attractiveness and typical tourism courses in Qeshm island were presented. According to the result of questionnaires responded by the participants after the seminar, they expressed the sufficient information on Qeshm island was given and interest for tourism to the island was increased. Participants who are interested in visiting Qeshm Island accounted for about 90% (29 out of 32 respondents). Furthermore, most of participants (20 out of 23 respondents) answered that they wanted to develop a tour program related to Qeshm Island in their business. The seminar was successfully closed to promote Qeshm Island tourism industry.
(4) Evaluation of first training program On 26th May 2016, four trainees evaluated the training program in the evaluation meeting with JICA headquarter official and the JPT experts. Two trainees evaluated the training program as highly satisfied to meet the objectives which they expected. The other two trainees evaluated as almost satisfied. They expressed opinions and experience they learned from on the training program as shown below; (a) The training program was the opportunity to deepen the knowledge about relation between tourism development and conservation of natural resources. (b) Related laws and regulations should be considered with respect to environmental issues regarding. (c) Small and medium-sized enterprises should be supported in term of technical and educational aspect. (d) A long history of Japanese method for conservation of natural environment is respectable and amazing. (e) Necessity to prevent environmental deterioration for the development of Qeshm island should be deeply understood. Figure A5.1.2 shows photos about the site visit in the training program in the next page.
A5-5 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Courtesy call (JICA headquarter) Lecture on Eco Tourism (Ministry of the Environment）
Site visit on Shimabara Geopark museum Site visit on Hakata port
Environmental tour in Kitakyushu city Site visit on recycle factory
Site visit on recycle factory Lecture on "Satoumi" and “Satoyama” (APU） Source: JICA Project Team Figure A5.1.2 Photos of Site Visit in First Training Program
A5-6 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Site visit on fish market Lecture on "Satoumi" and “Satoyama” (Kunisaki city）
Lecture on science city (Tsukuba city hall) Lecture on cutting edge technology (Fujikin company)
Evaluation of training program Tourism seminar in Embassy of Iran
Tourism seminar in Embassy of Iran Tourism seminar in Embassy of Iran Source: JICA Project Team Figure A5.1.2 Photos of Site Visit in First Training Program (continued)
A5-7 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report A5.1.2 Second counterpart training
(1) Objective of second counterpart training From the point of view of livelihood improvement of the Island, the fishery sector is the important industry which creates the employment opportunities for the local peoples. The fishery development must be promoted in a way to conserve the natural resource for realizing the eco-island and sustainable fishery. The second training program focused on the fishery sector and was titled “Sustainable fishery development”. Meanwhile, according to an initial survey of the Project, income of fisherman is unstable and low and this will discourage the fishery. Main reasons include insufficient knowledge of aquaculture, environmental friendly fishing methods, and value-added fish processing. Taking these into consideration, the purpose of the second training program was set as below. Objectives of the Project To improve the livelihood of local residents; To conserve the natural resources of the island; and To promote development of environmental-friendly island.
Output of the Project The existing master plan is reviewed. A master plan for conservation of community livelihood and natural resources for 2035 is formulated. Pilot projects for community livelihood improvement and natural resource management are implemented. An action plan for each priority sector including tourism, fishery, sewage management, and solid wastes management is prepared. Th i f i b h i i h i l d i d Purpose of Second Training Program To learn about creation of SATOUMI, vitalization of fishing communities and Japanese fishery technology, so that sustainable fishery development plan will be developed, also fishing communities will be vitalized in the Qeshm Island.
Source: JICA Project Team Figure A5.1.3 Interaction between Project Purpose and Second Training Program in Japan
To achieve the purpose, two main themes of the second training program were set as below.
Table A5.1.4 Outline of Second Training Program in Japan Theme Objectives Contents Theme 1: Extending knowledge related to The policy and plan for the promotion of Creation of Satoumi planning and activities for the Satoumi, at national and local level, and and vitalization of creation of Satoumi implementation activities. fishing Extending knowledge related to The policy for the vitalization of local fishing communities the policy and activities for the communities, and implementation activities. vitalization of fishing The role of government, fishermen and communities through utilization citizen of local resources Utilization of the local resource such as branding fishery product and tourism Theme 2: To acquire the knowledge about Technology and activities related to fishing, Fishery technology the outline of fishery of Japan aquaculture, fish processing, distribution & of Japan To gather information about sales, fishery resource management, etc. fishery technologies of Japan that Activities of fisheries cooperatives could be applied to Qeshm Source: JICA Project Team
A5-8 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report (2) Outline of second counterpart training The second training program started on August 15, 2016 and lasted till September 1, 2016. The training period was determined to participate in the Japanese international seafood show convened on August 17. Eight trainees participated in the training program. They included experts of QFZO, Iranian fisheries organization, Management and Planning Organization (MPO), Hormozgan University, fisheries cooperatives. Expecting knowledge obtained from the training program to be spread efficiently all over the stakeholders in fishery sector of the Qeshm Island after all, the participants were selected by QFZO as suitable person. The training program was arranged comprising four lectures and 21 site visits so that the trainees had clear understanding of training theme as shown in Table A5.1.5.
Table A5.1.5 Training Schedule of Second Training Program in Japan Date Site Activities/ Subjects JICA Tokyo Briefing on counterpart training Fisheries Agency, Ministry of Lecture on activation of fishing village through utilization Aug 15 Mon Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of local resources Pilot shop selling local products in Site visit on business strategy of local products promotion Tokyo JICA Headquarter Courtesy call and opinion exchange 16 Tue Fish processing in the wholesale market Site visit on fish processing place Tsukiji market, Tokyo metropolitan Site visit on distribution of fishery products to Tokyo 17 Wed central wholesale market Metropolitan Area Tokyo international exhibition center Attending the event, International Seafood Show Yaizu fishing port Site visit on fishery facilities and wholesale market 18 Thu Fish processing center in Yaizu Site visit on processing factory Fishery research center of Mie Site visit on aquaculture and research activities prefecture 19 Fri Mikimoto pearl island museum Site visit on acquisition of basic knowledge on the pearl farming Pearl farm, Shinjyu-no-Sato Site visit on pearl farming site 20 Sat Umi-Hozuki Site visit on cool-air drier and packing machine for dry fish making 21 Sun Shima Municipality Lecture on SATOUMI project in Shima 22 Mon Mie-Gaiwan fishermen’s cooperative Site visit on fishery facilities Site visit on fish farming and set-net fishing of red sea 23 Tue Fish farm bream 24 Wed Ibuki island Site visit on fish processing of anchovy Site visit on fish processing in the designated company as 25 Thu RUMI Japan, fish processing company EU HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) Fisheries research center of Kagawa Site visit on fingerling production and nursery pond of 26 Fri prefecture shrimp and fish Prawn farm Site visit on prawn farming 27 Sat Fish drying company Site visit on method of fish drying under the sun 28 Sun Lecture on activities of SATOUMI project and fisheries 29 Mon Hinase fisheries cooperative cooperative Inspection on processing factory and wholesale market Fisheries cooperative association of Lecture on fish processing of sardine Okayama prefecture 30 Tue Lecture on small scale sardine processing factory by local Sardine processing factory community 31 Wed JICA Kansai Preparation for the presentation Presentation by trainees Sep 1 Thu JICA Kansai Review of the training program from JICA Closing ceremony Source: JICA Project Team
A5-9 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report (3) Evaluation of second training program According to the presentation made by the trainees on the last day of the training program, what trainees learnt is summarized as below.
Outline of Japanese SATOUMI, Importance of the participatory approach in a SATOUMI project in order to vitalize a local community, Effectiveness of collaboration of tourism and fishery sector, and branding business strategy, Importance of installation of fishery education curriculum even in general schools, and frequently making opened fishery events to the children as a capacity building, Japanese fishery technologies, such a fish landing method, aquaculture, packing skill, and Different from Iran, not central government but municipality to manage and instruct local fishery. Likewise, what they would like to implement in Qeshm Island after this training is summarized below.
To enhance aquafarming of sea cucumber, shellfish, prawn and seaweed, also making prey for these, To collaborate the tourism and fishery sectors in order to vitalize local communities, To improve processing technology, To take branding strategy of anchovy, To transfer a power from central government to Hormozgan states in the fishery sector, and To create a business model plan of pilot shop. Photos taken during the tour are shown in Figure A5.1.4 in the next page.
A5-10 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Lecture at Fishery agency Site visit at Tsukiji market
Lecture at Shima municipality Site visit on fish farming and set-net fishing
Site visit at Ibuki island Site visit at RUMI Japan
Site visit at fishery research center of Kagawa Site visit at prawn farm Source: JICA Project Team Figure A5.1.4 Photos of Site Visit in Second Training Program
A5-11 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Site visit at fish drying company Lecture at Hinase fisheries cooperative
Site visit at Hinase wholesale market Site visit on fish processing in Okayama
Site visit at sardine processing factory Presentation by trainees Source: JICA Project Team Figure A5.1.4 Photos of Site Visit in Second Training Program (continued)
A5.1.3 Third counterpart training
(1) Objective of third counterpart training The third training program was carried out in Japan from September 18 2017 to October 7, 2017 with the title of Knowledge co-creation program in Japan for developing ecotourism implementation mechanism and regional marketing. The training program was tailored to emphasize the ecotourism through introduction of Japanese experiences. In particular, the training program focused on mechanism in which organizations and local residents contribute to the regional development. Roles and functions of national authorities, local governments, private entities and residents must be clearly defined to collaborate among them for achieving the envisaged vision using the local resources. They can effectively promote the region by application of several types of approach to utilize their resources. The training program introduced ecotourism, ecomuseum and geopark as example of successful approach. Figure A5.1.5 shows interaction between the Project and the training program.
A5-12 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Objectives of the Project (f) To improve the livelihood of local residents; (g) To conserve the natural resources of the island; and (h) To promote development of environmental-friendly island.
Output of the Project (i) The existing master plan is reviewed. (j) A master plan for conservation of community livelihood and natural resources for 2035 is formulated. (k) Pilot projects for community livelihood improvement and natural resource management are implemented. (l) An action plan for each priority sector including tourism, fishery, sewage management, and solid wastes management is prepared. (m) The promotion of investment by the private sector in the island is supported.
Theme 1: Policies and regulations related to environmental conservation and tourism sector
Theme 2: Management of Geopark, advanced technology and regional development
Theme 3: Sustainable development plan for Qeshm island toward Eco-Island
Source: JICA Project Team Figure A5.1.5 Interaction between Project Purpose and First Training Program in Japan
(2) Outline of first counterpart training Eight trainees participated in the training program. They included staffs of Planning and Budget Office, Tourism Office and Geopark Office of Qeshm Free Zone Organization (QFZO). The participants also included a staff of Plan and Budget Organization (PBO) and representatives of the local tourism agency, local cooperative and primary school. The training program consisted of lectures and site visits. Lecturers were selected to cover the different views and roles of central and local government, government-affiliated institutions, private companies, and NGOs. The lectures of the government provided substantial information for the trainees in terms of policies, laws, institutions, and management methods related to eco-tourism. Site visits were informative. The trainees experienced a lot of activities for improvement of livelihood, tourism promotion and natural environmental conservation. In addition, by visiting Itoigawa geopark, Hagi ecomuseum, and Higashi town, they learned an approach to utilize the local resources. The outline of the training program is shown in Table A5.1.6.
A5-13 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A5.1.6 Outline of Third Training Program in Japan Theme of Site Visit Purpose Contents Theme 1: To learn national policies as well as Roles and functions of national Roles and functions of different roles of functions of authorities to promote ecotourism national authorities and national authorities and private Roles and functions of private private entities to promote entities to promote and implement entities to promote and implement and implement ecotourism ecotourism ecotourism Theme 2: To learn different roles and Initial roles and functions of Roles and functions of functions of regional regional administration to create regional administration and administration to promote and ecotourism destination public and private implement ecotourism Ecotourism development partnership to promote and To understand the collaboration mechanism through public and implement ecotourism mechanism between public and private partnership private sector Theme 3: To learn the potentials of natural Mangrove tour by Canoeing Ecotourism products and cultural assets which can be Experience local guesthouse experience utilized for ecotourism products Experience of interpretation Local souvenirs produced by local agro-products Theme4: To understand various kinds of Each organizational framework and Organizational framework organization framework and its activities to promote ecotourism and measures of regional measures to promote ecotourism in Roles of Okinawa Convention & marketing each site Visitors Bureau, regional marketing organization The function of roadside station as regional marketing Theme5: To understand the management Management system of Itoigawa Sustainable regional system of ecotourism, geopark and Geopark, Hagi ecomuseum, and development, collaboration ecomuseum for regional Higashi ecotourism of ecotourism, ecomuseum development Integrated / collaborative and Geopark management system of Ecomuseum, Geopark and UNESCO site Collaborative management system of Ramsar wetland close to urban areas Source: JICA Project Team According to the themes as shown in Table A5.1.6, a training schedule was planned effectively with consideration of efficient travel in Japan. The training program started with site visit to the Itoigawa Geopark which has a long experience as a member of UNESCO Global Geopark Network. Thereafter, the trainees travelled to Hagi city for site visit of the ecomuseum and geopark and so on. Then, they visited Okinawa Island and returned back to Tokyo. They received the lectures about the policies and laws by Ministry of Environment and convened the workshop to formulate an action plan. The training schedule is shown in Table A5.1.7.
A5-14 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A5.1.7 Training Schedule of Third Training Program in Japan Date Place to Activity/Visit Outline and theme of the site visit/training stay Sep 17 Su Leave from Iran for Tokyo 18 Mo Tokyo Arrive at Tokyo 19 Tu Tokyo JICA (TIC) - Orientation of the training JICA (TIC) - Program orientation 20 We Niigata Move to Itoigawa (Shinkansen) Itoigawa UNESCO Geopark - Lecture about management System of Itoigawa Geopark Fossa Magna Museum - Itoigawa Geopark Research and Information Center Fossa Magna Park - Geological sites visit 21 Th Niigata Salt road trekking tour with Geopark guide - Trekking experience with interpretation Move to Tokyo (Shinkansen) Tokyo - Preparation for Tourism Seminar at Tourism EXPO 22 Fr Tokyo Tourism EXPO Japan - Participation in Tourism EXPO Japan to promote Iran and Qeshm - Tourism Seminar for Japanese tour operators 23 Sa Tokyo Tourism EXPO Japan - International Promotion Activities 24 Su Tokyo Tourism EXPO Japan - International Promotion Activities 25 Mo Yamaguchi Move to Hagi (By flight and bus) Hagi Ecomuseum - Lecture about development process of Hagi Ecomuseum Hagi Ecomuseum - Visit to Hagi World Heritage Site and its cityscape 26 Tu Yamaguchi Hagi Geopark - Lecture about process of Geopark registration - Visit to Hagi Geosites - Visit to know integration of the management of World Heritage Site, Ecomuseum, and Geopark 27 We Okinawa Move to Fukuoka (By bus) Move to Okinawa via Fukuoka (By flight) Okinawa - Orientation about Okinawa visit 28 Th Okinawa Naha - Lecture about transition of Okinawa tourism through statistics - Lecture about roles of Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau Manko Waterbird & Wetland Center - Visit to Ramsar wetland close to urban areas Move to Higashi 29 Fr Okinawa Higashi - Lecture about ecotourism development mechanism through public and private partnership in Higashi - Experience developed ecotourism products in Higashi 30 Sa Okinawa Higashi and Nago - Lecture about the role of nature school to support regional development Oct 1 Su Okinawa Weekend 2 Mo Okinawa Move from Higashi to Naha (By bus) Yomitan - Visit to one of the successful local companies that produce souvenirs utilizing local agro-product Naha - Visit to fish market and local souvenirs shop Move from Naha to Tokyo (By flight) 3 Tu Tokyo Ministry of Environment - Policies and roles of the Ministry of Environment for enhancing ecotourism Japan Travel Bureau Foundation - Ecotourism products, ecotour values and marketing channels Japan Ecotourism Society - Roles of Japan Ecotourism Society for promoting ecotourism and current situations of ecotourism 4 We Tokyo Move from Tokyo to Tomiura (By bus) Roadside station at Tomiura - Lecture about transition of functions of roadside station in Japan and locally value-added products Move from Tomiura to Tokyo (By bus) 5 Th Tokyo JICA (TIC) - Review of training program - Development of action plan 6 Fr Tokyo JICA Headquarter - Presentation of action plan Leave from Tokyo for Iran 7 Sa Arrive in Iran Source: JICA Project Team
(3) Exhibition in Tourism EXPO Japan In the end of the first week during stay in Japan, the trainees participated in the Tourism EXPO Japan from September 22 (Friday) to Friday 24 (Sunday), 2017. They made the oral presentation in a
A5-15 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report seminar and presented the local specially such as small back with local stitch work and henna tattoo at the booth exclusively designated for Iran. For the sake of tourism promotion of the Qeshm Island, more than 20 participants attended from Japanese travel companies at the seminar.
(4) Evaluation of third training program
1) General evaluation of third training program According to the results of questionnaires for evaluating the training program, 6 trainees evaluated they fully achieved the objective of the training program and 2 trainees mentioned they also achieved as shown in Figure A5.1.6. Regarding the achievement of each theme, 5 or 6 trainees considered they fully achieved and 2 or 3 trainees achieved. All of the 8 trainees were highly satisfied with facilitation, interpretation and coordination of the training program. They mentioned that they learned many points which can be applicable to their work and there were no places which were not necessary to visit, although they gave their comments about the shortage of discussion time and preparation time for developing action plan. Question Respondents Number Respondents Objective of the training program: to develop a mechanism to implement ecotourism and marketing in Qeshm Overall achievement Fully achieved Not achieved 8 6 200 Theme 1: Roles and functions of national authorities and private entities to promote and implement ecotourism Fully achieved Not achieved Overall achievement 8 5 300 Theme 2: Roles and functions of regional administration and public and private partnership to promote and implement ecotourism Fully achieved Not achieved Overall achievement 8 6 200 Theme 3: Ecotourism products experience Fully achieved Not achieved Overall achievement 8 5 300 Theme 4: Organizational framework and measures of regional marketing Fully achieved Not achieved Overall achievement 8 5 300 Theme 5: Sustainable regional development, collaboration of ecotourism, ecomuseum and Geopark Fully achieved Not achieved Overall achievement 8 5 300 Source: Questionnaire by trainees in the third training program Figure A5.1.6 Evaluation of Third Training Program by Trainees
They expressed what they learned from the lecture, site visit and activities of the training program as summarized below. (a) Itoigawa City Methods of educating next generation Methods of fostering professional guides Explanation boards by which even children can easily understand geological phenomena Management system of Itoigawa Geopark Council (b) Tourism EXPO Japan Various kinds of promotional methods Excellent occasion to learn many other countries including Japan in one place (c) Hagi City Effective promotional methods of utilizing existing resources Efforts to create job opportunities Utilization of traditional houses for a visitor center or some other purposes Sustainable regional development with local residents’ participation Roles of Hagi Ecomuseum Council for sustainable regional development (d) Okinawa Prefecture Compatible organizational structure of policy planning and implementation
A5-16 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Public and private partnership for policy planning and implementation Disclosure of tourism statistics information (e) Higashi Village in Okinawa Roles of Higashi Tourism Council as a coordination body Importance of orientation and guide before starting ecotour (f) Ministry of Environment Roles of national authority to enhance ecotourism Organizational structure of policy planning and implementation Importance of bottom-up approach for ecotourism implementation (g) Others Setting objective and planning to achieve the objective Although there were concerns that it might be better to start a lecture of national authorities to know overall structure of promoting ecotourism in Japan, it was observed that starting regional level as this training program did was also effective, since it was easier for trainees to understand more simple mechanism.
2) Action plans formulated during third training program Based on the lesson learned from the lectures and site visit in Japan, trainees have developed two action plans. One is an action plan by public sector team and another is by local community team. Both action plans focus on education for next generation and improving quality of tourism services to enhance ecotourism in Qeshm. Even though the period of implementing action plans is until the end of next fiscal year of Iranian year 1397 (until March 20, 2019), they have chosen the activities which benefit future of the island. It is one of the greatest success of this training since both public and local communities share same goals of long-term sustainable development. Each action plan is summarized below. Action plan of public sector team Gradual, continuous and step by step education of students is the best method of gaining success in eco-tourism. Our nature and living environments should be respected. Hence, following such approach, education of ecotourism as an income source will be carried out in Farabi vocational school of Tabl as a pilot activity. In addition to the planned activities described below, the following supplementary meetings will be organized to implement the activities smoothly, effectively and efficiently.
Meeting with related managers from QFZO: Planning and budget manager, Geopark manager, DoE Manager, Tourism office manager (Quarterly) Consultation meeting for progression of goals with education office of Shahab District and school teachers and managers (quarterly) Meeting with students’ parents for further progress of goals (two meetings) Meeting with rural mayor and tourism activists of the village for cooperation Preparation of defined topics for the training with coordination of education office
A5-17 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A5.1.8 Planned Activities for Action Plan of Public Sector Team Person in 2017 2018 2019 Planned Activities charge 11 1212345678910 11 12 1 23 Frequent Internal Meeting Rafat Training on how to present futures of natural sites to Koovei tourists Holding familiarization workshop about Ranjibar handicrafts Training of waste Bensham separation for protecting s the landscape of geopark Scientific tour in geosites Rafat Workshop for designing Ranjibar phenology calendar Scientific competition with Koovei the subject of geopark Certification for participants of the training Koovei course Replica building, handicrafts, origami Ranjibar competition with the subject of ecotourism Logo design competition for branding and Koovei promotion of geosites Source: Trainees in the third training program Action plan of local community team Local community team figured out the following challenges which should be tackled for enhancing ecotourism in Qeshm as the results of lesson learned in Japan.
Low tour qualities and interpretation Unhealthy competition among tourism agencies and tour leaders Lack of coordination between travel agencies Lack of coordination between travel agencies and hotels Lack of proper signages in the sites Lack of guiding maps of the sites Insufficient familiarity of the local community of their living environment Local community team defined an objective, “Improving the quality of travel agencies, tour leaders and local community cooperatives as well as investing on the future generation” in order to tackle recognized challenges. Planned activities are described below. They may modify timeline according to the meetings with stakeholders to be organized. The first meeting to prepare for implementing this action plan will be organized in October 2017.
A5-18 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A5.1.9 Planned Activities for Action Plan of Private Sector Team 2017 2018 2019 Planned Activities (person in charge) 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 1.Frequent meetings (monthly at first and then quarterly) among the local
communities (coordinated by Zahman Nezhad) 1-1: Meetings with head of education
office 1-2: Meetings with tourism agency
workgroups 1-3: Meetings with tour leaders
association 1-4: Meetings with head of DoE of
QFZO 2.Frequent monthly meetings and then quarterly meeting with the travel
agencies and tour guides (Daryyanavard) 2-1: Trial tour for the leaders
accompanied by experts 2-2: Demanding interpretive items for
attractions of Qeshm 2-3: Creating a website for tourism
agencies 2-4: Holding advanced courses for
agencies staff 2-5: Initiation of training sessions for
students 3: Education of Kovrazin students’ mothers for raising an eco-friendly future generation (Zaman Nezhad) 3-1: Training the mothers carried out by
guides 3-2: Adding a “love the birthplace”
session to the classes 3-3: Combining the subject with main
study fields 3-4: Making replicas of sites by students 3-5: Handicrafts training using sites
pictures for students 3-6: Holding a tour for mothers and visit
to the sites 3-7: Training of other schools mothers
by the trained mothers 4: Implementation of familiarization tours for travel agencies and local
guides in Gouran every three months (Pouzan) 4-1: Preparing current tour guides for delivering good interpretation of the attractions 4-2: Familiarization tour for travel
agencies 4-3: Familiarization our for hotel owners 4-4: Creating a map of village
attractions Source: Questionnaire by trainees in the third training program Figure A5.1.7 shows photos about the site visit in the training program in the next page.
A5-19 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Briefing at JICA Tokyo Program Orientation
Welcome at Itoigawa Presentation about Qeshm at Itoigawa
After the lecture of Itoigawa Geopark Council Visit to Fossa Magna Museum
Visit to Fossa Magna Park Hiking the Salt Trail at Itoigawa Source: JICA Project Team Figure A5.1.7 Photos of Site Visit in Third Training Program
A5-20 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Iran Booth at Tourism EXPO Japan Qeshm Booth
Preparation for Iran (Qeshm) Tourism Seminar Iran (Qeshm) Tourism Seminar
Courtesy Call to Hagi Mayor Lecture about Hagi Ecomuseum
Visit to Hagi Traditional Cityscape Visit to Hagi Heritage with Local Guide Source: JICA Project Team Figure A5.1.7 Photos of Site Visit in Third Training Program (continued)
A5-21 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
After a lecture about Hagi Geopark Visit to Hagi World Heritage Visitor Center
Visito to Hagi Geopark Explanation by local resident
A Lecture about Tourism Policy of Okinawa Visit to Ramsar Wetland
Ramsar Wetland Visitor Center A Lecture about Tourism Promotion in Okinawa Source: JICA Project Team Figure A5.1.7 Photos of Site Visit in Third Training Program (continued)
A5-22 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Experience to Stay at Local Guesthouse A Lecture about Higashi Village Ecotourism
Experience of Mangrove Kayak Tour Farewell Ceremony to Leave Higashi Village
Ice Breaking Activity to Learn Team Work A Lecture about a Role of Nature School to Promote Ecotourism
Visit to Yambaru Wildlife Protection Center A Lecture and Visit to Okashigoten Source: JICA Project Team Figure A5.1.7 Photos of Site Visit in Third Training Program (continued)
A5-23 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
A Lecture by Ministry of Environment A Lecture about Ecotourism Product Value
A Lecture about How to Promote Ecotourism A Lecture about a Role of Michinoeki (Biwa Club)
Site Visit to Michinoeki (Biwa Club) Discussion about Action Plan
Action Plan Presentation Completion of Training Program Source: JICA Project Team Figure A5.1.7 Photos of Site Visit in Third Training Program (continued)
A5-24 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report A5.1.4 Fourth counterpart training
(1) Objective of fourth counterpart training The Qeshm Free Zone was established as part of the first generation of Free Zones in order to contribute to Iran’s national economic strategy in 1991. An existing development master plan of SWECO focuses on the industrial development in line with the given role of the island as the free zone. After the designation of Qeshm Free Zone, the planning direction was changed to cover the wider aspects such as environmental conservation and community participation aiming at the sustainable development as the global trend. The Qeshm has the rich environmental resources and mine resources that represent the characteristics of the island. Those resources must be used effectively to achieve the sustainable development of the island. From the point of view of this idea, the fourth training program focused on the industry and environmental management and was titled “Sustainable industrial development and environmental technology”. Meanwhile, the Project defines the solid wastes management and the sewage management for the priority sectors. Effective management of solid wastes and sewage were included as one of four themes of the training program. Taking these into consideration, the purpose of the fourth training program was set as below. Objectives of the Project To improve the livelihood of local residents; To conserve the natural resources of the island; and To promote development of environmental-friendly island.
Output of the Project The existing master plan is reviewed. A master plan for conservation of community livelihood and natural resources for 2035 is formulated. Pilot projects for community livelihood improvement and natural resource management are implemented. An action plan for each priority sector including tourism, fishery, sewage management, and solid wastes management is prepared. Th i f i b h i i h i l d i d Purpose of Fourth Training Program Theme 1: Environmental conservation Theme 2: Green industry and eco-cities Theme 3: Eco-friendly water sanitation and waste management Theme 4: Private sector attraction
Source: JICA Project Team Figure A5.1.8 Interaction between Project Purpose and Fourth Training Program in Japan
To achieve the purpose, four main themes of the fourth training program were set as below.
A5-25 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A5.1.10 Outline of Fourth Training Program in Japan Theme Objectives Contents Theme 1: To learn about Japanese national Environmental policy (Conservation and biodiversity including Environmental and regional legal and dolphin and sea turtle) (9/20 - MoEJ - Tokyo); conservation institutional framework, and to Dolphin watching in Mikurasima (9/21 - Mikurasima tourist experience local initiatives of information center - Tokyo); improvement of the conservation Management of tideland in urban area (9/23 - Yatsu tideland of key insular ecosystems. nature observation center - Tokyo); Co-management for wetland (9/23 - Port of Tokyo Wild Bird Park - Tokyo); Conservation of wetland in urban area (9/28 - Manko Waterbird and Wetland Center- Okinawa); Regional promotion by Whole Earth Nature School (9/30 - Whole Earth Nature School - Okinawa); Eco-tourism of local guesthouse (9/30 - Higashimura Tourism Promotion Council - Okinawa); Mangrove conservation in Nagura (10/3 - Association for Nature Protection in Anparu - Okinawa); Coral reef regeneration and monitoring (10/3 - International Coral Reef Research and Monitoring Center - Okinawa); Research to protect sea turtle (10/4 - Kuroshima Research Institute – Ishigaki); Role and function of mangrove ecosystem in coastal areas and the human pressures on this ecosystem (10/4 - ISME - Ishigaki). Theme 2: To learn about the development Characteristics of environmental load by industry and impact Green of industrial parks and urban assessment (9/20 - MoEJ - Tokyo); industry and areas with low environmental Re-use of municipal waste to produce cement (9/21 - eco-cities impact and innovative Tokyo-tama regional resource recycle corporative - Tokyo); environmental technologies E-Waste Business (9/21 - DOWA Ecosystem - Tokyo); Powder processing technology for resources recycling and environmental purification (9/22 - Waseda university – Tokyo); Zero-emission industrial park (9/25 - Kawasaki City - Tokyo); Ecotown concepts (9/25 - Kawasaki City - Tokyo); Environmental-friendly LNG Liquification technology (9/26 - Chiyoda corp. - Tokyo); City planning (10/2 - Ishigaki City – Ishigaki). Theme 3: To learn about eco-friendly water Water pollution control law (Industrial wastewater and type of Eco-friendly sanitation and waste management wastewater treatment in urban and rural areas) (9/20 - MoEJ - water technologies in both urban and Tokyo); sanitation and rural areas, and in touristic spots. Corporative pre-treatment system for industrial wastewater (9/22 waste - Fukuura wastewater treatment – Tokyo) management Efficient use of water resources: water saving, reuse, circulation (9/27 - Fukuoka City - Fukuoka); Final disposal site of semi-aerobic landfill structure (9/27 - Fukuoka City - Fukuoka); Demonstration project on regeneration treatment system for sewage treatment water (9/29 - Itoman City Purification Center - Okinawa); Small-scale sewage treatment of touristic rural areas (10/2 - Ishigaki City - Okinawa). Theme 4: To learn about the organizational Tourism EXPO Japan (9/24 - Tokyo Big Sight - Tokyo); Private sector framework and measures for Special economic zone of Okinawa (9/28 - Okinawa Prefecture - attraction attracting private companies. Okinawa). Source: JICA Project Team
(2) Outline of fourth counterpart training The fourth training program started on September 17, 2017 and lasted till October 7, 2017. Eight trainees participated in the training program. They included experts of environmental department and urban services department of QFZO plus a head of environmental department of Qeshm County. The experts of Qeshm Utility Company and Plan and Budget Organization participated in the program too. Contents of the expected knowledge obtained from the training program was tailored to cover all the aspects including institution, law and regulations and technologies related to environmental management, solid waste management, sewage management and industrial promotion. The training
A5-26 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report program was arranged comprising lectures and site visits so that the trainees had clear understanding of training theme as shown in Table A5.1.11.
A5-27 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A5.1.11 Training Schedule of Fourth Training Program in Japan Date Place to Stay Activity Organization Sep 17 Sa In flight Leave from Iran for Tokyo 18 Mo Tokyo Arrive at Tokyo Move to JICA Tokyo International Center 19 Tu Tokyo (L) Briefing* JICA Tokyo (L) Courtesy call and program orientation JICA Headquarter and JICA Project Team 20 We Tokyo (L) Environmental policy (Conservation and biodiversity Ministry of Environment including dolphin and sea turtle) (L) Water pollution control law (Industrial wastewater and Ministry of Environment type of wastewater treatment in urban and rural areas) (L) Environmental policy (Environmental impact Ministry of Environment assessment) 21 Th Tokyo (S) Re-use of municipal waste to cement Tokyo-tama regional resource recycle corporative Taiheiyo Cement Corporation (L) E-Waste Business DOWA Ecosystem (L) Dolphin watching in Mikurasima Mikurasima tourist information center 22 Fr Tokyo (L) Powder processing technology for resources recycling Waseda university and environmental purification (S) Corporative pre-treatment system for industrial Fukuura wastewater treatment, wastewater Yokohama city 23 Sa Tokyo (S) Management of tideland in urban area by the Yatsu tideland nature observation observation center center (S) Co-management for wetland by government and Port of Tokyo Wild Bird Park designated management organization (private company + NGO) 24 Su Tokyo (S) Visit of Tourism EXPO Japan* Tokyo Big Sight 25 Mo Tokyo (L) Ecotown concepts Kawasaki City (S) “Zero-emission” industrial park Kawasaki City 26 Tu Fukuoka (L) Environmental-friendly LNG Liquification technology Chiyoda Corporation Move to Fukuoka (by plane) 27 We Fukuoka (S) Final disposal site of semi-aerobic landfill structure Fukuoka City (Fukuoka method) and wastewater rearmament plant (S) Efficient use of water resources (water saving, reuse, Fukuoka City circulation) 28 Th Naha City Move to Okinawa (by plane) (L) Conservation of wetland in urban area Manko Waterbird and Wetland Center (L) Special economic zone (industrial upgrading, Okinawa prefecture international logistics, finance) 29 Fr Naha City (D) Intermediate review of training program and lessons JICA Project Team learnt (S) Demonstration project on regeneration treatment Itoman City Purification Center system for sewage treatment water 30 Sa Higashimura (S) Regional promotion by Whole Earth Nature School* Whole Earth Nature School (Guesthouse) (S) Visit to gueshouse Higashimura Tourism Promotion Council Oct 1 Su Ishigaki City Move to Ishigaki Island (by plane) 2 Mo Ishigaki City (L) Small-scale sewage treatment of touristic and rural Ishigaki City areas of Ishigaki Island (L) City planning in Ishigaki City Ishigaki City (S) Wastewater treatment plant and Kabira bay with scenic Ishigaki City sandy beach 3 Tu Ishigaki City (L&S) Mangrove conservation in Nagura Association for Nature Protection in Anparu (L) Coral reef regeneration (coral reef monitoring, International Coral Reef Research and adaptation to climate change etc.) Monitoring Center, Ministry of Enviornment 4 We Tokyo (L) Research to protect sea turtle Kuroshima Research Institute (L) Role and function of mangrove ecosystem in coastal International Society for Mangrove areas and the human pressures on this ecosystem Ecosystems (ISME) of Ryukyu University Move to Tokyo (by plane) 5 Th Tokyo (D) Review of training program JICA Project Team (D) Development of action plan JICA Project Team 6 Fr In flight (D) Presentation of action plan and evaluation meeting JICA Headquarter 7 Sa Leave from Tokyo for Iran Arrive at Iran Note: (*) Joint with 3rd training in Japan, L=Lecture, S=Site visit and D=Discussion Source: JICA Project Team
A5-28 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report (3) Evaluation of fourth training program
1) General evaluation of fourth training program According to the discussions during the evaluation meeting on the last day of the training program, what trainees learnt is summarized as below.
Importance of environmental education and awareness-raising towards all the society (including children, elderly etc.); Importance of eliminating overlap of competence and of establishing wealthy communication and collaboration of different agencies towards the same objective; Importance of promoting income generation and economic growth for local population as one pillar of sustainable development to be able to protect the environment; Importance of taking distance from the centralized model and of giving more room to local administration, private investment and associative initiative; Importance of considering low-cost solutions based for example on networking of people and organization rather than high-technology costly equipment; Importance of planning on long-term the protection of ecosystems, always anticipate the effects of human development, and to learn from the mistakes of other countries.
2) Action plans formulated during fourth training program Based on the lessons learned from the various lectures and site visits in Japan, the training course was the occasion for the trainees to formulate action plans aiming at the overall improvement of Qeshm Island environment. Action plans are categorized based on the 3 main themes of the training course, i.e. (a) Conservation of natural environment, (b) Green industry development, and (c) Eco-friendly water sanitation and waste management. The following tables reflect the work undergone and presented by the different groups of trainees. JICA Project Team will afterwards assess the proposed action plans for integration as an output of the Project. Action plan for Conservation of natural environment The group has identified six important subjects for protection of Qeshm natural environment: (a) Conservation of dolphin natural habitat; (b) Establishment of zoning for Marine Protected Area; (c) Conservation of the Dookohak Birds Wetland; (d) Establishment of zoning for Coral Reef; (e) Registering Hangom Island as a Protected Area for gazelle and lizard; (f) Preparing Guide Book of Mangrove Forest of Qeshm. Within those subjects, the conservation of dolphin natural habitat has been considered having the highest priority in terms of importance and urgency to be treated as a specific action plan, as detailed in Table A5.1.12 below. In particular, the trainees explained that since dolphin watching is one the most important touristic activity in the island, the disappearance of dolphins in the Hangom bay would lead to enormous economic losses. The natural habitat of dolphin shall thus be well managed.
A5-29 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A5.1.12 Action Plan for Conservation of Dolphin Natural Habitat Timing Responsible Obstacles, Reference in Activity Input Expected output 2018 2019 2020 2021 agency conditions Japan training 1. Survey Joint meetings with QFZO, DoE Accurate In Mikura island on relevant agencies, knowledge of (9/21 lecture), dolphin cooperation with NGOs, the current no accident habitat universities and other situation of resulting in and active organs in marine dolphin habitat death of populatio environment field and population dolphins in more n than 20 years of 2. Budget Budget request to DoE, QFZO Better dolphin provision Planning and Budget cooperation of watching department of QFZO as DoE and QFZO activity. Rules well as Department of in work such as installing the environment to allocation flag on permitted acquire required budget boats shall be 3. Training in Hangom QFZO, DoE Promotion of implemented. Training island, Kandalu knowledge and Limiting the boat (Direston) and Shib behaviour in number of boats owners Deraz towards tourism understanding allowed from to the use boat owners cooperative, environment two island of boats Hangom island residents and protecting (Miyake island for dolphins and Mikura fishery island) for and dolphin tourism watching is an excellent idea. 3. Cooperation with QFZO, DoE Providing Acquireme Preparatio environment consultant comprehensive nt of the n of the and active NGOs within action plan budget plan Qeshm island
4. Policy Proposal for the DoE Passing and making enactment of a Marine notification of Protected Area Act the law Source: Trainees of the Fourth Training Program in Japan Excepted from conservation of dolphin natural habitat, other subjects have been treated more globally, as shown in the Table A5.1.13 below.
A5-30 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A5.1.13 Other Ideas of Action Plans in the Field of Conservation of Natural Environment
Responsible Subject Main Activity Timing Obstacles, conditions Reference in Japan training agency Establishment of Establishment of a Marine 2 years, QFZO, Absence of any Establishment of zoning of zoning for protected area which would until DoE, marine protected protection of natural environment Marine give restriction to fishing 2019 Fishery area in the country; and fishing restriction such as in Protected Area activity within two miles off organization Unlikely approval Mikura island for dolphin (9/21 the shore, starting from the by fishery lecture) and Kuro island for sea southern point of Old organizations due to turtle (10/4 lecture). Hangom. fishing by local fishermen Conservation of Construction of a bird 3 years, QFZO Budget acquirement Yatsu tideland nature observation the Dookohak watching center until center (9/23 visit), Port of Tokyo Birds Wetland 2020 wild bird park (9/23 visit) and Manko Waterbird and Wetland Center (9/28 visit) are all good example of well-managed and well-designed bird watching centers. Especially, those facilities allow good environmental education to neighboring schools. Establishment of Establishment of a zoning for 3 years, QFZO, DoE Absence of any Usage of coral transplantation zoning for Coral a coral reef protection and until marine (coral) tools such as the one promoted by Reef monitoring area, installing 2020 protected area so Japanese Ministry of Environment buoys and monitoring far; in Yaeyama Islands (10/3 lecture) instruments Difficult budget would consists in a feasible acquirement and solution for improvement of the organizational situation in Qeshm. interaction Registering Registration and 3 years, QFZO, DoE Acquiring the Making agreement with the Hangom Island announcement of terrestrial until agreement of central governing body, fixing as a Protected Protected Area of Old 2020 national DoE and rules and permitted number of Area for gazelle Hangom in regard of the QFZO (Strategic visitors such as in Mikura island and lizard endangered and protected development plan (9/21 lecture) is a starting point species of Gazella bennettii for the Hangom for establishing a viable protected and Uromastyx aegyptia island is being area. reviewed by DoE) Preparing Guide Preparation of a “guide book 4 years, QFZO, DoE Lack of information Publishing Anparu Mangrove Book of of Mangrove forest of 2021 on Hara forest Guide Book (10/3 lecture) and Mangrove Qeshm” as a tool for ecosystem in Qeshm advocating for environmental Forest of Qeshm environmental education and (85,000 ha); awareness raising by some awareness raising Difficult budget talented and experienced activists acquirement. such as prof. Baba (10/4 lecture) are key to promote and maintain the common idea of protection of the environment. Source: Trainees of the Fourth Training Program in Japan Action plan for development of Green industry Putting the emphasis on the three objectives of (1) use of resources to create higher value added, (2) promotion of environmental performance of industrial zones and (3) promotion of material recycling, the group in charge of the development of Green industry has given general ideas of the actions to be implemented in the future, as shown in the Table A5.1.14 below.
A5-31 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A5.1.14 General Ideas of Action Plans in the Field of Green Industry Development
Subject Main Activity Timing Reference in Japan training 1. Use of Increase industrial sardines fish drying 4 years, 2018 - 2021 - resources to through mechanisation create higher value added Commercialization of local animal 4 years, 2018 - 2021 Itoman purification center (9/29 visit) husbandry and forage production by hydroponic method Creation of industrial agriculture, using 4 years, 2018 - 2021 Itoman purification center (9/29 visit) waste water regeneration system 2. Promotion of Construction of treatment plant in Tola 1 year, 2018 - 2019 Visit to Fukuura industrial wastewater treatment environmental industrial zone plant (9/22 visit) performance of industrial zones Study plan for a treatment plant in 1 year, 2018 - 2019 Visit to Fukuura industrial wastewater treatment Kaveh industrial zone plant (9/22 visit)
Requirement for wastewater treatment - - of fish powder processing plants
3. Material Study plan for recycling of E-Waste 1.5 year, 2018 - 2019 DOWA session on E-waste recycling (9/21 recycling lecture), Waseda University session on powder processing for resource circulation (9/22 lecture) Creation of a waste chain for 4 years, 2018 - 2021 - agricultural products (including compost, fish breeding etc.) Source: Trainees of the Fourth Training Program in Japan Action plan for Eco-friendly water sanitation and waste management The group in charge has drafted two action plans: one for eco-friendly treatment and management of water sanitation and one for eco-friendly solid waste management, as shown respectively in Tables A5.1.15 and A5.1.16 below.
A5-32 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Table A5.1.15 Action Plan for Eco-friendly Treatment and Management of Water Sanitation Timing Responsible Reference in Japan Activity Expected output Obstacles, conditions 2018 2019 2020 2021 agency training 1. Deputy of Treatment of industrial wastewater of factories; Preparation of R&D study plan for establishment of industrial Visit to Fukuura Establishment civil Reduction of environmental pollution, wastewater treatment plant; industrial wastewater of industrial engineering prevention of water and soil contamination; Acquirement of required budget; treatment plant (9/22 wastewater and Reduction of cost for industrial sector, possibility Acquirement of required permissions from related organizations visit) and Itoman treatment plant technical of of utilizing treated water as much as possible; such as Environment Department; purification center in Tola QFZO, Creating jobs. Designing and establishment of wastewater pipeline; (9/29 visit). Industrial Park Industry, Designing sludge disposal system; mine and Designing and establishment of sludge dewatering system and trade transfer to incinerator. department, Qeshm utility company 2. Deputy of Prevention of water and soil contamination; Acquirement of required budget; Visit to Itoman Establishment civil Rational use of water, especially for agricultural Acquirement of required permissions from related organizations purification center of purification engineering and industrial usage; such as Environment department; (9/29 visit), Session on system for and Utilization of recycled water for washing urban Designing sludge disposal system; wastewater treatment recycled water technical of streets and reduction of using fresh water. Designing and establishment of sludge dewatering system and in Ishigaki (10/2 visit). to be used in QFZO, transfer to incinerator. agriculture, in Qeshm Qeshm city utility sewage company, treatment plant Developmen t and investment company of QFZO, Urban and rural management 3. Installation Qeshm Prevention of environmental pollution, Interaction for installation of wastewater monitoring system; Visit to DC Kawasaki of monitoring utility especially water and soil contamination Enforcing existing laws on water pollution; cement plant (9/25 system for company, Controlling continuous monitoring. visit), Kabira industrial Industry, wastewater treatment wastewater mine and plant (10/2 visit). trade department, QFZO DoE, Qeshm region health network Source: Trainees of the Fourth Training Program in Japan
A5-33 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A5.1.16 Action Plan for Eco-friendly Solid Waste Management Timing Responsible Reference in Japan Activity Expected output Obstacles, conditions 2018 2019 2020 2021 agency training 1. Training QFZO DoE, Starting waste separation at source; Setting up a Training Office within the environment department All sessions of the people towards Urban and Improvement of people participation; of the organization; training course related promotion of rural mana- Improvement of public and private sector Creating training contents for residents and visitors of the island; to population participation in gement, participation. Preparing training equipment such as video projectors, speakers participation and Systematic Qeshm and PCs; awareness raising such Waste utility Preparing training packages and materials such as brochures, as Gajumaru Nature Management company, catalogues, CDs, environment related advertising materials; school (9/30 lecture), (Education and Department Appointing specialists, volunteers and NGOs; Yatsu tideland nature promotion of of public Collaborate on training with Department of Education, schools, observation center (9/23 solid waste relations and universities, organizations and companies, get help from visit) and Ishigaki city management foreign influential people such as community clergies, village councils office (10/2). for people, affairs and managers of commercial service complexes to promote waste separation of disposal manner; solid waste Conducting training seminars; from houses Providing information at the entrance of the island such as airports, seaports, bus terminals, all incoming and existing service and private cars, hotel and other guest houses of urban and rural area; Installing educational banner and billboards on promoting waste disposal manner; Publishing environmental slogans on weekly and monthly timeframe; Design an internet site for promoting disposal manner and environment conservation, using SNS apps such as Telegram, Instagram etc. (Qeshm Pak “Clean Qeshm” Channel); Proposing registration of Eco Island Day in national or local calendar. 2. Preparing Urban and Reduction of pollution; Acquirement of required budget; Visits to Eco-Cement required Rural Reduction of urban waste; Establishment of separated waste receiving stations; manufacturing plant infrastructure Management End of stealing waste; Designing and producing specific dustbin for collecting separated recycling urban and for collecting Cost reduction for collecting and disposal of waste; industrial waste (9/21 separated waste; Privatization of waste disposal work under supervisory of relevant visit), TAKEEI waste Increasing of landfill efficiency; organizations. corporation (9/25 visit), (Construction Avoid wasting of land required for landfill; Nakata Landfill site of infra- Increasing the amount of waste recycling and (9/27). structure for recovering part of national resources. separated waste)
A5-34 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A5.1.16 Action Plan for Eco-friendly Solid Waste Management (continued) Timing Responsible Reference in Japan Activity Expected output Obstacles, conditions 2018 2019 2020 2021 agency training 3. Installation Urban and Effective waste management; Acquirement of required budget; DOWA session on of waste Rural Mana- Reduction of waste volume; Acquirement of required permissions from DoE; E-waste recycling (9/21 incinerator at gement, Reduction of waste leachate and its Separating combustible and incombustible waste at Tola landfill; lecture), visit to Tola landfill Cooperative by-products; Conduct comprehensive expert study on E-waste recycling. Eco-Cement site of QFZO Minimizing environmental damage; manufacturing plant staff Saving time and budget; (9/21 visit). Avoid wasting of land; Reusing incinerator ash in Cement manufacturing; Disposal of Sludge from industrial wastewater treatment process. 4. Recycling Urban and Preventing dispersion of materials and waste in Preparation of R&D plan for execution of recycling; DOWA session on various types Rural Mana- the surrounding area; Acquirement of required budget; E-waste recycling (9/21 of waste gement, Reduction of environmental pollution; Establishing recycle and storage site; lecture), Waseda Qeshm Creating clean image of the city; Outsourcing to qualified contractors; University session on utility Reusing recyclable materials; Supervising and monitoring operation of recycle site according to powder processing for company, Produce revenue through recycle business. related law and regulations; resource circulation Co-operative Determine about E-waste. (9/22 lecture). of QFZO staff, Boostan sabz-e kavir company.
5. Improving Urban and Transfer of construction debris to the Preparation of R&D plan for execution of construction debris Visiting TAKEEI construction Rural Mana- designated place; management; Corporation and DC debris and gement, Prevent dumping of construction debris in Designation of construction debris zone in Tola landfill site; Kawasaki cement plant waste Qeshm urban and unauthorized areas; Preparation of construction debris collection and transfer schedule (9/25 visits), DOWA management utility Reduction of construction debris volume; by the producer of debris; session on E-waste company, Keeping the city clean and beautiful; Preparation of rules and guidelines for the proper management of recycling (9/21 lecture), Industry, Protecting coastal and natural environment construction debris. visit to Eco-Cement mine and from dumping construction debris; manufacturing plant trade Recycling part of construction debris in (9/21 visit). department manufacturing cement. 6. Improving Urban and Transfer and registration of industrial waste to Preparation of R&D plan for execution of industrial waste DOWA session on industrial Rural Mana- the designated place; management; E-waste recycling (9/21 waste gement, Environment conservation and prevention of Designation of industrial waste zone in Tola landfill site; lecture), visit to management DoE, industrial pollution; Preparation of collection schedule and requiring industries to Eco-Cement Industry, Reduction of industrial waste volume. execute the waste management guideline. manufacturing plant mine and (9/21 visit). trade department
A5-35 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A5.1.16 Action Plan for Eco-friendly Solid Waste Management (continued) Timing Responsible Reference in Japan Activity Expected output Obstacles, conditions 2018 2019 2020 2021 agency training 7. Improving Urban and Transfer and registration of biomedical waste to Preparation of schedule for collection and disposal of infectious DOWA session on disposal of Rural Mana- the designated place; and biomedical waste in regard of collecting the waste of E-waste recycling (9/21 biomedical gement, Prevention of the spread of contamination and policlinics, clinics, laboratories and medical complexes to the lecture), visit to waste DoE, infectious diseases; designated area (Holy Prophet's hospital (S) or Tola landfill site); Eco-Cement Qeshm Prevention of environmental pollution; Designation of biomedical waste zone in Tola landfill site; manufacturing plant region health Reduction of waste volume. Installation of standard waste incinerator at Holy Prophet's (9/21 visit). network, hospital (S) or Tola landfill site; Qeshm Requiring hospitals and clinics to execute the biomedical waste county management guideline.
Source: Trainees of the Fourth Training Program in Japan
A5-36 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Photos taken during the tour are shown in Figure A5.1.9 in the next page.
A5-37 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Lecture on environmental policies (MoE) Site visit of Tama eco-cement factory
Demonstration of powder processing in Waseda University Site visit of pre-treatment plant for industrial wastewater
Site visit of tideland observation center Site visit of “Zero-emission” industrial park
Lecture on environmental-friendly LNG technology Site visit of Fukuoka-method landfill Source: JICA Project Team Figure A5.1.9 Photos of Site Visit in Fourth Training Program
A5-38 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Site visit of purification of sewage treated water Courtesy call with the mayor of Ishigaki City
Site visit of the well-maintained environment of Kabira bay Site visit of mangrove forest in Nagura
Lecture on coral reef regeneration Lecture on conservation of sea turtle habitat
Lecture on protection of mangrove ecosystem Presentation of action plans in JICA headquarter Source: JICA Project Team Figure A5.1.9 Photos of Site Visit in Fourth Training Program (continued)
A5-39 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
A5-40 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report A5.2 Environmental Technology Seminar
An environmental technology seminar was held five times in total during the Project to purse environment-friendly technology suitable for the island. Participants include the QFZO, county government, universities, and representatives of private sectors such as fisheries cooperatives, and tour leaders. Table A5.2.1 shows the outline of the environmental technology seminar.
Table A5.2.1 Outline of Environmental Technology Seminar Time Keynote Lecture and Lecturer Date 1st Keynote Lecture 1: Natural Conservation and Livelihood Improvement to achieve March 2, Regional Development 2016 Akio KAMIKO, Vice-President, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Keynote Lecture 2: Environmental Technology to enhance Environmental Ecology, Sustainability, and Pollution Prevention VAFADARI M. Kazem, Associate Professor, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Keynote Lecture 3: Conservation and Utilization of Marine Resources Mohammad-Sharif RANJBAR, Hormozgan University Keynote Lecture 4: Development of Qeshm Island by Women and Men Together Fatemeh (Iran) DEJGANI, Researcher and Writer from Qeshm Island 2nd Keynote Lecture: Concept and Practices of Satoumi in Japan and Lessons Learned by July 25, Tetsuo YANAGI, Principal Researcher, International Center for Environmental 2016 Management of Enclosed Coastal Seas and Professor Emeritus, Kyushu University 3rd Keynote Lecture 1: Why we Encourage Multiple Designations of Biosphere Reserves March 5, and with others 2017 4th Dr. Hiroyuki MATSUDA, Faculty of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, Japan Keynote Lecture 2: Tourism Destination Marketing, Strategy for Promotion Mr. Keiichiro TAKADERA, JICA Tourism Advisor, Japan Keynote Lecture 3: The Challenges and Solutions of Developing Geoparks in Iran and Introducing Some Potential Areas for Future Geoparks Over the Country Mr. Alireza Amrikazemi, Geological Survey of Iran, Member of UNESCO Global Geoparks Council, Iran Keynote Lecture 4: Introduce the Capability and Potential of Qeshm Island Geopark for Ecotourism Sustainable Development, with an emphasis on Marine - Coastal Geosites Dr. Fereidoon Owfi, Member of Scientific Staff of Iranian Fisheries’ Research Institute, Director of Marine Ecology Department, Iran 5th Keynote Lecture: Japanese Geoparks Network Present Situation and Activities April 28, Mr. Toru YONEDA, Chairperson, Japanese Geoparks Network 2018 Source: JICA Project Team
(1) First environmental technology seminar The first seminar was held to focus on the regional development utilizing the local resources at conference hall, Incubator Center on March 2, 2016. Thirty-five participants convened the first seminar. The main theme of the first seminar was entitled sustainable development by application of natural conservation and livelihood improvement. Dr. Akio Kamiko, Vice-President, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University delivered the keynote lecture about natural conservation and livelihood improvement to achieve regional development. He emphasized the citizens should took actions by their own initiative to improve the problems which they face with, then the government and public sector start to support the activities. This is a key to succeed the regional development by community participation. His keynote was followed by lecture for environmental technology to enhance environmental ecology, sustainability, and pollution prevention delivered by Dr. Vafadari M. Kazem, Associate Professor, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. After break, two knowledgeable persons made the other keynote lectures. The third one was about conservation and utilization of marine resources, made by Dr. Mohammad-Sharif Ranjbar, Hormozgan University. The forth one was about development of Qeshm Island by women and men together, made by Mrs. Fatemeh (Iran) Dejgani, researcher and writer from
A5-41 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Qeshm Island.
(2) Second environmental technology seminar The second seminar was held to focus on the sustainable fishery at conference hall, Incubator Center on July 25, 2016. Seventy-four participants came to attend the second seminar. Dr. Tetsuo Yanagi made the keynote presentation for concept and practices of Satoumi in Japan and lessons learned. He is Principal Researcher, International Center for Environmental Management of Enclosed Coastal Seas and Professor Emeritus, Kyushu University. He is Source: JICA Project Team also the author of Satoumi principle which made thesis in the international academy for marine Figure A5.2.1 First Environmental environment. Technology Seminar
Example of increasing bio-diversity under the human interaction that is the basic concept of Satoumi, Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) involving local fishermen, local government, chamber of commerce, and local industry as good practice for community initiative in coastal management, Integrated Multi Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) of shrimp, seagrass, mangrove, sea cucumber, etc. with bio-recycling system to increase bio-diversity and improve the water quality in aquaculture Source: JICA Project Team ponds, and Figure A5.2.2 Second Environmental Application of IMTA in Indonesia and practices of Satoumi principle in foreign Technology Seminar countries. The JPT distributed the questionnaire to the participants in the seminar (Figure A5.2.3). The respondents expressed their positive impression about the second seminar, as 42 of 47 respondents were impressive and very impressive in the seminar. They were highly interested in application of IMTA followed by the practices of human interactions to increase biodiversity in marine environment and application of ICM.
A5-42 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Q2: Was the 2nd environmental technology seminar impressive? Q3: Which topic was impressive to you? 27 30 24 22 19
15
2
1. Satoumi 2. Interrelation 3. Integrated Multi 4. Integrated 5. No topic was concept between Trophic Coastal impressive. 4 biodiversity and Aquaculture Management human (IMTA) (ICM) 1 0 interactions for the most active 1. Very 2. Impressive 3. A little 4. Not impressive 5. Not impressive marine impressive impressive at all environment
Q4: Which topic were you interested in to realize in Qesh Island? Q5: Do you have any topic you want to receive more 30 knowledge? 25 23 24 22 19 17 15 12
2
1. Marine 2. Example of 3. Example of 4. Modern fish 5. Tourism to be 1. Satoumi concept 2. Interrelation 3. Integrated Multi 4. Integrated Coastal 5. No topic was environmental Integrated Multi Integrated Coastal processing collaborate with between biodiversity Trophic Aquaculture Management (ICM) impressive. problems caused Trophic Management technology fishery and human (IMTA) by overfishing and Aquaculture (ICM) interactions for the most active marine over-aquaculture (IMTA) environment Source: JICA Project Team Figure A5.2.3 Questionnaire of Second Environmental Technology Seminar
(3) Third and Fourth Environmental Technology Seminar The third and fourth seminars were jointly held to focus how to utilize the natural resources on March 5, 2017. Eighty-five participants came to attend the seminar. The first keynote presented about the effects of multiple designation by international natural reserves. This is relevant to management of Hara Mangrove Protected Area which is designated as a UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve, Geosite and Iranian National Protected Area. The second keynote is about the marketing and promotion for tourism. Following two keynotes by Japanese professor and intellectual, the Iranian professor and expert Source: JICA Project Team presented their keynotes about how to develop Figure A5.2.4 Third and Fourth geopark in Iran and importance of coastal area as Environmental Technology Seminar part of Geopark. The JPT distributed the questionnaire to the participants in the seminar (Figure A5.2.5). The respondents expressed their positive impression about the third and fourth seminar, as 45 of 49 respondents thought the seminar was impressive and very impressive (Q2). They were interested in respect to culture and nature and tourism marketing (Q3). The respondents expected to deepen both topics about the respect to culture and nature and tourism marketing (Q5).
A5-43 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Q2: Was the 3rd and 4th 35 environmen 30 tal technology 25 22 23 seminar impressive? 20 15 10
Number Respondents of Number 5 2 00 0 1 Very impressive 2 Impressive 3 A little impressive 4 Not impressive 5 Not impressive at all
Q3: Which 35 32 lectures 29 were 30 25 impressive 25 to you? 20 15 (Multiple 15 answers 10 allowed) 5 0 0 Number Respondents of Number 1. Community Based 2. Tourism Marketing 3. The Challenges and 4. The Approach to 5. No topic was Management of and Promotion for Solutions of Qeshm Island through impressive. UNESCO Geoparks, Enhancing Developing Geoparks Respecting to Culture Biosphere Reserve Sustainable Tourism in Iran and and Nature and World Heritage Introducing Some Potential Areas for Future Geoparks over the Country
Q4: Which topics were 35 29 you interest 30 in to realize 26 24 in Qeshm 25 21 Island? (Multiple 20 17 answers 15 allowed) 10
Number Respondents of Number 5 0 0 1. Community 2. UNESCO’s 3. Tourism 4. Challenges and 5. The Approach 6. No topic to be Based Man and the Destination Solutions of to Qeshm Island recommended for Management of Biosphere (MAB) Marketing Developing through Culture Geoparks Programme Geoparks and Nature
Q5: Do you 34 have any 35 topic you 30 28 want to 25 deepen your knowledge? 20 (Multiple 15 12 12 answers allowed) 10 5 Number Respondents of Number 0 1 Community Based 2. Tourism Marketing and 3. The Challenges and 4. The Approach to Qeshm Management of UNESCO Promotion for Enhancing Solutions of Developing Island through Respecting Geoparks, Biosphere Sustainable Tourism Geoparks in Iran and to Culture and Nature Reserve and World Introducing Some Potential Heritage Areas for Future Geoparks over the Country Source: JICA Project Team Figure A5.2.5 Questionnaire of Third and Fourth Environmental Technology Seminar
A5-44 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report (4) Fifth Environmental Technology Seminar The Qeshm Island Global Geopark was registered as UNESCO Global Geopark in May 2017. The Qeshm geopark is the first geopark in Iran and the second geopark after the Turkish global geopark in the Middle East region. The location of UNESCO global geoparks is concentrated in Europe and China as shown in Figure A5.2.1. The development of geoparks in other areas such as Iran, the Middle East, Central Asia and others is expected by UNESCO and the global geopark’s community. The QFZO held an international geopark workshop in Qeshm Island on April 28 and 29, 2018. Representatives from international geoparks such as Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe and domestic geoparks of Iran participated. They include the aspiring geoparks which aims to apply to the UNESCO Global Geopark Network for registration. The JICA Project Team supported Mr. Yoneda, Chairperson of the Japanese Geoparks Network (JGN) to deliver his keynote lecture in the workshop. He is the mayor of Itoigawa City and the chairperson of the Itoigawa Global Geopark. In Japan, three places, including Itoigawa Geopark, were first registered in the UNESCO Global Geopark in 2009. They have emphasized the networking between the aspiring geoparks from the beginning of the activity. There are nine global geoparks, 35 Japanese geoparks, and 18 aspiring geoparks in Japan in 2018. This rapid growth shows an achievement that emphasizes the importance of networking between geoparks (Figure A5.2.2). According to an internet survey conducted by JGN in 2018, the proportion of the people who knows the geoparks was increase to 57%. Geoparks become well-known in the Japanese society (Figure A5.2.3). Geoparks bring opportunities to connect a rural area with the world and functions as a tool for revitalizing the rural area. The lecture was meaningful to share the experience by the person who have led the Japanese geoparks to be successful from the very beginning of the activity.
Source: UNESO Global Geoparks Figure A5.2.1 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 2017
A5-45 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Note: The geopark in Izu Peninsula, Japan was Source: An internet survey by Japanese Geoparks registered for a new member of the Network UNESCO Global Geopark Network in 2018. Source: Japanese Geoparks Network Figure A5.2.3 Proportion of People who knows Geoparks in Japan in 2015 and 2018 Figure A5.2.2 Increase of Members of Japanese Geoparks Network in 2017
A5-46 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
APPENDIX 6 PUBLIC RELATION AND PROMOTION ACTIVITIES
Table of Contents
APPENDIX 6 PUBLIC RELATION AND PROMOTION ACTIVITIES ...... A6-I A6.1 Tourism Promotion Package ...... A6-1 A6.1.1 Existing Conditions ...... A6-1 A6.1.2 Issues to be tackled ...... A6-10 A6.1.3 Promotion Plan ...... A6-13 A6.1.4 Activities to Carry Out ...... A6-15 A6.1.5 Promotion Activities to be Supported by JICA Project Team ...... A6-16 A6.2 Investment Promotion Activities ...... A6-22
List of Tables
Table A6.1.1 Participating companies of the FAM tours ...... A6-19 Table A6.2.1 Investment Promotion Seminar ...... A6-23
List of Figures
Figure A6.1.1 QFZO Tourism Website ...... A6-1 Figure A6.1.2 QFZO Instagram Page (left) and QFZO Telegram Page (right) ...... A6-2 Figure A6.1.3 Qeshm Geopark Website ...... A6-2 Figure A6.1.4 Qeshm Geopark Telegram Page ...... A6-3 Figure A6.1.5 Qeshm Ecotourism Website ...... A6-4 Figure A6.1.6 Booklet “Geopark Qeshm” ...... A6-4 Figure A6.1.7 Picturecards “Qeshm Geopark Attractions” ...... A6-5 Figure A6.1.8 Brochures “Qeshm Island Geopark” ...... A6-5 Figure A6.1.9 Star Valley Geosite Visitor Center ...... A6-5 Figure A6.1.10 Local Handicraft Brochure (left) and Brochure circulated at Star Valley Geosite Visitor Center (right) ...... A6-6 Figure A6.1.11 Brochure designed for Children (left and center) and Tourism Map with an Advertisement (right) ...... A6-6 Figure A6.1.12 Existing QFZO Promotion Video ...... A6-6 Figure A6.1.13 Hispan TV Program (left) and Press TV Program (right) ...... A6-7 Figure A6.1.14 Exhibit at Tourism Expo Japan ...... A6-7 Figure A6.1.15 Tourist Information Counter at the Airport ...... A6-7 Figure A6.1.16 Hotel Reservation Counter at the Airport ...... A6-8 Figure A6.1.17 Building to be converted to a Visitor Center ...... A6-8 Figure A6.1.18 KFZO Tourism Website ...... A6-8 Figure A6.1.19 KFZO Facebook Page ...... A6-9 Figure A6.1.20 Tourist Information Counter and Hotel Reservation Counter at Kish International Airport ...... A6-9 Figure A6.1.21 Search Result by Baidu ...... A6-12 Figure A6.1.22 Search Result by Yooz ...... A6-12 Figure A6.1.23 Qeshm Tourism Seminar in Tokyo, May 2016 ...... A6-17 Figure A6.1.24 Flyer of Iran Tourism Seminar in Tourism Expo Japan ...... A6-18 Figure A6.1.25 Brochure about Qeshm Island in Japanese ...... A6-18 Figure A6.1.26 Website about Tourism in Qeshm Island ...... A6-18 Figure A6.1.27 Activities during the FAM tours ...... A6-19
A6-i The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Figure A6.1.28 Summarized Result of Questionnaire in the FAM Tours ...... A6-21 Figure A6.2.1 Investment Promotion Website for Qeshm Island ...... A6-23 Figure A6.2.2 Result of Questionnaire in the First Investment Promotion Seminar ...... A6-24 Figure A6.2.3 Degree of Satisfaction of Investment Environment in Qeshm ...... A6-26 Figure A6.2.4 Improvement required for Investment Environment in Qeshm ...... A6-27
A6-ii The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
A6.1 Tourism Promotion Package
A6.1.1 Existing Conditions
Currently, at QFZO, the Department of Public Relations and International Affairs conducts various methods of tourism promotion activities for the purpose of increasing the number of tourists visiting the Island and thus vitalizing the tourism market.
(1) QFZO website QFZO website (www.qeshm.ir) equips a Tourism Portal page, which offers various tourism information such as prayer time, weather, album, news, geographic location, tourism attractions, and events, in both Persian and English language
However, as far as the English pages are concerned, contents are still limited, and some pages are even redirected to the Persian site. Besides, their sites are not easily searched by major search engines such as Google and Yahoo! Considering the present situation that most of the tourists that visit Qeshm is domestic while the international tourism market still remains vulnerable due to unstable geopolitical situations and uncertain world economy, in the short term, attracting domestic tourists might be more effective than trying to attract international visitors. On the other hand, in the mid to long term, it can be expected that the number of inbound tourists visiting Qeshm will rise, especially from the European market, as the economics sanction have been lifted. Therefore, enhancement of the Qeshm tourism website is considered as a crucial agenda. The contents of the website are managed and updated by the Department of Public Relations and International Affairs, while technical management is conducted by the Department of Information Communication Technologies. Other portal sites related to the Island in the QFZO website include the Organization Portal, News Portal, and Economic Portal.
(2) QFZO Instagram and Telegram pages In addition to the website, QFZO holds both Source: QFZO website Instagram and Telegram accounts. Though those (www.tourism.qeshm.ir/en) accounts are not specialized in tourism promotion, Figure A6.1.1 QFZO Tourism Website these pages include relatively many tourism-related posts, some of them including attractive photographs. Basically, the posted information is written in Persian, reflecting that these pages are targeting Iranian Nationals. Since many of the internationally recognized U.S. based SNS services such as facebook, Twitter, are officially prohibited in Iran, these branded SNS pages related to Qeshm do not exist.
A6-1 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Source: QFZO instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/publicrelation.qeshmfreearea), QFZO telegram page (https://web.telegram.org/#/im?p=@QeshmFreeArea) Figure A6.1.2 QFZO Instagram Page (left) and QFZO Telegram Page (right)
(3) Other relevant websites Other Websites that are related to tourism in Qeshm Island includes the following;
1) Qeshm Geopark website (http://www.qeshmgeopark.com/)
The website is run by the Department of Geopark, QFZO, and covers comprehensive information concerning the Geoparks in Qeshm Island with a visually sophisticated design and a large collection of photographs. The website consists of extensive pages and information such as the Map, Qeshm Global Geopark, and Events including activities of the JICA Project. However, some pages are not redirected in a user friendly manner or are not updated periodically. Additionally, the site is not linked with the QFZO website and any other related sites. On the other hand, the QFZO website has started linking with the Qeshm Geopark website. Source: Qeshm Geopark website (http://www.qeshmgeopark.com/) Although the site explains detailed information concerning the Qeshm Geopark, it does not mention Figure A6.1.3 Qeshm Geopark Website deregistration from the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) list and the activities conducted for re-registration. The website provides both English and Persian language pages. Besides, the Qeshm Geopark Telegram account exists as well.
A6-2 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Source: Qeshm,Geosite Telegram page (https://web.telegram.org/#/im?p=@qeshmgeopark) Figure A6.1.4 Qeshm Geopark Telegram Page
2) Qeshm Ecotourism Website (http://www.qeshmecotourism.com/) The website is owned and managed by the Information Technology Science Association in Salman Farsi University. Although the contents of the site are relatively simple, and the photo gallery does not fully function, it refers to each handicraft product.
A6-3 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Source: Qeshm Ecotourism website (www.qeshmecotourism.com/) Figure A6.1.5 Qeshm Ecotourism Website
(4) Promotion materials
QFZO issues several types of promotion materials and some of them are well edited. Above all, the booklet “Geopark Qeshm” is beautifully bounded with high quality printing, and its contents are enriched by an abundance of good-looking photographs, graphics, and detailed explanations to stimulate interest to the Geosites in the Island. Considering that the whole booklet is written in English, it is presumed that the publishing of the booklet aims to promote QFZO’s activities in accelerating public understanding of GGN. Although the booklet does not specifically focus on tourism, it is estimated that it is attractive enough to stimulate interests to tourism in Qeshm. It refers to Geo-tourism and Rural Tourism in its articles. For other high-quality products, picture cards packages called “Qeshm Geopark Attractions,” consisting 12 selected cards with fascinating photographs from various viewpoints of the Qeshm Geopark and tourism, is available. Since the detailed explanation of the photograph is written at the back of the card in both Source: Geopark Qeshm, English and Persian, it is not practical to use these cards as Simaye-Kooch Co. postcards. Figure A6.1.6 Booklet However, the size of the cards is the same as ordinary postcards. “Geopark Qeshm”
A6-4 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Source: Qeshm Geopark Attractions Figure A6.1.7 Picturecards “Qeshm Geopark Attractions”
A series of brochures called “Qeshm Island Geopark,” which are 8 page brochures in color glazed printings and of Compact-Disc size, are also available. Each version of the brochure deals with a different type of Geosites, such as “Stars Valley Geo Site”, “Turtles & Dolphins Geosite”, “Birds in Qeshm Geopark”, “Mangrove Forest (Hara)”, “Statues Valley Geosite”, and “Salt Dome & Cave Geosite”. These brochures are mainly distributed at the Stars Valley Geosite Visitor Center.
One of the competitive advantages of QFZO in the field of promotion is that it employs capable Source: Qeshn Island Geopark, Simaye-Kooch Co. photographers and possesses abundant picture contents. By utilizing these picture contents Figure A6.1.8 Brochures “Qeshm Island effectively and improving the distribution system, Geopark” QFZO can potentially enhance its promotion capacity. Aside from above mentioned items, there are a number of other brochures, leaflets and flyers related to tourism. Some are well decorated and designed, while some are dedicated to specific purposes, such as high quality brochures to introduce local handicrafts developed by Department of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Source: JICA Project Team Tourism of QFZO, and fliers with cute illustrations for children developed by Department Figure A6.1.9 Star Valley Geosite Visitor of Geopark of QFZO. On the other hand, there are Center some tourism materials that are disproportionally packed with a number of advertisements. Besides, advertisers include not only tourism related businesses, but also retail stores for home electric appliances or clothes to boost shopping for tourists. Advertisement and the revenue derived from the ads is sometimes effective or even necessary for stable and sustainable supply of these tourism materials. However, balancing useful information and advertisers’ interest is crucial for attracting tourists.
A6-5 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Source: JICA Project Team Figure A6.1.10 Local Handicraft Brochure (left) and Brochure circulated at Star Valley Geosite Visitor Center (right)
Source: JICA Project Team Figure A6.1.11 Brochure designed for Children (left and center) and Tourism Map with an Advertisement (right)
(5) Video Clips
QFZO currently publishes a promotion video package and distributes it as DVD. In addition to that, it is planning to create more video clips and other tools such as mobile applications, according to the Public Relations Department. Besides, the Iranian state-owned TV stations for overseas, Press TV (English) and Hispan Source: JICA Project Team TV (Spanish), have both produced a program to introduce the Island. Figure A6.1.12 Existing QFZO Promotion Video
A6-6 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Source: YouTube Figure A6.1.13 Hispan TV Program (left) and Press TV Program (right)
(6) Exhibitions
In spite of the economic sanctions mainly led by the United States and the European Nations, Iran has participated in several of the leading tourism exhibitions in the world, such as ITB Berlin, Italy Borsa internazionale del tourismo in Milan, Tourism Expo Japan in Tokyo, and China International Travel Mart in Shanghai. In some of the exhibitions, QFZO dispatched delegates for the purpose of promotion activities during the exhibit, though they have never independently exhibited in a booth for Qeshm.
In particular, in March 2016, the World Plaque Source: JICA Project Team Honor was awarded to QFZO at the Moscow Figure A6.1.14 Exhibit at Tourism Expo International Travel and Tourism Exhibition, Japan according to the Islamic Republic News Agency.
(7) Tourist Information Center
In March 2016, QFZO launched a brand-new tourist information counter, especially focusing on the Geopark and each geosite at the arrival terminal of the Qeshm International Airport. Although the tourist information counter is rather small, it is decorated finely and is tidy, and displays several types of brochures including Source: JICA Project Team maps and information on geosites. However, as far as has been hitherto observed, no staff has Figure A6.1.15 Tourist Information been dispatched to the counter. Counter at the Airport
A6-7 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report In addition to the tourist information counter, a hotel reservation counter was also equipped at the airport’s arrival lobby in the same way. As of August 2016, only a limited number of brochures of hotels are displayed. Here, likewise, no staff has been seen at the counter, although there is information that a staff was present during the inspection by GGN. Source: JICA Project Team Figure A6.1.16 Hotel Reservation Counter (8) Visitor Center at the Airport In addition to the Star Valley visitor center, as of July 2016, QFZO is planning to develop a visitor center likely emphasized on ecotourism at Soheili, utilizing a disused building situated between the village and jetty. Although the building has a few cracks which seem to be caused by earthquakes and need to be repaired, the building itself is relatively recently constructed. On the ground floor, an information center including the exhibition of mangrove as well as a souvenir Source: JICA Project Team shop is planned to be located, while an Figure A6.1.17 Building to be converted to observation deck will be created on the roof. a Visitor Center Moreover, the location is suitable for tourists visiting the Hara Mangrove, since it is located before a jetty for boat trip. On the other hand, coordination of the interior exhibition is crucial to convey a clear impression and knowledge concerning the geoparks and ecotourism. Details are presumed to be undetermined yet.
(9) Comparison to the Kish Island
The Kish Island is located off the coast of Bandar-e Charak, at the southern coast of the mainland, and just approximately 200km west of Qeshm City. Since the development as a resort playground during the Pahlavi dynasty era, the Kish Island has attracted a large number of domestic tourists as an Iranian destination equivalent to Hawaii or Costa del Sol. Actually, the Kish Island could be considered a beach resort area, as it meets the requirements as a beach resort in many aspects; white sand beaches, including a rare women-only beach, luxury hotels, various marine sports attractions, mega shopping malls, and luxury restaurants. The Kish Island was designated as a free zone in 1989, and Kish Free Zone Organization (hereinafter referred to as KFZO) has implemented the general administration in the Source: KFZO website (tourism.kish.ir/en) Kish Island, including the tourism sector. Figure A6.1.18 KFZO Tourism Website The website of the Kish Island is relatively colorful, sophisticated, and functional, compared to the general standards of other websites in Iran. The site contains both Persian and English pages, and provides not only necessary information for travel to Qeshm including information on weather,
A6-8 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report hotels, shopping malls, activities, news, and events, but also academic information including vegetation, soil, and geographical formation. In addition to the website, KFZO has established several SNSs in different platforms including instagram, telegram, and even facebook.
Source: KFZO facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/kishfzo/?fref=ts) Figure A6.1.19 KFZO Facebook Page
KFZO runs a tourist information counter at the arrival lobby of the Kish International Airport, and it provides various kinds of brochures, leaflets, and maps. Additionally, it sells voucher booklets which include discount coupons valid for various tourism spots. The counter is beautifully furnished, and an English-speaking staff is available to provide exclusive information concerning the Kish Island, though currently most of the tourists visiting the Kish Island are Iranian. Just directly next to the tourist information counter, a hotel reservation counter is located, to provide intermediacy services.
Source: JICA Project Team Figure A6.1.20 Tourist Information Counter and Hotel Reservation Counter at Kish International Airport
The airport itself is much larger and modern than the Qeshm International Airport. Currently, there are
A6-9 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report direct international flights between Kish and Dubai. Additionally, flights to Muscat, Oman are to start its operation in July 2016. By such increase of international routes, the number of foreign tourists to Kish is also expected to rise. As shopping tourism destinations, the Kish Island is much more luxurious than Qeshm Island. Large scale shopping malls are packed with tourists enjoying shopping, and the merchandise sold range from upscale clothing to Switzerland brand watches. On the other hand, tourism resources in regards to nature attractions in Kish are limited to marine-related spots such as white sand beaches and coral reefs. One administrative difference from Qeshm Island is that the entire Kish Island is designated as a free zone, and thus administrative overlapping with the provincial government does not exist.
A6.1.2 Issues to be tackled
Number of tourists visiting Qeshm Island has been slightly decreasing in the last few years, mainly led by the economic slumps which brought negative effects on domestic tourism businesses. In addition, Iran has faced economic sanction from the international society. However, in spite of these circumstances, domestic tourism market is robust as a whole. On the other hand, the tourism market in Qeshm has not substantially reformed from cheap shopping zone to ecotourism island, due to the lack of vision and strong initiative. As a result, from a long-term perspective, it is considered that tourism in the Island is facing the following issues.
(1) Image of low grade shopping and facilities In the Iranian domestic tourism market, Qeshm is recognized as a Shopping Island, following the Kish Island. At present, a number of medium to large scale shopping malls welcomes tourists in both Qeshm City and Dargahan. Moreover, even more large shopping malls are under construction. On the other hand, in seeing the inside of the malls, many of the tenant stores deal with commodity or low-grade products, with electric appliance mainly imported from Dubai, Turkey and China, and at least from the viewpoint of foreigners, not particularly attractive. Additionally, Qeshm Island is regarded as a second-grade resort destination comparing to the Kish Island, which attracts many Iranian domestic tourists. Actually, the Kish Island meets the requirements as a beach resort in many aspects, at least in terms of the Iranian standard; white sand beaches including a rare women-only beach, luxury hotels, various marine sports attractions, mega shopping malls, and luxury restaurants. Meanwhile, Qeshm Island falls behind not only the resorts in Dubai, but also the Kish Island. Facilities of most hotels are plain and do not provide the guests with attractiveness and comfort of stay, such as spas, restaurants with local food, high speed internet, business centers, gyms, swimming pools, and concierges. Shopping malls sell medium to low grade products. From the viewpoint of competitiveness as a tourism destination, it is considered that Qeshm should focus on its uniqueness of its resources rather than entering into a homogeneous competition. This could be marketable through promotion activities. By enhancing promotion activities emphasized on geographical and biological diversity, the Island will be able to attract a new segment of tourists.
(2) Low awareness of Geosites and ecotours According to the baseline survey, visitors entering the Island by sea tend to especially spend time shopping, rather than visiting geosites. Overall, they tend to consume much more on shopping than sightseeing. Nevertheless, a relatively large proportion of tourists visit major geosite destinations, such as Star Valley, Naz Island, Dolphin Bay, and Hara Mangrove Forests. The reasons are presumed that these destinations are not only the most popular geosites, but also situated at relatively convenient locations. This shows that shopping tourists do not necessarily have low interests in ecotours. Rather, they are
A6-10 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report willing to pay for the unique experiences, since boat tours are popular despite of costly price. By conducting such promotion activities in raising awareness of geosites and ecotourism, boosting the number of participants in ecotours, and increasing time and money that tourists would spend, consequently, the turnover as well as the capital for reinvestment of the tourism industry in Qeshm could be increased.
(3) Lack of experienced tour guides and facilities to convey attractiveness of natural diversity Tour guides are expected to have a vital role to provide tourists with more profound knowledge and experience through human interaction, which influences greatly on the impression and satisfaction of the tour. However, according to the baseline survey, at present, many of the tourists visiting geosites merely go for excursions by their own cars with their family and without accompany of tour guides. Besides, there are only a few of organized tours with tour guides. Concerning cruising tours around the Hara Mangrove forests, many of the cruise captains just navigate the cruises or simply points at the herds of birds, and does not provide detailed explanations to the tourists. As a result, many of the tourists miss the opportunity to experience being exposed to precious wonders of nature and do not learn profound nature’s miracle. At present, a few experienced nature tour guides zealously try to pass down their knowledge and skill to the guides of young generation, through personal activities. However, it seems that the number of acquainted nature tour guides is still small. Since ecotours are not a mass tourism essentially, a given number of nature guides are needed to diffuse ecotourism. Ecotourism can be reinforced from the supply side by firstly, supporting the existing tour guides to gain necessary knowledge for ecotourism, and secondly, encouraging the local people to become nature tour guides. In the meanwhile, at present, facilities associated with the geosites are limited, though there are a couple of development plans at the Jetties for the Hara mangrove forest. One of the most well-equipped facilities is the Star Valley visitor center, which offers the tourists preliminary knowledge concerning minerals and rocks, though future enhancement of exhibition concerning the formation process of the valley is desired. However, for other geosites, visitor centers have not been developed and even the number of explanation boards is limited, as mentioned below.
(4) Lack of tourism signs and explanations Except for some major geosites such as the Star Valley and the Hara Mangrove Forests, at most geosites tourist sites, signs and explanation boards are not equipped and only the bare landscapes exist. Each geosite has a long-term geological history and conveying these past journey as a whole to the tourists can enhance a more profound geological interests. Installation of tourism signs is relatively simple, but explanation requires both professional and comprehensible contents.
A6-11 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report (5) Less visibility and usability of Qeshm website to both the domestic and international market
QFZO has recently revised its website, including the tourism site. By this revision, visibility has been improved considerably. Although the organization’s portal site has only Persian pages, the tourism website has both Persian and English pages. However, some pages and contents do not have English pages, moreover, some pages seem to be still under construction. These incomplete conditions are expected to be improved in the near future. Source: Baidu website (www.baidu.com) Nevertheless, in terms of accessibility, the website cannot be reached easily neither via Figure A6.1.21 Search Result by Baidu Google nor Yahoo!. On the other hand, searching via Baidu, the most popular search engine in China, the site can be found on the first page, searched by the keyword “Qeshm”. Concerning the contents of the existing QFZO tourism’s portal site, some of the information is indeed practical, including the overview of geosites as well as a hotel list. Besides, attractive photographs are utilized. On the other hand, the portal site includes information that is not directly related to the convenience for tourists, such as information on the conferences held and personnel information of the QFZO. In addition, even though it looks as if the English site exists, all the information is in Persian except for the top page.
(6) Target setting of promotion materials As mentioned in A6.1.1，QFZO is employing a professional photographer in the Public Relations Department, which enables the organization to create promotion materials with high quality photographs. Because of that, some tourism materials contain superior quality. In the meanwhile, with regards to some of the materials, their target segments are not clear enough. For instance, the “Geopark Qeshm” that is displayed and distributed at the Geopark Hotel Source: Yooz website (www.yooz.ir) and QFZO, is one of the high-quality booklets Figure A6.1.22 Search Result by Yooz which contain beautiful photographs and detailed commentaries. It would indeed be intriguing for people to see the booklet even for those who are not particularly interested in Qeshm. However, the booklet is a little too heavy to carry for tourists. Besides, description in the booklet is rather abstract and short of specific information such as how to get there and how much it costs to visit. For tourists actually visiting Qeshm, materials that are of handy size with concrete information are indispensable. In Qeshm, leaflets and foldable maps are more suitable materials than booklets for tourists who have already decided to visit geosites, though booklets are effective to encourage revisits.
(7) Distribution of promotion materials Concerning distribution, improvements are being implemented. In addition to the existing distribution points such as the Star Valley visitor center, airport information counter was established this year, though the variety of distributed materials is limited. Also, at the lobby of the newly renovated Geopark Hotel, a leaflet shelf was equipped, where various promotion materials are displayed and distributed.
A6-12 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Nevertheless, considering present tourist activities shown by the baseline survey, installation of further contact points with tourists are desirable in order to encourage tourists to spend more time and redistribute their budget for tours. In order to achieve it, distribution before or at the beginning of the journey is effective. Concretely speaking, first of all, function of the airport information counter should be enhanced. In spite of the renovation, the airport information counter has only a limited variety of materials. Moreover, there isn’t a staff to service the tourists at the counter. Human interaction is critically important in order to convince tourists to purchase tourism products and services. At least during the flight arrival time period, personnel should be dispatched. Secondly, it is desirable to increase information centers or counters to areas where tourists tend to visit or pass, such as seaports and shopping malls. In the medium and long term, information centers and counters should be managed by a destination management organization, which will be mentioned in the next section.
(8) Lack of cooperative activities amongst organizations and inter-regions Even though QFZO is actively promoting the Island, many of its activities are conducted independently. By enhancing cooperation with nationwide organizations such as Iran Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHTO), or with neighboring regional local governments, promotion activities can enhance its effectiveness. ICHTO is conducting promotion activities mainly by exhibiting at tourism expositions held in the overseas markets such as Europe, Gulf region, and East Asia. In order to promote activities to the international market, activities conducted by the national level are necessary. One reason being that the promotion by a single region is limited. Moreover, organizations at the national level have networks with international organizations such as World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). At the same time, connection with the ICHTO website (www.tourism.iran.ir) by mutual links will be effective for leading viewers to the QFZO Website. Concerning inter-regional cooperation, in general, it is more complicated than national and regional partnership, since there is a possibility for competition amongst each other. However, if the whole region is willing to cooperate, integration effect can be expected, because a non- negligible number of tourists tend to enjoy circular trips and hence, synergy effect can be expected.
A6.1.3 Promotion Plan
Tourism is one of the prospective industries of Qeshm island, since it requires relatively small amount of investment to boost, and potentially contributes to local economy through creation of employment and works. At present, Qeshm is regarded as a second-grade shopping zone in the Iranian domestic market, though most of the travel agencies and some tourists recognize that it has various natural and cultural tourism resources. In the meanwhile, looking forward in the future, further significant growth cannot be expected as long as Qeshm stays as a follower behind the Kish Island in regard to the commodity retail center for low budget tourists. No matter how the existing shopping industry can greatly contribute to the regional economy and employment at the moment, Qeshm needs to focus on developing its own uniqueness by utilizing natural and cultural tourism resources. Considering above mentioned circumstances and directions, the following promotion plans are conceivable.
(1) Branding Qeshm as ecotourism destination In order to differentiate Qeshm from other destinations, a brand of Qeshm should be developed emphasizing its strengths and opportunities. Qeshm’s strengths are its unique natural and cultural resources, local communities, and Geopark, if it is successfully registered. Since the GGN is upgraded as an UNESCO program, it will contribute to promote the good image of Qeshm for not only the domestic market but also the international market. Ecotourism can connect and utilize all the strengths which Qeshm possesses. Successful branding can make Qeshm to succeed within the domestic market and raise awareness of the international market.
A6-13 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report According to the baseline survey, quite a few visitors visit Qeshm mainly for shopping and spend much of their budget on buying items. This tendency is especially remarkable for visitors entering by ferry, though they include one day visitors. In the meanwhile, the survey also indicates that many tourists feel that the distribution of tourism information is not sufficient. Hence, by instilling Qeshm island as an valuable ecotour destination, there is a high possibility to change the image and behavior of tourists.
(2) Announcing solid information associated with various tourism resources to the Iranian market In order for tourists to shape the image of their travels, concrete information is essential. Not only in regard to geosites and shopping malls, but also various aspects of information such as handicrafts, meals, transportation, and accommodation are vital for enhancing the expectation of tourists. As for the methods for dissemination, in addition to the website and tourism materials as exemplified by brochures and leaflets, invitation of travel agencies and media in large cities such as Tehran and Mashhad should be examined.
(3) Promoting Qeshm Island and its diverse attractions to the international market Qeshm Island has a low profile internationally, in contrast to a high recognition in the Iranian market. Therefore, boosting its international profile is essential as a starter. However, at the same time, delivering its uniqueness is also vital to raise interest in the Island. In providing information to overseas, clarification of the target markets is imperative. Also, collaboration with national organizations is important, since most tourists who are interested in Qeshm are also interested in Iran. Concerning the website and brochures, the most significant difference from FAM tours is that the target of websites and brochures are consumers, while FAM (familiarization) is for business persons. Therefore, viewpoints of international tourists should be reflected on the websites and brochures. To be more specific, necessary solid information such as prices, contact numbers, visa and immigration, social security and health, climate, and exchange, should be more focused on, so that tourists can eliminate their concern in visiting the Island.
(4) Provision of information concerning Ecotourism In order for Qeshm to survive the intense competition among tourism destinations and persist sustainably, it has to cherish its congenial resources. Natural environment in Qeshm is not only irreplaceable but also competitive as a tourism resource, therefore to set tourists’ expectation by conveying its allurement has a significant meaning. Ecotourism is important for both domestic and international tourists. Besides, education is a vital part of ecotourism, therefore, detailed explanations to generate interest such as its scarcity, process of formation, and crustal movement will help tourists’ understanding to improve profoundly. To develop informative materials to provide tourists with detailed information is one of the most important activities.
(5) Holding events to introduce traditional culture Traditional culture is another intangible treasure in Qeshm. Although part of the unique culture can be seen in some of the guesthouses and other places, it is worth considering holding events and festivals which not only local people but also tourists can observe and join. As culture in Qeshm is exotic not only to foreign tourists, but also to tourists from mainland Iran, they will be able to deepen their memory by experiencing its unique culture, hence consequently enhance satisfaction of their travel. Furthermore, there is a possibility that events can mitigate demand disparity between high season and low season, and thus, contribute to stabilization of tourism related businesses and employment, if the events which can attract tourists are held in low season.
A6-14 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report (6) Activation of Destination Management Organization for cooperation of tourism promotion activities in Qeshm Destination Management Organizations (hereinafter referred to as DMO), which are common in Europe and the United States, and known as the Tourism Association in Japan, are one of the most significant factors to drive Public-Private Partnership. At present, in Qeshm, an organization named Qeshm Tourism Association exists, however it is active only around the Nowrooz period. By establishing or developing existing organization to the DMO, they can potentially strengthen the Public-Private Partnership in Qeshm tourism businesses.
A6.1.4 Activities to Carry Out
In order to realize the above-mentioned items, it is recommended to execute the following activities.
(1) Consideration of distributing information effectively about tourism attractions There are two general phases of information distribution; a pre-trip approach and a during-trip approach. Firstly, the pre-trip approach is information dissemination for potential tourists who are considering to travel to Qeshm or at least to travel somewhere. Although it requires much work, it is essential to expand the market. Secondly, the during-trip approach is information dissemination for tourists in Qeshm to attract them to ecotours. Compared to the pre-trip approach, the during-trip approach costs less for tourists and therefore, this approach is a rapid-measure to stimulate the demand for ecotours. For the pre-trip approach, although advertisement through media such as television can be considered as influential, it requires substantial amount of expense to promote as a single destination. Other presumable methods include websites and SNS, cooperation with travel agencies, and participation in exhibitions. For the during-trip approach, tourism materials such as brochures and leaflets are the most effective to attract tourists who already arrived in the island. Since many of tourists visit Qeshm with families, targeting the family’s decision makers is an effective method, to be more precise, to aim at housewives and children. In each case, details will be discussed later.
(2) Collecting concrete and needed information for tourists, and disseminating it via the websites and tourism materials Currently, dissemination of images on ecotourism is enhanced through websites and tourism materials, mainly with abstract photographs and poetic articles. They are effective in developing tourists’ expectations, but solid information such as hotels, travel agencies, tours, prices, conditions, timings and weather are important for tourists. The tourists who are interested in tourism products expect to obtain enough information to buy and to be able to apply easily and swiftly. For the international market, additionally, basic information such as best seasons, access, security and emergency contacts is requisite. Considering the types of information being distributed at the present, information to be distributed should focus on usefulness, accuracy and solid information, based on the viewpoints of tourists.
(3) Cooperating with other organizations In collaborating with other organizations for promotion, cooperation with ICHTO shall be effective in particular. ICHTO regularly execute various promotion activities both nationally and internationally. In particular, participation in tourism exhibitions overseas is most distinctive.
A6-15 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Currently ICHTO focuses on Europe, Asia, and neighboring nations. It would be effective to dispatch human resources to the major tourism exhibitions such as ITB Berlin, since it is not practical and effective to exhibit independently by QFZO, and a synergy effect can be expected through the cooperation of the national and regional promotional bodies. If possible, a regional partnership for promotion between local administrations and organizations in Hormozgan province can be considered as well. In regard to the FAM tour, requesting ICHTO to add Qeshm in the itinerary is an effective way for encouraging international group tours to invite Qeshm. According to ICHTO’s international department, they also regard Qeshm as suitable for the European market.
(4) Organizing FAM Trip independently In addition to attracting FAM tours to Qeshm organized by ICHTO for limited target markets, neighboring regions in the Hormozgan Province is worth considering. Although FAM tours generally require a certain amount of budgets, definite effects can be expected such as planning of new tours and publishing of articles.
(5) Planning of events in low season As mentioned above, holding events during low seasons may increase tourists, but planning a completely new event requires considerable workforce and finance resources. Therefore, combining existing traditional events with a new attraction would be realistic. For instance, Salakh fisherman’s Nowrooz can be developed to become more attractive, but it should also be recognized that the effects of events do not last long.
(6) Establishment of Destination Management Organization Concerning establishment of DMO, there are quite a lot of issues to settle, including long term financial resource, binding authority of the organization, and even the location of the office. However, by the establishment of the organization, consideration, decision makings, and actions from the viewpoints of overall optimization can be expected. Moreover, external cooperation between ICHTO and other regional tourism organization can also be realized. Regarding other issues such as installation of signboards and information booths, various viewpoints and consequential optimized solution can be expected. Aside from QFZO, there are several private organizations which can be candidates of commissioners of the Qeshm DMO, for instance, the Qeshm hotel association, and the Qeshm travel agency association. In consideration, utilization and harmonization of existing organization should be highly obeyed.
A6.1.5 Promotion Activities to be Supported by JICA Project Team
Various public relations (PR) activities were undertaken to promote investment, tourism, and awareness of the Project. Among those public relations, JICA Project Team will support the PR efforts for tourism by providing the production of which will be subcontracted to local companies. Tourism promotion packages were produced to i) entice visitors to stay longer and spend more money in the island by introducing various attractions of the island, ii) raise interests in ecotourism and traditional cultural experience rather than shopping, and iii) attract attention to the island and nurture positive impression of the region to prospective markets such as European countries. These packages also recommended tourism products, services, and effective promotion activities according to tourist types and preferences. In the Project, the following productions and events were provided. (a) Publicity activities through media and events in Japan TV information program in Japan, February 2016
A6-16 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Tourism Promotion Seminar about Qeshm Island for travel agencies and tour operators in Japan in May 2016 (Figure A6.1.23) Exhibition in Tourism EXPO Japan (for both business and consumers) in September 2017 Iran Tourism Promotion Seminar for travel agencies and tour operators at Tourism Expo Japan in September 2017 (Figure A6.1.24) Articles about Qeshm Geopark in Source: JICA Project Team January 2018 edition of Japanese Figure A6.1.23 Qeshm Tourism Seminar in Geopark magazine Tokyo, May 2016 (b) Publicity activities through media and events in Iran TV information program of Channel 2 in Iran, August 2016 Familiarization trip to Qeshm Island for media in Iran in November 2017 (c) Publicity activities through media and events in Europe Exhibition in a booth for UNESCO Global Geopark in ITB Berlin 2018 in March 2018 (d) Support and information sharing to the Japanese travel agencies Support to organized sightseeing travel tours from Japan to Qeshm Island in April and October 2017 (e) Preparation of promotion tools Brochure about Qeshm Island in Japanese (Figure A6.1.25) Brochure about Qeshm Islands in English and Farsi Website about tourism in Qeshm Island in English, Japanese and Farsi (https://qeshmtours.com/en) (Figure A6.1.26) (f) Implementation of Familiarization Tours (hereafter “FAM Tours”) FAM Tour to Qeshm Island for Iranian travel agencies in October 2017 FAM Tour to Qeshm Island for Japanese travel agencies in February 2018 FAM Tour to Qeshm Island for European travel agencies in April 2018
A6-17 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Source: JICA Project Team Source: JICA Project Team Figure A6.1.24 Flyer of Iran Figure A6.1.25 Brochure about Tourism Seminar in Tourism Expo Qeshm Island in Japanese Japan
Source: JICA Project Team Figure A6.1.26 Website about Tourism in Qeshm Island
The FAM Tours were implemented in order to i) spread knowledge and raise interests in diverse tourism resources in Qeshm including the Pilot Projects to the participating tour agencies and operators in the targeted markets, ii) encourage the participating tour agencies to plan tours to Qeshm, and attract their customers to the Island, iii) establish opportunities between the participants and local tourism stakeholders, and iv) transfer techniques to QFZO for organizing FAM tours. The series of FAM tours were held separately for each market of the departure region. Firstly, the tour for nine Iranian travel agencies were held from 27 to 31 October, followed by the tour for three Japanese agencies from 5 to 9 February, and the tour for two European agencies from 27 to 30 April. The participating companies, departments, and titles of each tour are shown in Table A6.1.1.
A6-18 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A6.1.1 Participating companies of the FAM tours Tour Company Title of Department Departure Place The tour for Persia Tourism Group (Tehran) Marketing Manager Tehran Iranian agencies AITO Iran Tours Japanese Marketing Executive & Tehran (October 2017) Tour Guide Iran Doostan Tours Head of Department, Tehran Adventure Department HiPersia Deputy of Inbound Tour Department Tehran Abtin Seyr Asia (ASA) Chairman Tehran To Iran Manager Tehran Aftab Kalout Ecotour and Travel Managing Director Tehran Corporation Homafaran Khorshid Savar Iran Traveling Center Shiraz (Iran Traveling Center) Iran Tourist Guide Association Translator, Tour Leader Tehran The tour for Five Star Club, Inc. Manager of Sales Tokyo Japanese agencies Eurasia Travel Co., Ltd. Agent-Organized Tour Department Tokyo (February 2018) Persia Tourism Group Co., Ltd. Sales Executive Tokyo (Tokyo) The tour for Persia Travel Mart Management Amsterdam European agencies Apochi BV Manager Amsterdam (April 2018) Source: JICA Project Team. The tour itineraries included not only geosite inspections but also introductions of diverse tourism resources such as the Pilot Projects experience, local handicrafts, accommodation facilities, and local foods. Besides, presentations for profound understanding of Qeshm Geopark and opinion exchange meetings between the participants and local stakeholders were held in the itineraries.
Welcome Seminar at Salt Cave visit at Laft Traditional Culture Experience domestic FAM tour domestic FAM tour Tour (Pilot Project) inspection at Japanese FAM tour
Meeting with Participation in the International Gouron Lenj Building and Sailing Qeshm Travel Agencies Association at Meeting and Workshop on UNESCO Open Museum visit at Japanese FAM Tour Geoparks at European FAM tour European FAM tour Source: JICA Project Team Figure A6.1.27 Activities during the FAM tours
Various feedbacks from the participants were obtained through the implementation of the Tours, some of which were highly significant in considering methods to meet the demands and needs of tourists,
A6-19 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report and these feedbacks will be reflected to the action plans formulated by the representative of QFZO administration and regional community respectively. Some of the feedbacks are shown below.
Basic tourism environment such as English communication, cleanness of toilets, water quality, and the Internet access, should be improved. Length of stay of tourists can be longer by preparing more diverse tour contents, such as bike tours, ballooning, and water activities. Detailed information about tourism facilities such as hotel equipment and available vehicle types should be conveyed to travel agencies so that they can plan tour itineraries suitable to their customers. Most of existing hotels do not have outstanding characteristics and do not meet tourists’ demand, except newly opened Irman Boutique Hotel and Hotel Arka. It is worth considering advertising Qeshm by placing stickers on side doors of taxis. Model itineraries according to each length of stay should be developed. Service quality of tour guides and drivers should be improved. At the same time the quality should be standardized to that tour agencies can guarantee their products quality Meals in guesthouses should be more diversified. Mere “impressive landscape” is not enough as attractiveness of a tourism resource. It is critical to convey its preciousness as a comprehensive story. The history of ocean trade and interaction and cultural fusion are attractive and can be tourism resources. At the same time, by the questionnaire survey to each tour participant, the following results were obtained.
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Source: JICA Project Team. Figure A6.1.28 Summarized Result of Questionnaire in the FAM Tours
Through the implementation of the FAM Tours, the following items were achieved.
Penetration of various information and attractiveness in Qeshm to the participating tour agencies Announcement and appeal of the tourism-related Pilot Projects
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Planning and sales of tour products to Qeshm by participating agencies, as well as advertisement exposure of the tours via their websites and brochures Establishment of mutual communication networks among the participants, as well as between the participants and local stakeholders Sharing ideas regarding necessary tourism information and environments to plan tour products and to attract tourists to Qeshm Experience of FAM tour promotion activity by QFZO staff Contribution to the International Meeting and Workshop on UNESCO Geoparks by participating in it On the other hand, the following items were extracted as issues to be solved or improved, some of which are common to the feedbacks by the participants.
Improvement of tourism infrastructures such as money exchange, wi-fi connection, and telecommunications for tourists Improvement of accommodation quality such as toilets, rooms, and guest services Smooth immigration procedure for international visa-free tourists Further development of tourism human resources such as tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff through recognition sharing regarding demands of tourists Especially from the viewpoint of utilizing the advantage of Free Zone, immigration hassles for non-visa tourists can affect negative impact on impression of whole tours. It is necessary for both QFZO and Immigration Bureau to cooperate for smooth immigration operation. The whole practical methods for FAM tours implementation was taken over from the Project to QFZO in October 2018.
A6.2 Investment Promotion Activities
Investment promotion package includes creation of investment promotion website to disseminate investment-related information and investment promotion seminar. An investment site visit will be organized for private companies interested in investing in the island.
(1) Investment promotion website The investment promotion website is created at address of http://jica.qeshm.ir/en/ in English and Japanese (Figure A6.2.1).
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Source: JICA Project Team Figure A6.2.1 Investment Promotion Website for Qeshm Island
(2) Investment promotion seminar An investment promotion seminar for the private sector was planned to convene three times in Tokyo, Dubai, and Tehran at the commencement of the Project. Due to the social conditions reflected by the foreign diplomacy, the plan of the investment seminar was revised. The JICA Project Team and the QFZO decided to hold the seminar two times in Tokyo and Tehran. Table A6.2.1 shows an outline of the seminars.
Table A6.2.1 Investment Promotion Seminar 1st Seminar 2nd Seminar Purpose To disseminate Interim Report as initial To disseminate development potential of orientation to Qeshm Island Qeshm in oil and gas sector To share the findings of oil and gas sector in the Project Venue Tokyo Teheran Participants Approximately 50 companies Approximately 250 investors and companies Embassy of Iran of Iran and diplomats Length 1 day 1 day Host JICA and QFZO JICA and QFZO Timing After submission of Interim Report After submission of Draft Final Report Source: JICA Project Team. Fist investment promotion seminar The first investment promotion seminar was convened at the Embassy of Iran in Tokyo on November 1, 2016. Forty-three participants came from 36 organizations and private companies to attend at the seminar. The seminar started with the welcome remark by the ambassador. JICA and JICA Project Team explained about the JICA’s approach in Iran and the draft Eco-Qeshm master plan. Thereafter, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), QFZO and JICA Project Team explained about the business environment and attractiveness of Qeshm Island and Iran. The themes presented by the lecturers are listed below.
Welcome Remarks by Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Tokyo JICA’s Approach in the Islamic Republic of Iran by Global Environment Department, JICA Introduction of the Eco-Island Project and Master Plan by Team Leader, JICA Project Team Latest business information in Iran by Yoichi Yamamoto, Advisor, JETRO
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Introduction of the Investment Tradition and Custom in Iran and Qeshm by Associate Professor, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Priority project, investment procedure and overview of investment environment in Qeshm by Head of Department of Investment Promotion, QFZO and Senior Researcher, Operational Administration Department, Nomura Research Institute Superiority of investment for sustainable industrial development and infrastructure development in Qeshm and Comparison with Neighboring Countries by Private Investment Promotion, JICA Project Team JICA Project Team distributed the questionnaire to the participants to confirm their interests in Qeshm Island as an investment destination. Figure A6.2.2 shows result of the questionnaire. In Q2, 22 of 38 respondents did not know the island at all. The respondents expressed their demands about information related to the island, business environment and superiority of the island for the investment destination (Q6). In Q7, 21 of 34 respondents showed their wishes to visit the island, while three respondents were negative, and ten respondents were neither. Among 30 respondents, ten respondents were interested in investment in the island, while nine for negative and 13 for neither (Q8). In Q9, 19 of 30 respondents wanted to receive the further information about the island.
Source: JICA Project Team. Figure A6.2.2 Result of Questionnaire in the First Investment Promotion Seminar
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Source: JICA Project Team. Figure A6.2.2 Result of Questionnaire in the First Investment Promotion Seminar (continued)
Second investment promotion seminar The second investment promotion seminar was convened at Evin Hotel in Tehran on September 19, 2018. More than 300 officials, contractors and companies of oil, gas, petrochemical and energy industries along with more than 40 international investors and diplomatic guests participated in the seminar. The speakers presented the vast opportunities on Qeshm Island. QFZO have made the promotion activities mainly to the foreign investors and companies before. However, JPT and QFZO recognized that the promotion activities have not been undertaken for the Iranian investors and companies well. They decided to convene this specialized summit focusing on the development of oi and gas sector on Qeshm Island. In the summit, the representatives of QFZO, the Ministry of Petroleum, the Supreme Council of Iran Free Trade, Industrial and Special Economic Zones, the Organization for Investment Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran, Iran National Petrochemical Company and JICA Iran office. On the day, BtoB meetings were coordinated for the participants who are willing to share and exchange the information and ideas about the development in Qeshm.
A6-25 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report (3) Investment site visit for Japanese companies An investment site visit for the Japanese companies was carried out from 10 to 18 November, 2017. Six companies based in Tokyo and Tehran participated in the site visit. They stayed for the site visit and meetings with related organizations in Tehran, Qeshm, Shiraz, and Esfahan. According to the interview with the participants, the positive impression is that the security is good, and infrastructure including road, electricity network is developed well in mainland and Qeshm (A6.2.3). But, improvement is required in the basic living conditions such as food, hotel, language and landscape. The environment of foreign currency exchange should be improved. They suppose Iran and Qeshm has the immense potential for business despite the economic sanction in the fields listed below. (a) Infrastructures such as hotel, bridge, desalination plant, new energy etc. (b) Oil, gas and petrochemical (c) Fishery including fish farming in Qeshm (d) Machinery and equipment in Qeshm (e) Automobile parts in mainland and Qeshm (f) Agro-industry in mainland and Qeshm (g) Pharmaceutical in mainland and Qeshm
Poor Normal Good 012345678910
Security and Safety Environment of Foreign currency exchange Environment of Foreign investment Existance of Business partners Infrastructure of Road Infrastructure of Electricity Infrastructure of Water Hotel Landscape Communication environment Language Food
Source: Interview with the participants in the investment site visit Figure A6.2.3 Degree of Satisfaction of Investment Environment in Qeshm
The participants pointed out the improvement required for Qeshm to serve the attractive investment environment which includes, but not limited to, airport facilities, ferry services, hotels, restaurants (Figure A6.2.4). Those opinions should be considered, and the QFZO is responsible for improving the investment environment.
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• to be more modernized because Qeshm Airport is gate to Free Trade Zone to receive foreign Airport Facilities investor and/or business partners
Airlines Covenants • To have airlines covenants between Dubai and Qeshm for cargo handling
• To be more modernized between Qeshm and Dubai/Qeshm and Bandar Abas by more service Ferry Service interval and using modern transportation facilities together with jetty • To have more better hotels for foreign investors and business partners with better services and Hotel hotel staffs to be trained more professionally
Restaurant • Need more variety type of restaurants
• To have more service areas in the island to take rest by cars which facilitate mini-supermarket, Service Rest Area toilet, coffee shop, and restaurant on the way to sightseeing spots from city centers • To be more attractive to the foreign tourists (Geopark, mangrove, salt cave, seacoast, etc) by Sightseeing spot unique ideas. At present, some difficulty to have repeater pf tourist to the sightseeing spots
Industrial Park • to be more upgraded
Increase of Green • to increase the green zone in the island by raising the new policy like “One Day One Green “ etc. Zone which change the imagination of the island as eco-island not like desert
Source: Interview with the participants in the investment site visit Figure A6.2.4 Improvement required for Investment Environment in Qeshm
(4) Investment promotion website The investment promotion website is created at address of http://jica.qeshm.ir/en/ in English and Japanese (Figure A6.2.1).
Source: JICA Project Team Figure A6.2.1 Investment Promotion Website for Qeshm Island
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The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
APPENDIX 7 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION MEETING
A7.1 Frist Consultation Meeting
(1) Outcomes of consultation meeting by area
A7-1 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
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A7-4 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report (2) Number of participants by area Number of Participants in 1st Consultation Meeting Council Area No Name Mayor Imam Total Member 1 Doulab Rural District 1-1 Aysheh-Abab 0 1-2 Basaidou 1 1 2 1-3 Chahou East 0 1-4 Chahou West 1 1 2 1-5 Derakou 0 Doulab 1-6 Doulab 0 Dec. 19, 1-7 Doustakou 0 2015 1-8 Gouri 1 1 1-9 Kani 0 1-10 Konar Seiah 0 1-11 Sar Rig 11 2 1-12 Tomgaz 0 Total 340 7 1 Souza Municipality 0 2 Hengam Rural District 0 2-1 Hengam 11 2 2-2 Old Hengam 0 3 Howmeh Rural District 0 3-1 Laft 0 3-2 Tonban 0 4 Salakh Rural District 0 4-1 Dehkhoda 0 4-2 Dourbani 0 4-3 Gachou 1 1 4-4 Gomboron 1 1 2 4-5 Gouran 1 1 2 4-6 Haftrangou 1 1 Tabl 4-7 Kavarzin 1 1 2 Dec. 21, 4-8 Melki 1 1 2015 4-9 Naghasheh 1 1 4-10 Salakh 1 1 2 4-11 Soheili 1 1 4-12 Tabl 0 5 Souza Rural District 0 5-1 Banajali 0 5-2 Borka Khalaf 1 1 5-3 Direstan 1 1 2 5-4 Messen 1 1 5-5 Nakhl-E-Gol 0 5-6 Righoo 1 1 5-7 Shibderaz 1 1 2 6 Imam 0 6-1 Imam of Tabl 0 Total 10 12 0 22 1 Howmeh Rural District 1-1 Peyposht 1 1 2 Ramkan Rural District 0 2-1 Bagh Bala 0 2-2 Bangali 0 2-3 Gorbehdan 0 Ramkan 2-4 Jijan 1 1 2 Dec. 22, 2-5 Kardova 0 2015 2-6 Karavan 1 1 2-7 Khaladin 1 1 2-8 Kousheh 1 1 2-9 Ramkan 1 1 2-10 Tomseneti 1 1 2-11 Tourian 1 1
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2-12 Zainabi 1 1 3 Souza Rural District 0 3-1 Zirang 1 1 4 Imam 0 4-1 Imam of Ramakan 1 1 Total 7 4 1 12 1 Qeshm Municipality 0 2 Dargahan Municipality 1 2 3 3 Howmeh Rural District 1 1 3-1 Defari 0 3-2 Tola 0 3-3 Giahdan 0 3-4 Hamiri 0 Dargahan 3-5 Holor 1 1 Dec. 20, 3-6 Kabeli 0 2015 3-7 Kuvehee 0 3-8 Ramchah 1 1 3-9 Tourgan 1 1 4 Imam 0 4-1 Imam of City (Shia) 0 4-2 Imam of City (Sunni) 0 Total 250 7
(3) Facilitators
Ms Mokhtari, MPO, QFZO Ms Ranjbar, Handicraft, QFZO Ms Koveh-ee, Geopark, QFZO Mr Rasa, Industry, QFZO Mr Pehbouri, Environment, QFZO Mr Qasemzadeh, Jahad Agriculture Division, County
A7-6 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report A7.2 Second Consultation Meeting
(1) First round
Minutes of Meeting for the 2nd Consultation Meeting
Date: March 14, 2016 Time: 10:00~11:50 Venue: Meeting room of Qeshm Incubator Center in Qeshm Participants: 14 representatives of villages including Doustakou, Dourbani, Moradi, Konar Seiah, Shibderaz, Dehkhoda, Direstan, Hengam, Laft, Holor, Defari, Gouri, Tomgaz QFZO: 2 persons JPT: Tokura, Hayashi, Iguchi, Sato
1. Introduction
The meeting started by Geopark expert of JPT. The participants were requested to introduce themselves.
2. Presentation of the Draft Inception Report by the JPT
The JPT Leader presented the materials including outcomes of the first consultation meeting and draft alternatives for vision and spatial structure.
3. Discussions
P Economic activities are more important than social and environment. People usually want to focus on the economy. J Environment is the basis to achieve the sustainable development and economy. We will analyze the possible employment opportunity and household income as well as environmental impact. Then, the most suitable model will be established. P Employment opportunities are insufficient in the island. People become pessimistic and needs good future image to be more positive. Many out-migrants went to the mainland in recent years. Private sector should be involved in the master plan formulation. J We have to be realistic, but need a positive future. This is a good opportunity to formulate the master plan agreed among different stakeholders. The first sub-committee meeting for tourism and fishery sector was held. Both sectors are key industries of the island. We will keep inviting the private sectors in the forthcoming sub-committee meetings. P Wastewater is infiltrated into the groundwater in Dargahan. The discharged wastewater can be a major problem to increase the level of groundwater. Fixed netting is practices in areas along northeast coast. This coast can be the candidate for satoumi. J Wastewater engineer will confirm the current situation in Dargahan. We will check the location of the fix netting in satellite imageries. P Do we have to select one from three objectives? P Environment is fundamental for social and economy. Although we will highlight the economy objective, this objective must be linked with social and environmental objectives. Those three objectives are interlinked as one component. J It is good perception about relation among three objectives.
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P Activities of fishery and agriculture are decreased in recent years. Environment is deteriorated. Hengan and Dargahan may face with the problems due to the tourism promotion. J We have to improve the fishing method and fishing equipment more environmental-friendly. Artificial reef may be the option to encourage the marine biodiversity. To protect natural resources, the environmental education program is necessary for tourists. P If the people understand environment conservation is meaningful to enhance the economic improvement, people will conserve the natural resources and environment more seriously. We also need the employment opportunities for local people. J It is good perception. We have to let the people understand the natural resource conservation will be benefit to them. We want to increase the employment opportunities for the villagers rather than immigrants. P Moradi village has the good landscape. It is located in west and close to Basaidu village. J Thank you for your information. Our tourism promotion expert participates in this meeting. Please share tourism resources with him. J Which village will be convenient for you to convene the next consultation meeting? Tabl, Shib Deraz, Salakh, and Soheil are located in middle of the island. P Soheil is convenient for us. J We will convene the 2nd workshop one more time in April. We will appreciate your participation again.
End of discussions
A7-8 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Participants of Second Consultant Meeting (14 March 2016) Name Organization Position Email Phone 1 Omid Karimi Cultural Social 09177670290 Tourism 2 Ameneh Ben Shams Planning and Planning Expert 09397151664 Budget 3 Mitra Pourrezaei Self Employed CEO m.pourrezaei@gma 09171392445 (Marketing il.com Company) 4 Mohammad Parast Direstan Council Head of the 09171611304 Council 5 Mohammad Holori Holor Rural Mayor [email protected] 09173635321 Mayor om 6 Abduljavad Toorang Goori council Member 091736888167 7 Saleh Safari Laft Council Head of Council 09171614933 8 Mahmoud Ayoubi Direstan Rural Mayor 09179588232 Direstani Mayor 9 Ahmad Daryaei Konar Siah Authority 09171695899 Salakhi Council 10 Yousef ghasedi Doorbani Mayor Rural Mayor 09171696246 11 Ali Nezhad Basaeidoo Doostakoo Rural Mayor 09179571297 Mayor 12 Sedigh ghavidel Moradi Council Head of Council 09177681951 13 Mehdi Zahmatkesh Hengam rural Mayor 09179572595 Mayor 14 Ahmad Direstani Shib Deraz 09179588229 Council 15 Hasan Motamed Doorboni 09177688163 Council 16 Darvish Tata Dehkhoda 09177688875 Council 17 Maktoob Shafei Kani council 09173630832 18 Mohammad Ali Tom Gaz Mayor 09171697258 Chahooei 19 Mohammad Atri Rigoo Mayor 09171684291 Ramkani 20 Eisa Zeinali Shib Deraz Jetty Manager 09337630767
Participants from JICA Project Team Mr. Tokura Mr. Iguchi Mr. Hayashi Mr. Sato Mr. Qasemi Nezhad Mr. Amini Miss. Soltanzadeh Miss. Tohidi
A7-9 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report (2) Second round
Minutes of Meeting for the 2nd Consultation Meeting (2nd round in Sohli)
Date: April 16, 2016 Time: 10:40~13:45 Venue: Geopark Sohli branch building Participants: 12 representatives of villages including Kovarzin, Holor, Gouron, Gomboron, Ramchah, West Chahou, Dehkhoda, Ayesh-Abad, Laft, Rigoo, Zeinabi, Melki. QFZO: 8 persons JPT: Hashimoto, Takahashi, Harada, Fujikawa, Niide, Ghasminejad, Kawamura, Amini, Saurat
1. Introduction by QFZO
The meeting started by an introductive speech by Mr. Baniamerian, putting the emphasis on the importance of balanced development between eastern and western part of the island.
2. Presentation by the JPT
JPT Land use planning / GIS expert presented the materials including outcomes of the first consultation meeting and draft alternatives for vision and spatial structure.
3. Discussions
The discussions can be classified into the following different themes: 1) Tourism and traditional culture - Positive views on tourism were expressed by a participant that tourism contributes to communication with outside people and exposure to different culture. - Importance of traditional culture for tourism was emphasized by a few participants such as music, dresses and customs, but people are now less motivated to pursue them and they are disappearing. - Mr. Baniamerian said traditional guesthouses may be attractive to tourists. - He clarified the Government cannot take initiative for preservation of traditional culture; strong identity attracts tourists, and the local people are expected take the initiative. 2) Livelihood opportunities - Some participants expressed concern that livelihood of people has higher priority than culture, and when basic services such as water supply, medical services and education are not adequately available, people cannot undertake livelihood activities.
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- Expectation was shared that tourism would provide livelihood opportunities for local people. 3) Participation and cooperation - Participation and cooperation for development represent something new in Qeshm. - Traditional cooperation among people has been deteriorated - Mr. Baniamerian emphasized that pilot projects would present opportunities for the people to participate and take the initiative as people’s input is essential for success of pilot projects. 4) Fishery - A few participants emphasized excessive fish catch by large ships need to be controlled. - Aquaculture is more promising along the northern coast for sardine, halibut, shrimp etc. - The Government aims at 60,000ton annual aquaculture production. 5) Agriculture - People are generally interested in agriculture, although it is constrained by water shortages, lack of facilities and economic viability. - In the Tourion plain, old agricultural land has started to be re-used by the people’s initiative. - Halal controlled harvesting should be practiced for herbs and other products. - Local people respond to climatic conditions and adjust seeding and harvesting activities. - There exists a nursery in Gouron village for some tree crops (not specified). 6) Environmental problems - A few participants pointed out the excessive fish catch in high sea has been causing declined fishery production by local fisher folks - A few participants expressed concern on destruction of beaches and coasts by sand collection and quarrying. - Water pollution by industry was pointed out. 7) Balanced development - Environmental aspects are very important as they relate to economic and social aspects as well. - Balanced development between areas are important in development planning. - Mr. Baniamerian said the gap between the east and the west should be rectified, but the west should not develop like the east; the west should develop by effectively utilizing rich natural resources, not exploiting them. - The SEZ manager said the Government places priority on economic development as FEZs are designated; better measures should be taken for environmental conservation in Qeshm than in the mainland; concern by the Government on social aspects is low, and strong support by people would be necessary to change it.
A7-11 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Participants of Second Consultation Meeting (Sohli) Name Organization Position Email Phone 1 Saeed QFZO Planning and [email protected] 09171611323 Baniamerian Budget Manger om 2 Ameneh Ben QFZO- Planning Planning Expert Ameneh.benshams@g 09397151664 Shams and Budget mail.com 3 Expert of Local [email protected] 09173637714 Fuzieh Kuvehee QFZO Community 4 Kamal Beyramian QFZO SEZ Manager [email protected] 09123352135 m 5 Amir Karimi QFZO Cultural, social 09177670290 and tourism expert 6 Documentation [email protected] 09122857257 Zahra Mokhtari QFZO Center om 7 Mirshamseddin mpirastehfard@yahoo. 09173635293 QFZO Geopark expert Pirastehfar com 8 f.mahmoodi60@yahoo 09308199300 Farid Mahmoodi QFZO Geopark expert .com 9 Yasin Imani Kovarzin Rural Mayor Parsaimani2012@gma 09173604677 Mayor il.com 10 Mohammad Holori Holor Rural Mayor [email protected] 09173635321 Mayor m 11 Ali.esmaelitabli@yaho 09173631491 Ali Esmaeili Gouron Village Mayer of village o.com 12 Responsible for 09175808083 Mohammad Gouron Village Financial Affairs Pouzidehpour of the Mayer 13 Jamshid Eini Head of the 09173633303 Gomboron Village salakhi Village Council 14 Davood Eslami Ramchah Mayor 09179574121 15 Ali Moradi Chahou west Head of Council 09173685019 16 Darvish Tata Dehkhoda Council Council member 09177688875 17 Abdolkarim Ayesh-Abad Mayor 09116261231 Daryai Chahooi Village 18 Abdolhassan Laft Mayor 09177688327 Saffari 19 Mohammad Atri Rigoo Mayor 09171684291 Ramkani 20 Yunes Ahmadi Zeinabi Village Mayor Ahmadi.yonnes@yaho 09173638531 Zeinabi o.com 21 Abdolbaset Saeedi Melki Village Mayor [email protected] 09173638531 Tabli
A7-12 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Participants from JAICA 1. Mr. Hashimoto 2. Mr. Takahashi 3. Mr. Harada 4. Mr. Fujikawa 5. Mr. Niide 6. Mr. Saurat 7. Mr. Kawamura 8. Mr. GHaseminejad 9. Mr. Amini
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APPENDIX 8 OUTCOME AND EVALUATION OF PILOT PROJECTS
Table of Contents
APPENDIX 8 OUTCOME AND EVALUATION PILOT PROJECTS ...... A8-I A8.1 Outcome of Pilot Project ...... A8-2 A8.1.1 Traditional Culture Experience Tour in Laft village ...... A8-2 A8.1.2 Souvenir Development ...... A8-4 A8.1.3 Traditional Herb Demonstration Garden ...... A8-5 A8.1.4 Prosopis Juliflora Management ...... A8-7 A8.1.5 Training on Seaweed Farming ...... A8-9 A8.1.6 Traditional Date Palm Garden ...... A8-11 A8.1.7 Lenj Building and Sailing Open Museum ...... A8-13 A8.1.8 Hara Mangrove Ecotourism...... A8-15 A8.1.9 Souvenir Shop ...... A8-18 A8.2 Evaluation of Pilot Projects ...... A8-20 A8.2.1 Traditional Culture Experience Tour ...... A8-20 A8.2.2 Mesen Souvenir Development Pilot Project ...... A8-23 A8.2.3 Kovarzin Traditional Herbs Demonstration Garden Pilot Project ...... A8-24 A8.2.4 Prosopis Juliflora Management Pilot Project ...... A8-26 A8.2.5 Training on Seaweed Farming Pilot Project ...... A8-29 A8.2.6 Haft Rangou Traditional Date Palm Garden Pilot Project ...... A8-31 A8.2.7 Gouron Lenj Building and Sailing Open Museum Pilot Project ...... A8-33 A8.2.8 Hara Mangrove Ecotourism Pilot Project ...... A8-35 A8.2.9 Qeshm City Souvenir Shop Pilot Project ...... A8-37
List of Tables
Table A8.2.1 Evaluation method for Laft Traditional Culture Experience Tour Pilot Project .... A8-21 Table A8.2.2 Evaluation method for Mesen Souvenir Development Pilot Project ...... A8-23 Table A8.2.3 Evaluation method for Karvarzin Traditional herbs demonstration garden Pilot Project ...... A8-25 Table A8.2.4 Evaluation method for Prosopis Juliflora Management Pilot Project ...... A8-27 Table A8.2.5 Evaluation method for Training on Seaweed Farming Pilot Project ...... A8-30 Table A8.2.6 Evaluation Method for Haft Rangou Revival a Traditional Date Palm Garden Pilot Project ...... A8-32 Table A8.2.7 Evaluation method for Gouron Lenj Building and Sailing Open Museum Pilot Project ...... A8-34 Table A8.2.8 Evaluation method for Hara Mangrove Ecotourism Pilot Project ...... A8-36 Table A8.2.9 Evaluation method for Qeshm City Souvenir Shop Pilot Project ...... A8-38
List of Attachments
Attachment A8.2 The Survey Result on Attainment of Original Objective by Each Village ...... A8-42 Attachment A8.3 The Survey Result on Projects Design by Each Village ...... A8-50 Attachment A8.4 Lessons Learnt from Pilot Project ...... A8-53 Attachment A8.5 The Survey Result on Qeshmineh by Each Village ...... A8-63
A8-i The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report A8.1 Outcome of Pilot Project
A8.1.1 Traditional Culture Experience Tour in Laft village
(1) Target Area Name of village Laft Population 4,914 (as of 2015) Area’s Laft is endowed with rich touristic resources, such as its old town with a characteristics unique urban landscape characterized by numerous wind catchers (a traditional structure to create natural ventilation in buildings), its closeness to the Hara Protected Area etc. Laft was designated as the first ecomuseum in Iran in 2001.
(2) Outlines of Pilot Projects Item Description 1) Background The QFZO has been supporting Laft to develop itself as a touristic center through renovating old structures and building new facilities. It was recognized that more involvement from villagers would add momentum to these support efforts. At the consultation session with the JPT held in August 2016, Laft’s leaders selected experience tourism as the first priority of its pilot project. 2) Objective (a) To diversify sources of income among the villagers, especially women (b) To encourage both hosts and guests to recognize the value of and foster a sense of confidence and conservation regarding Laft’s own traditional culture (c) To generate a synergy effect by combining the traditional culture experience tour with existing cultural heritage sites rehabilitated by the QFZO, such as Naderi Castle, Laft Museum and Culture Center (under construction) 3) Implementation The Laft Women’s Committee Organization 4) Contract The JPT signed a contract with the Laft Women’s Committee on July 30, 2017. 5) Implementation The pilot project was suspended for some months right after the signing of the process contract due to the disagreement on a part of the contract by the newly selected Laft Village Council. Through a series of discussions among QFZO, council members, and the JPT in the next three months, the Council finally agreed to continuing the pilot project as it was planned. After the contents of the contract was amended in December 2017 in consideration of the time limitation to implement all the planned activities in the remaining period, the activities were resumed. While part of the activities was undertaken before the Iranian New Year 2018, the health problem of the women’s leader affected their implementation system established by their effort. Although the women members agreed to replace the leader, the women’s committee suffered from the limited capacity to manage the rest of the planned activities. The Laft Women’s Committee, then, requested the JPT to directly manage the pilot project rather than the women’s committee to continue the management for the activities to take place after the end of June 2018, which is the date of completing the pilot project agreed in the contract. The Laft Women’s Committee and the JPT demarcated the responsibilities on the rest of the activities of the pilot project. The JPT experts strengthened technical assistance such as hiring guide trainer, advising training program and purchasing necessary equipment, and continued the project in cooperation
A8-2 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Item Description with the Laft Women’s Committee. As of August 2018, a training of tour guide has been ongoing. 6) Implementation schedule Work Year 2017 2018 Month 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Training in embroidery and Plan sewing Actual Plan Training in sales promotion Actual Training in design and Plan marketing Actual
Production and sales of Plan embroidery products Actual
7) Activities A series of activities, mentioned below, was undertaken from March 2017 to undertaken August 2018, the peak season, which includes the Iranian New Year, on an experimental basis as the preparation for the pilot project. Training in customer service and claim handling Three kinds of traditional culture experience activities: bread-making, spice-making and fabric-painting Distribution of brochures Questionnaire survey to gain feedbacks from tourists Site visit to an advanced women’s cooperative Procurement of equipment: air conditioner, audio player, computer, printer, refrigerator, sewing machine Training: henna (painting on hands), tour guiding, presentation skills, educational trip and participation in tourism exhibitions Procurement of tools/materials: oven, water server, pans, kettle, ladles, knives, dish sets, spice, flour, soldering iron, kam (wooden frame for embroidery), materials for traditional wedding room, fabric, beads, sewing threads, needles, confetti, pattern cast, henna materials The Laft Women’s Committee and the QFZO signed an MoU on July 16, 2017. This MOU defines the responsibilities of the Laft Women’s Committee, the QFZO, Laft Village Council and the JPT. It also acknowledges officially that the Laft Women’s Committee can utilize the ecomuseum in the village for its activities, as well as maintain the space. 8) Photos of Activiti es
Consultation meeting MoU signing Ecomuseum (the venue for pilot project activities)
A8-3 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Bread-making and -tasting Ecomuseum opening ceremony Bread-making demonstration experience after the kick-off in March 2018 before Nowruz 2018 meeting in February 2017
A8.1.2 Souvenir Development
(1) Target Area Name of village Mesen Population 2,157 (as of 2015) Area’s characteristics Mesen belongs to the Souza Rural District and is situated about 40 km southwest of Qeshm City. The village is located at the passage point from Qeshm City to the famous geosite of Dolphins Bay (G-19) and Turtle Beach (G-21). The population of Mesen Village was 2,002 in 2011.
(2) Outlines of Pilot Projects Item Description 1) Background Mesen villagers have a unique skill for making handicraft since long time ago. However, this capacity had not been fully utilized to enhance their livelihood. The village representatives expressed that their first priority for the pilot project would be souvenir development at the consultation meeting with the JPT, held in September 2016. 2) Objective (a) Enhancement of the livelihood of Mesen Village’s population through increasing the sales of embroidery products by providing various training events and strengthening marketing. (b) A Qeshmi brand is expected to be created in collaboration with Mesen, other villages and the QFZO. 3) Implementation The Mesen Woman Cultural Committee Organization 4) Contract The JPT signed a contract with the Mesen Woman Cultural Committee on February 15, 2017. 5) Implementation The JPT has defined the pilot projects as a way of promoting participatory process and bottom-up approach to promote development by villagers. An MoU signed on February 9, 2017 defines the responsibilities of the committee, the mayor and the village council of Mesen Village, the QFZO and the JPT. Then, the Mesen Women’s Cultural Committee completed all the activities by the end June 2018 as scheduled. 6) Implementation schedule Work Year 2017 2018 Month 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 Training in Plan embroidery and Actual sewing Training in sales Plan promotion Actual Training in Plan design and Actual marketing Production and Plan sales of embroidery Actual products
7) Activities undertaken Activities such as below was undertake since February 2017. Embroidery and sewing training Sales promotion training Design and marketing training
A8-4 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Item Description School uniform production by applying the techniques gained through training Opening their shop in the Mesen village Making a product to sell in their own shop and Qeshmineh 8) Photos of Activiti es
Bag design workshop Works by Mesen women, which Training on embroidery apply the pyrography technique
Br Marketing training course Handicraft shop opening The product in handicraft shop
A8.1.3 Traditional Herb Demonstration Garden
(1) Target Area Name of village Kovarzin Population 1,697 (as of 2015) Area’s Kovarzin Village belongs to Howmeh Rural District and is situated at about characteristics 45 km southwest from Qeshm City. The village is located at the cross point (intersection) of the Northern, Southern and Western highways. Kovarzin people have a long tradition and wide knowledge in herb growing.
(2) Outlines of Pilot Projects Item Description 1) Background As a result of the consultation meeting held on August 2016 and the subsequent assessment, the JPT and the QFZO judged that Kovarzin Village was qualified to undertake the Herb Demonstration Garden Pilot Project. The harvests from the demonstration garden can be collected, not only from the garden plots but also the backyards of neighboring farmers, once the practice is disseminated, and then sold as “island-made herbal products” at souvenir shops in the village. Technical workshops on basic cultivation and simple processing methods will be held at the gardens for field workers in the demonstration gardens and neighboring farmers who wish to promote and disseminate herbal products. 2) Objective (a) To exhibit traditional herbal trees and crops of the nation and Qeshm Island to visitors (b) To highlight water-saving agriculture technologies to neighboring farmers (c) To contribute to the enhancement of livelihoods in the village population (d) To establish a tourist attraction facility 3) Implementation The Sepehr Selakh Qeshm Cooperative
A8-5 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Item Description Organization 4) Contract The JPT signed a contract with the Sepehr Selakh Qeshm Cooperative on October 4, 2017. 5) Implementation Commencement of some activities were delayed due to the negotiation with the process land owner of the neighbor land about the land boundaries. However, the Banafsheh Gostare Qeshm completed all the activities by the end of June 2018. 6) Implementation schedule Work Year 2017 2018 Month 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 Establishment/building Plan Herb Demo Garden Actual Exhibition/display of herb Plan trees crops Actual Training in wate r-saving Plan agriculture/processing Actual herbal products Production sales of the herb Plan products Actual Production/utilization of Plan the green vegetables Actual 7) Activities A series of activities listed below were undertaken from April 2017 to June undertaken 2018: Preparation of a layout plan with the cooperation of the JPT, the QFZO and the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad. Building works, such as walls, guest rooms, toilets, pathways Planting of herbal crops Training on the growing and processing of herbs Training on water-saving irrigation techniques Building underground electricity and water channel in the whole garden Procuring seedlings collaborating with QFZO and Ministry of Jehad Agriculture Production and utilization of green vegetables and fruits for the garden shop/restaurant 8) Layout Plan of the Traditional Herb Demonstration Garden
9) Photos of Activities
A8-6 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Before construction of herb Guest service facilities Herb tree garden with drip garden irrigation
Hydroponic system Central garden The product in handicraft shop
A8.1.4 Prosopis Juliflora Management
(1) Target Area Name of village Selakh Population 3,012 (as of 2015) Area’s characteristics Selakh Village, located in the west of Qeshm, is one of the villages that has suffered from an invasion of P. juliflora. Selakh Village is located in the Selakh rural area of the Shahab District
(2) Outlines of Pilot Projects Item Description 1) Background P. juliflora is an invasive alien tree species on Qeshm, although the timing of its introduction and by whom they were introduced are not clear. The large-scale planting of P. juliflora started during the 1980s, promoted by the FAO as an effective measure to prevent desertification in arid regions within many developing countries. In Iran, the planting of P. juliflora has been undertaken in the southeastern dry region by the FRWMO of the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad and its predecessor to prevent desertification there. On the other hand, the FRWMO has not introduced P. juliflora in Qeshm as the island is not as dry as desertification becomes a serious issue. The tree species, therefore, was introduced by another party and has proliferated in the past few decades on the island. Especially in the past decade or so, P. juliflora has spread to private farmlands and orchards, and replaced indigenous tree species in other forests, woodlands and grasslands under the management of public authorities. During this period, the water availability on Qeshm has been consistently degraded due to relatively low precipitation, as well as a rapid increase in population. Many local people on the island, especially farmers traditionally undertaking crop cultivation and livestock-keeping, tend to associate the degradation of their activities with the invasion of P. juliflora. In rural areas of Qeshm, indigenous tree species represented by P. cineraria, Acacia tortilis, A. nilotica, A. ehrenbergiana, Ziziphus spina-christi etc. have been replaced partly by P. juliflora, with some plantations of dates and other trees having been destroyed by the invasion of P. juliflora. 2) Objective (a) P. juliflora is removed from the project site. (b) A watering facility is installed to promote native and useful plants replacing P. juliflora. (c) Alternative tree species are planted where possible, which are economically promising. (d) A set of the technologies to control P. juliflora is evaluated and published in order to extend them. 3) Implementation The Banafsheh Gostare Qeshm Cooperative
A8-7 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Item Description Organization 4) Contract The JPT signed a contract with the Banafsheh Gostare Qeshm on April 18, 2017. 5) Implementation The pilot project was originally planned to be implemented in Noghasha village process but was moved to Selakh in March 2017. The JPT and the representatives of the village (who are members of the cooperative) have been formulating an implementation plan for the project, discussing several options to improve water conditions for the alternative tree species to be planted (a tube well, reverse osmosis system, irrigation, usage of seawater, water tanker, etc.), financial sources, timeframe for the project, securing private land titles etc. The change of target village resulted in a few months of delay to commence this project. This project is not completed yet as of August 2018 due to the delay of obtaining permission from the electricity company to supply electricity from the power grid to operate the irrigation system. 6) Implementation schedule Work Year 2017 2018 Month 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Removal of P.Juliflora Plan Actual Installation of drip Plan irrigation Actual Plantation of seedlings Plan Actual Information Plan dissemination Actual
7) Activities For preparation of the project implementation plan, workshops and meetings undertaken have been held since December 2017, as shown below: Participatory workshop in Noghasha for the analysis of problems concerning P. juliflora (December 19, 2016) Participatory workshops in Selakh to formulate a project design matrix for the pilot project (July 18 and Sep. 27, 2017) Removal of P. juliflora by heavy machinery in entire target area Installation of drip irrigation and planting nine types of seedlings for demonstration as alternative species QFZO provides water by water tank truck The land ownership certificate in the target area was issued by FRWMO. A license for electricity was requested to QFZO. The promotion activities have been carried out targeting nearby residents and students. 8) Photos of Activities
Before the commencement of the pilot project in the target area
A8-8 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Participatory workshop with Removal P. juliflora in the Planting alternative species① residents and target area and (Aloe vera governemnt installation of drip barbadensis miller) officials irrigation
Planting alternative species Planting alternative species③ Planting alternative species④ ② (Hibiscus sabdariffa) (Moringa oleifera) (Opuntia ficus indica)
A8.1.5 Training on Seaweed Farming
(1) Target Area Name of village Hangom, Baseidou and Kani Population Hangom:487, Baseidou:2,158, Kani 337 (as of 2015)
(2) Outlines of Pilot Projects Item Description 1) Background Gracilariopsis persica, a seaweed species, is naturally distributed in the coastal waters of Hormozgan Province and utilized as a raw material of agar, for which international demand has been increasingly growing. Promotion of farming such a seaweed in the coastal areas of Qeshm has the potential of improving rural livelihood. However, farming of the seaweed is still at a pre-development stage and has not spread out to local communities in Qeshm. Following requests from the villages of Hangom, Baseidou and Kani for technical assistance, the present pilot project was launched to disseminate the seaweed farming technique in those villages through the On-the-Job Training (OJT). 2) Objective (a) Participants of training programs get interested in starting the seaweed farming in their villages. (b) Some groups of local people in Qeshm will intend to start the seaweed farming at larger or commercial scales in their village(s) in the next farming season. (c) Through the trainings, alternative livelihood activities could be promoted. 3) Implementation Mazrae Daryayi Zarin Qeshm company Organization 4) Contract The JPT signed a contract with Mazrae Daryayi Zarin Qeshm company on January 30, 2017. 5) Implementation OJTs were conducted in the three villages and at the Mazrae Daryayi Zarin process Qeshm complex located in Direstan. The company completed all the activities
A8-9 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Item Description by May 31, 2018 as scheduled. 6) Implementation schedule Work Year 2017 2018 Month 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 OJTs (1.Hangom, Plan 2.Baseidou, Actual 3.Kani) Preparation of OJTs Plan and instruction manual Actual
7) Activities The first OJT program was undertaken for the participants of Hangom undertaken village, including three women. An example of the training is shown in below for Hangom. March 11, 2017: Lecture about seaweed G. persica and farming March 15, 2017: Preparation of a longline farming system, setting, siting and maintenance of the farming system, operations for farming May 16, 2017: Harvesting, drying seaweed for shipment May 26, 2017: Supplemental lecture for those who could not attend the previous training day, opinion exchange between participants and the lecturer about seaweed farming, collection of questionnaires from the participants The second and third OJT programs for Baseidou and Kani were conducted in December 2017, and April through May, 2018, by the same procedure as the OJTs for Hangom. The participants from three villages acquired knowledge and techniques related to the seaweed farming. They are strongly motivated to start the farming in their villages. 8) Photos of Activities
Lecture Discussion Preparation of a farming system
Female participants Participants heading to the farm Harvesting farmed seaweed
A8-10 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Preparing an anchor in Kani Participants checking seaweed Training held in Hangom Village
Commencement of a test 40 days after the commencement Harvested seaweed during the farming training
A8.1.6 Traditional Date Palm Garden
(1) Target Area Name of village Haft Rangou Population 692 (as of 2015) Area’s characteristics Haft Rangou is a popular tourist destination, which is located in the middle of the island, about 50 km from Qeshm City (at the eastern end of the island) and 50 km from Baseidou (at the western end of the island). Easy access to the Hara Forest and the sea also makes the village an ideal destination for tourists. Therefore, part of the population is involved in tourism activities.
(2) Outlines of Pilot Projects Item Description 1) Background In general, Qeshm island is not necessarily suitable for cultivating agricultural products due to its climate of high average temperature. Therefore, the plant or tree with high temperature resistance is valuable for not only crop product, but also vegetation from the environmental view point. Tourism activities are popular in the village. There are two guest houses in the village, while about 30 private houses are rented to tourists by their owners. During Nowruz (Iranian New Year) holidays, about 150 tourists visit Haft Rangou a day, while only 50-60 tourists visit the village at other times of the year. At the consultation meeting with the JPT, held in September 2016, representatives of Haft Rangou stated that their first priority for a pilot project was the revival of a traditional date palm garden. 2) Objective (a) To revive a traditional date palm garden in Haft Rangou as an important part of the identity, culture and tradition of Qeshm Island and Iran as a whole (b) To establish a tourist attraction by exhibiting the traditional date palm garden to visitors (c) To contribute to the enhancement of livelihoods among the village population 3) Implementation The Sahel Haft Rangou Qeshm Cooperative Organization 4) Contract The JPT signed a contract with the Sahel Haft Rangou Qeshm Cooperative Cooperative on August 15, 2017 5) Implementation An MoU defining the responsibilities of the Sahel Haft Rangou Qeshm process Cooperative, the mayor, the village council, the landowner, the QFZO and the JPT was signed on August 14, 2017. The cooperative completed all the activities by the end of June 2018. 6) Implementation schedule
A8-11 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Item Description Work Year 2017 2018 Month 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 Establishment/building Date Tree Plan Garden Actual Exhibition/display of Date Tree Plan Garden Actual Plan Production/sales of the handicrafts Actual
7) Activities The following activities were undertaken. undertaken Creation of a traditional date palm garden (security wall, walking pathways, traditional water storage tank, planting of large and small palm trees, fruit trees and other plants, drip irrigation facilities, benches, shades, children’s play facilities etc.) Exhibition and display of Date Tree Garden to the tourists Production and sales of date-palm-related and other handicrafts to visiting tourists on the villagers’ own initiative 8) Layout Plan of the Revival of a Traditional Date Palm Garden
9) Photos of Activities
Pilot project site in May 2017 Pilot project site in May 2017 Pilot project site in January 2017, (view from the entrance) (northern part) rainy season
Window catcher in the Palm garden Opening ceremony entrance
A8-12 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Water storage Playground Palm garden
A8.1.7 Lenj Building and Sailing Open Museum
(1) Target Area Name of village Gouron Population 1,456 (as of 2015) Area’s characteristics Gouron belongs to Selakh Rural District and is situated at about 70 km southwest from Qeshm City. The village is located along the major road running along the northern coast and connecting the central part and the western end of the Qeshm Island.
(2) Outlines of Pilot Projects Item Description 1) Background Gouron has a long history of building lenj, a traditional type of wooden boat for long-haul sailing. lenj building in the Persian Gulf was registered as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage” by UNESCO in 2011. This pilot project was originally proposed by Gouron Village people supported by Geopark Office of the QFZO with the aim of preserving traditional Lenj building techniques and enhancing the livelihood of the Gouron people by introducing lenj building tradition to tourists. The QFZO and the JPT judged that the project concept proposed by Gouron Villages matches the goals of Qeshm development, including the preservation and revival of the natural environment and traditional assets and the promotion of livelihood development. 2) Objective (a) To conserve the traditional techniques for building and sailing lenj and other types of boats (b) To enhance the livelihood of the Gouron Village population by promoting tourism linked to Lenj building tradition 3) Implementation The Gouron Cooperative Organization 4) Contract The JPT signed a contract with the Gouron Cooperative Cooperative on March 13, 2017. 5) Implementation An MoU defining the responsibilities of the Gouron Cooperative, the mayor, process the village council, the landowner, the QFZO and the JPT was signed on February 9, 2017. This project is not completed yet as of August 2018 due to additional activities necessary. 6) Implementation schedule Work Year 2017 2018 Month 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Training on Lenj building, sailing Plan techniques, handicrafts and local Actual guide Construction of playground Plan Actual Procurement of some equipment Plan Actual
A8-13 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Item Description Printing brochures, maps, tickets Plan Actual Constructing seasonal shades for Plan souvenirs and incentive parts of the Actual new visitor center Relocate and improve the wrecked Plan lenj as a permanent exhibiting Actual sample
7) Activities The following activities were undertaken. undertaken Training on traditional Lenj building techniques for young people in Gouron Study tour to Bandar Kong in Hormozgan Province Training on safety and emergency management Establishment of a wooden gate Establishment of Playground-1 (model Lenj building) Procurement of equipment (tripod, camera, hard disk) Installation of fire extinguishers Procurement of boots for visitors Installation of signage in the exit of the road, entrance of the museum and several locations Renovation of the existing building as a temporary information point Study tour in Iran Training on handicrafts Establishment of playground Purchase of a wrecked Lenj Installation of ladders for the Lenj under construction Creation of a temporary handicraft workshop and a shop Designing a logo Printing brochures, maps and tickets Constructing seasonal shades as temporary handicrafts booths 16 Lenj models 8) Layout Plan of the Gouron Lenj Building and Sailing Open Museum
9) Photos of Activities
Workshop in Gouron Emergency management training Lenj model built by villagers to be
A8-14 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
placed in a playground
Handicraft shop space Commemorative Lenj Opening ceremony
A8.1.8 Hara Mangrove Ecotourism
(1) Target Area Name of village Kovarzin, Sohli, Table Population Kavarzin:1,696, Sohli:1,950, Table:3,977 (as of 2015) Area’s characteristics Hara Mangrove Protected Area is designated as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Ramsar Site, and national protected area of Iran. It is also one of the geosites (G20) of Qeshm Geopark which has been applying for UNESCO Geoparks Network as of February 2016 and is officially listed on May 5, 2017. Since Hara Mangrove Protected Area is registered as national protected area, it is under control of Department of Environment (DoE).
(2) Outlines of Pilot Projects Item Description 1) Background The Hara Mangrove Protected Area is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a Ramsar Site, and a national protected area of Iran. It is also one of the geosites (G20) of Qeshm Geopark, for which an application was submitted to join the UNESCO GGN in February 2016 and was officially listed on May 5, 2017. Being registered as a national protected area means that is under the control of the DoE in Tehran. Through a series of discussions and site surveys, the following issues were identified: (a) Multiple designations of the Hara Mangrove Area as domestically and internationally protected areas are creating an overlapping of the functions of the relevant authorities for conservation and management (b) A management plan has not been approved (c) Jetties and access roads have been developed for tourism promotion in response to requests from many villages, without a long-term management plan of the protected area This pilot project has been formulated and proposed in consideration of the need to tackle these issues and from the perspective of promoting ecotourism. 2) Objective (a) To develop a sustainable management system to utilize and conserve the ecosystem of Hara Mangrove (b) To generate more opportunities related to economic activities for villagers (c) To improve the quality of existing activities in Hara, according to international ecotourism standards 3) Implementation The Avay-e Arasbaran Institute Organization 4) Contract The JPT signed a contract with the Avay-e Arasbaran Institute (responsible for providing ecotourism guide training to the participants from these three
A8-15 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Item Description villages) on August 6, 2017. 5) Implementation An MoU for ecotourism guide training was signed on July 12, 2017, by the process villages of Kovarzin, Sohli and Tabl. Although Gouron and Laft are situated at the locations across the Hara Mangrove Protected Area, they were excluded from the target villages for ecotourism guide training. Gouron Village established a boat cooperative and wants to differentiate its tourism products from existing boat tours practiced in other villages. Laft Village has not yet established an organization of boat owners. 6) Implementation schedule Work Year 2017 2018 Month 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Support to establish Plan ecotourism coordination Actual committee in QFZO Ecotour guide training to Plan improve current boat trips Actual Equipping local guides Plan (conducted in guide training) Actual Mutual visit between the Plan JICA project in Anzali and the Actual Qeshm project Monitoring of the ecotour Plan guide training Actual Tourism vocational school Plan and Environmental education Actual booklet
7) Overall activities The following action plan was prepared for this pilot project under 2 plan conditions with and without a zoning plan for the Hara Mangrove Protected Area. Since the zoning plan was not developed during the project period, the prioritized activities within the planned activities under the condition without a zoning plan were implemented. 1. Activities to be implemented without a zoning plan: Liaise with the DoE to authorize the zoning plan Support to establish an ecotourism coordination committee (working group) within the QFZO Discussion with boat cooperative managers for a specific system of five target villages and their councils “Training of trainers” courses to improve current boat trips Printing the “Rules and Regulations and Boating Routes” Creating a tourist feedback system Equipping local guides Environmental education and awareness-raising Mutual visit between the JICA project in Anzali and the Qeshm project to share knowledge with counterparts and local guides Supporting to publish a guidebook on the Hara Protected Area, which is being developed by two locals. Redesigning and publishing a booklet for children about intertidal areas based on a Japanese publication 2. Activities, including hard components, which require a zoning plan (scope: one village out of five): Small infrastructure planning and development (wooden jetties, sample signage etc.) Implementation of ecotour routes (design the routes and implement
A8-16 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Item Description samples) 8) Activities The MoU concerning the Hara Mangrove Protected Area between the DoE undertaken in Tehran and the DoE of the QFZO was finally signed in August 2017. It had been supported by the JPT as part of the pilot project. This was the first sign of progress in terms of the relevant parties’ willingness to develop a sustainable management system for the Hara Mangrove Protected Area. After a series of discussions with the DoE of the QFZO and three cooperatives (Kovarzin, Sohli and Tabl), which have been providing boat trips within the Hara Mangrove Protected Area, it was agreed to conduct “training of trainers (ToT)” courses for the current local guides and boat operators in order for them to improve the boat trips in a more ecofriendly manner. The theoretical session was completed in September 2017and the practical session was completed in November 2017. 14 out of 35 trainees were certified as trainers in the targeted three cooperatives. Initially, it was planned that the trained trainers would continue the training for the rest of boat operators in each village before the Iranian New Year 2018. However, it was observed that they need practical ecotourism experiences to deepen their understandings and support of conducting the training to make it more effective and efficient. Therefore, as the supplementary of “ToT” training, the educational tour to visit advanced ecotourism sites were organized including the Anzali visit. In addition, the JPT, QFZO and the subcontracted training company agreed that QFZO would pay for the cost of trainers and the JPT would pay for the cost of supervising the training by the trained trainers. During the Iranian New Year 2018, the results of the two trainings were monitored. Regarding the environmental education and awareness-raising activities, two activities were undertaken. One was the establishment of an nformation center within the compound of tourism vocational school. It opened during the Iranian New Year 2018 and students practiced to receive tourists and distribute the information about the island. Another one was to redesign and publish an environmental education booklet for children with the close cooperation of the DoE of QFZO. The following activities were implemented as of August 2018.
Liaise with the DoE to authorize the zoning plan Support to establish an ecotourism coordination committee (working group) within the QFZO Discussion with boat cooperative managers for a specific system of three target villages and their councils “Training of trainers” courses to improve current boat trips Local training for local boat operators to improve current boat trips Developing and printing the “Rules and Regulations” Creating a tourist feedback system Equipping local guides Mutual visit between the JICA project in Anzali and the Qeshm project to share knowledge (as a part of educational tour to visit ecotourism advanced sites) Monitoring the guide training Environmental education and awareness-raising Activities Developing information center in the compound of tourism vocational school Redesigning and publishing a booklet for children about intertidal areas based on a Japanese publication
A8-17 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report 9) Photos of Activities
Preparatory meeting Survey in 2017 Nowruz Group photo after a training session
Certificate award ceremony for Renovated information center in Presentation on Nowruz activities trained guide vocational school by the student of vocational school
A8.1.9 Souvenir Shop
(1) Target Area Location of the shop Qeshm city Population 33,416 (as of 2015) Area’s characteristics Qeshm city is the center of Qeshm island on economic, commerce and industry. A number of tourists visit Qeshm city during not only Nowruz period, but also ordinal season. So that Qeshm city has a high potential for marketing of products made in each village which produce handicraft.
(2) Outlines of Pilot Projects Item Description 1) Background The numbers of visitors to Qeshm Island was 3,988,000 and 3,731,000 in 2014 and 2015, respectively. The majority of visitors visit Qeshm to shop for goods sold at lower prices, due to Qeshm’s FZ status. Other tourists visit major touristic spots on Qeshm, such as the Hara Protection Area, Shibderaz (for watching sea turtles) and Hangom (for watching dolphins). Qeshm’s villages have a long tradition of producing traditional embroidery works for their own consumption and selling to other villages. Although efforts have been made to link the production of these traditional handicrafts with the tourist market, in order to upgrade the income level of villagers, they have been sporadic and limited to individual village-based approaches, thus failing to produce a substantial effect. There has been no endeavor to promote Qeshm’s traditional handicrafts together under a Qeshmi brand. The Qeshm Souvenir Shop Pilot Project is formulated with three key terms: “marketing”, “exposure” and “good quality at reasonable prices”. 2) Objective (a) To make a breakthrough for expanding Qeshm’s souvenir market by tapping into the shopping visitors’ market, which has been untapped until now (b) To encourage village women to realize the importance of marketing by exposing them to the competitive environment of a
A8-18 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Item Description souvenir market (c) To create a system of continuously supplying souvenir products both to shopping visitors and to tourists interested in the nature and culture on Qeshm for the benefit of villagers 3) Implementation Joint committee consisting of villagers, QFZO and JPT Organization 4) Implementation process The activities until the opening of the shop were as follows. Determination of shop space in City Center-2 (a shopping center in downtown Qeshm) Joint Committee was established (QFZO, villagers, JPT, experts) “Qeshmineh” was selected as the name of the souvenir shop in December 2017. Preparation of leaflets in November-December 2017. MOU signed in December 21, 2017 (Cost demarcation between QFZO and JPT) Interior renovation work for opening the shop was completed in February 2018. Placement of order of handicrafts to villages women and delivery took place between November 2017 and February 2018. 5) Implementation schedule Year 2017 2018 Work Mon 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Selection and Plan arrangement of shop Actual Preparation of Plan products for sale Actual Plan Sales Actual
6) Activities undertaken Souvenir shop opened in February 9, 2018 Creation of a mechanism for collecting souvenir goods from villages, selling them and transferring the revenue to villagers Selling souvenir products produced by villagers of 14 villages including Mesen for which souvenir promotion pilot project was undertaken and the other villages with experiences in making and selling high quality handicrafts Questionnaire to customers to obtain information on their view to the products sold at the shop 7) Photos of Activities
Before renovation of the shop Before renovation of the shop Exterior after opening
A8-19 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
Exterior after opening Interior after opening Opening ceremony
A8.2 Evaluation of Pilot Projects
A8.2.1 Traditional Culture Experience Tour
The objectives of the Laft Traditional Culture Experience Tour Pilot Project are defined as follows: Overall Goal: Tourism is utilized to support villager’s livelihood and to revitalize traditional culture and fabric. Project Purpose: The Women’s committee can benefit from tourism and expand the benefit to other villagers in Laft. Outputs: Traditional culture experience activities are developed. Tour routes, which combine cultural heritages and traditional culture experience activities, are developed. Women’s committee of Laft is developed to operate activities and tours. Women’s committee support villagers who are interested in tourism activities. A PDM (project design matrix) of this project is attached at the end of this chapter as Attachment.1. Table A8.2.1 shows evaluation method on this project.
A8-20 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A8.2.1 Evaluation method for Laft Traditional Culture Experience Tour Pilot Project Evaluation index Method for evaluation Time of evaluation 1) Conformity of the project with 1) Analysis by JPT and 1) End of the project* Relevance Eco-Qeshm master plan QFZO expert 2) End of the project 2) Conformity of the project with the needs 2) Analysis by JPT and 3) End of the project of the target group, policies of the Iranian QFZO experts government and other environment 3) Analysis by JPT and 3) Suitability of the project in terms of its QFZO experts, and approach and selection of the target group interview to committee members 1) Number of tourism activities which is 1) Direct measurement 1) End of the project Effectiveness developed and offered to tourists 2) Interview to committee 2) End of peak season 2) Amount of direct income by offering members 3) During peak season tourism activities to tourists 3) Questionnaire to 3) Evaluation from tourists tourists 1) Completion of the project promptly in a 1) Monitoring report and 1) End of the project Efficiency timely manner. analysis by JPT and 2) End of the project 2) Cost-efficiency of the activities (Was the QFZO experts project implemented in the most efficient 2) Monitoring report and way compared to alternatives to achieve analysis by JPT and the project purpose?) QFZO experts 1) Dissemination of value of traditional 1) Interviews with 1) End of the project Impact culture in Laft. villagers 2) During and after peak 2) Enhancement of public awareness of the 2) Questionnaire to season potential of Laft as tourism destination in tourists, tour guides, other regions and tour operators 1) Number of members of women’s 1) Monitoring by 1) End of the project to Sustainability committee committee one year later 2) Number of people who start to benefit 2) Monitoring by 2) End of the project to from tourism activities by the support of committee one year later women’s committee 3) Monitoring by 3) End of the project to 3) Number of trained guides committee one year later *End of project defines the period from June to July 2018.
1) Relevance The relevance of this project is high since the outputs of the project are compatible with the Eco-Qeshm master plan. Additionally, the project is consistent with the needs of the target group. Since Laft was designated as the first eco-museum in Iran due to its history and tradition, it was expected that tourism had great potential to support local economy in Laft. However, it has not developed as expected in spite of continuous development of touristic infrastructure. Inadequate participation of Laft villagers in the initiative is considered the cause of this limited tourism development. Participatory development encouraging the positive involvement of Laft villagers in the pilot project should be pursued as a breakthrough to the stalemate and a women group in Laft was the appropriate body to undertake the traditional culture experience tourism pilot project. Eco-Qeshm master plan’s policy shows the importance of community awareness for diversifying their livelihood activities. At the end of the project, it was recognized that traditional culture could be tourism resources which villagers can utilize as one of the sources of income through the women group’s new attempts.
2) Effectiveness The effectiveness is fair since the women’s committee offered efficient number of tourism activities and earned a certain amount of direct income, although some disorders in managing the tourists were observed.
A8-21 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report During the Iranian New Year 2017, four types of traditional culture experiences, spice making, bread making, cooking and painting were offered to tourists. Since women did not like to work in public space, the activities were undertaken in separate places. However, women learnt that it was difficult to attract tourists in each place, therefore, they decided to gather in one place, which was in ecomuseum. After the women’s attempts during the New Year 2017, the tourism department of QFZO agreed to renting the ecomuseum building for women’s activities for 2 years. The women’s committee prepared six types of experiences, spice making, bread making, cooking, traditional embroidery, traditional costume wearing (for photography) and henna painting during the Iranian New Year 2018. They earned 45,000,000 IRR in total from henna painting, traditional costume wearing, spice selling (not making), and entrance fee of ecomuseum. Since the number of visitors were more than expected, women could not manage visitors well. Consequently, some tourists were satisfied with their services, but others were not.
3) Efficiency The efficiency is also fair, since the women’s committee faced two main challenges during the implementation of the project. One was caused by the change of village council members. Since the approach of the JPT which emphasizes bottom-up, is completely different from the one of the village council which is top-down, the project was suspended until an agreement among council members, QFZO and the JPT to sort out the problem was reached. Second was the illness of the leader of the women’s committee. The women’s committee lost the capacity of completing their planned activities. Therefore, the JPT decided to support the women’s group by directly managing some activities on their behalf to complete their project.
4) Impact The impact is also fair, since villagers recognized that tourists admired the value of traditional culture. In addition, the villagers understood the potential of tourism, while men doubted it at the beginning of the project. Having observed what the women’s committee achieved during the Iranian New Year 2018, however, men improved their view and the women’s committee announced that they would conduct local guide training and more than 15 men registered and joined the program.
5) Sustanability It is observed that the sustainability is fair, since the women’s committee may obtain the great support of the people who joined the local guide training, although the committee is still fragile. It is necessary to see the results of the training which has been currently conducted as of August 2018. Recommendations As Laft is registered as the first ecomuseum in Iran, outsiders know that Laft has great potentials to receive benefits from tourism, however the biggest issue was that villagers did not notice it. Therefore, this pilot project gave an opportunity for Laft to move forward to utilize tourism as a means to improve their livelihoods. Strong leadership is necessary to organize the people who become aware of the potentials of tourism and strengthen their network in Laft. It is expected that QFZO and the council members support and expand these emerging initiatives. It is also recommended that the council members encourage women to join social activities to empower their capacities. Lessons learned Generally, local village women in Qeshm are not expected to work outside and their experiences of team working are too limited to organize themselves as one group and to share their responsibilities. Additionally, it became obvious that the society of Laft is more conservative than other villages in terms of women’s social status. All the experiences of the pilot project were quite new for the members of the women’s committee and even some of their families. They learned that they could achieve bigger goal if they can work as a team. Women need more experiential opportunities.
A8-22 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report A8.2.2 Mesen Souvenir Development Pilot Project
The objectives of the Mesen Souvenir Development Pilot Project are defined as follows: Overall Goal: The people’s living standards are improved by participatory approach in all the villages in Qeshm Island. Project Purpose: The income levels of the pilot project participants increase. QFZO recognizes the effectiveness of participatory approach. Outputs: Traditional handcrafts are sold successfully. PDM of this project (Attachment.2) is attached at the end of this chapter. Table A8.2.2 shows evaluation method on this project.
Table A8.2.2 Evaluation method for Mesen Souvenir Development Pilot Project Item Evaluation index Method for evaluation Time of evaluation 1) Conformity with Eco-Qeshm master plan 1) Analysis by JPT and 1) End of the project* Relevance 2) Conformity with the project purpose QFZO expert 2) End of the project shown by PDM 2) Analysis by JPT 1) Improvement of customer service 1) Interview with villagers 1) End of the project Effectiveness 2) Number of tourists 2) Analysis by committee 2) End of peak season members 1) Completion of the project promptly in a 1) Judgement by JPT 1) End of the project Efficiency timely manner. 2) Judgement by JPT and 2) End of the project 2) Reality and quickness of souvenir QFZO expert development 1) Enhancement of activities for making 1) Interviews with the 1) End of the project Impact handicravt committee leader 2) During peak season 2) Enhancement of public awareness of 2) Interviews with products produced by Mesen committee leader 1) The support form QFZO 1) Interviews with the 1) End of the project to Sustainability 2) Number of trained skill workers committee members one year later and QFZO expert 2) End of the project to 2) Monitoring by one year later committee *End of project defines the period from June to July 2018
1) Relevance In this project, participatory approach had been adopted through formulating stage to implementation. In the process of implementation, QFZO has recognized the effectiveness of participatory approach, especially being focused on importance of sustainability achieved by this approach. At the end of the project, the committee members could gain the technique and experience for enhancement of livelihood though using their own skills trained in this project. Therefore, this project is consistent with Eco-Qeshm master plan’s policy and project purpose.
2) Effectiveness The exact number in the increase of tourists was not captured. Customer service was improved through the training in this project. These achievements would contribute to the enhancement of their livelihood. Therefore, the effectiveness of this project can be assessed as high.
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3) Efficiency Most activities for this project have been conducted promptly in a timely manner. A part of delay due to difficulty in selecting proper trainer did not affect the efficient implementation. Judging all these factors, the efficiency of this project can be assessed as high.
4) Impact The most important impact in the progress of this project was that the committee members opened the handicraft shop by their own in the village. The committee came to receive many orders for clothes or other handicraft from the school and other villages. And also, they started to deliver quality bags, scarfs, and cushion etc. to Qeshmineh (souvenir shop in Qeshm city). In addition, they acknowledged that the promotion and quality is a critical factor to enhance their activities and gain the optimal result. In this sense, the positive impact is highly recognized.
5) Sustanability QFZO expert in charge of this pilot project showed their intention to continue support after the JICA’s support is completed, although it is not certain how long their support will last. The sustainability should be secured by increasing the number of skilled workers in the village and establishing the qualified promotion system. This project attained that some ladies were trained as qualified technicians. Recommendations In terms of the diversity of the marketing, the activities such as promotion and advertisement should be encouraged collaborating with surrounding villages. In addition, cooperating with tour agency and taxi company and so forth would also be necessary. A pricing system should be established from the view point of the quality and cost. Proper pricing of the products can make them more acceptable to customer. For this, they should collect information on the preferences of the customers through more active information exchange and creation of a database . Lessons learned Before starting this project, the committee members did not recognize the importance of promotion and advertisement. They had focused only on their skills to produce good quality products. In the process of some trainings, they have learned the significance of promotion and advertisement skills for their activities to be enhanced. They, however, still have to study additional method to promote their products further. In a pilot project like Mesen’s, it is indispensable to ensure cooperation of the mayor and village council, especially for such issues as workshop space for some training, securing initial budget and so forth.
A8.2.3 Kovarzin Traditional Herbs Demonstration Garden Pilot Project
The objectives of the Kovarzin Traditional Herbs Demonstration Garden Pilot Project are defined as follows: Overall Goal: The people’s living standards are improved by participatory approach in all the villages in Qeshm Island Project Purpose. Project Purpose: A model of livelihood development by applying WSC (water saving culture) is demonstrated. Effectiveness of participatory development is verified.
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Outputs: Traditional herb garden is established, and the herbal products are sold at the garden/ souvenir shops Water saving culture is demonstrated for neighboring farmers. Traditional handcrafts are sold successfully. PDM of this project (Attachment.3) is attached at the end of this chapter. Table A8.2.3 shows evaluation method on this project.
Table A8.2.3 Evaluation method for Karvarzin Traditional herbs demonstration garden Pilot Project Item Evaluation index Method for evaluation Time of evaluation 1) Conformity with Eco-Qeshm master plan 1) Analysis by JPT and 1) End of the project* Relevance 2) Conformity with the project purpose QFZO expert 2) End of the project shown by PDM 2) Analysis by JPT 1) Degree of understanding of management 1) Interview with the 1) End of the project Effectiveness of the garden cooperative leader 2) End of the training 2) Training workshop in water saving culture 2) Interview with the (WSC) technique for the participants and cooperative leader neighboring farmers 1) Completion of the project promptly in a 1) Judgement by JPT 1) End of the project Efficiency timely manner. 2) Judgement by JPT and 2) End of the project 2) Reality and quickness of development of QFZO expert the herbal products. 1) Dissemination of WSC technique to other 1) Interview with the 1) End of the project Impact villagers cooperative leader 2) End of the project 2) Enhancement of public awareness of 2) Interview with the 3) products produced by Karvarzin cooperative leader 1) The support from QFZO 1) Monitoring by 1) End of the project to Sustainability 2) Establishment of proper organization cooperative members one year later structure and QFZO expert 2) End of the project to 2) Interview with the one year later cooperative leader *End of project defines the period from June to July 2018
1) Relevance In this project, a traditional herb garden was revitalized through participatory approach adopted through the formulating stage to implementation. The Eco-Qeshm master plan points to the importance of community development for supporting the livelihood activities. At the end of the project, the cooperative members could gain the techniques and experiences for the enhancement of producing traditional herb and managing herb garden sustainably. Therefore, this pilot project is consistent with Eco-Qeshm master plan’s policy and project purpose.
2) Effectiveness While during Nowruz 2018, 10 to 15 tourists visited this garden, the exact number of tourists is not known. The cooperative mentioned that those who have been involved with this project have learned a lot from this project in such aspects as work ordering method, presentation skill and expressing opinions as well as the ability to transfer contents to other villages. Therefore, the effectiveness of this project can be assessed as high.
3) Efficiency Almost all the activities for this project were conducted promptly in a timely manner. A part of delay due to initial unorganized implementation structure did not affect the entire implementation schedule.
A8-25 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Considering this condition, the efficiency of this project can be assessed as high.
4) Impact After completion of the project, some villagers showed their interest in the promotion of herb products and other agricultural activities like this garden. At the next stage, they might try to rent a land and construct a herbal garden. While as of August 2018, it is still premature to assess the project’s contribution to the project purpose, the results of demonstration activities in this pilot project could show the possibility that the project can contribute to dissemination of WSC technique to other villagers. Also through the project, villagers in Kovarzin have learned the importance of public awareness for enhancement of their products.
5) Sustanability At the beginning of this project, cooperative members were not organized properly, but in the process of implementation, they tried to enhance their organization and successfully completed this project. QFZO experts expressed that they can support this project regarding the promotion and advertisement. Recommendations The quality of this garden should be improved in every detail to impress tourists. Moreover, unless they continue to pay attention to proper maintenance, the quality would be degraded year by year. They should study the promotion skills more as well as advertisement skills as their voluntary effort. Moreover, networking with other villagers, especially those villages around Hara-Mangrove area is important. Lessons learned In this project, several kinds of herbs were planted. There are, however, a shortage of kinds (types) of herbs to be exhibited and a lack of rational basis in the choice of herbs. The variety of the herbs should be expanded. Delay in delivery/procurement of the seedlings from both natural habitats and private companies, and therefore, could not start the training programs as originally scheduled. Ensuring stable supply routes of the seedling in cooperation with seedling suppliers is one of the most important issue.
A8.2.4 Prosopis Juliflora Management Pilot Project
The objectives of the Prosopis Juliflora Management Pilot Project are as follows. Project Purpose (the objective to be achieved by the end of project period): Effectiveness of a set of the technologies to control expansion of P. Juliflora, to utilize its produce, to replace it with other tree species, etc. is verified to improve ecosystems services to nearby rural villages from inland vegetation. Overall Goals (the objectives to be achieved after the project period as a result of the project): The local communities in the island receive improved ecosystem services from inland vegetation improved by control of P. Juliflora. Terrestrial biodiversity of the inland of Qeshm is conserved by control of P. Juliflora. Selakh village develops agritourism activities based on the improved ecosystems services. Outputs (the intermediate goals to be reached to achieve the Project Purpose): An implementation plan of the project is prepared. Trees of P. Juliflora are removed from the project site. Drip irrigation system and related facility are installed to water the native trees and beneficial plants replacing P. Juliflora.
A8-26 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Alternative tree species are planted where possible and economically promising. The set of the technologies to control P. Juliflora are evaluated and published for extension of the technology. PDM of this project (Attachment.4) is attached at the end of this chapter. Table A8.2.4 shows evaluation method on this project.
Table A8.2.4 Evaluation method for Prosopis Juliflora Management Pilot Project Item Evaluation index Method for evaluation Time of evaluation 1) Conformity of the project with 1) Analysis by JPT and QFZO 1) End of the Relevance Eco-Qeshm master plan expert project* 2) Conformity of the project with the 2) Questionnaire to key 2) End of the project needs of the target group, policies of informants and focus groups the Iranian government and other and analysis by JPT and environment QFZO experts 1) P. Juliflora is not regenerated in the 1) Monitoring report and direct 1) Beginning to end Effectiveness project site. measurement by JPT and of the project 2) Plant species with potential to replace QFZO experts 2) Beginning to end P. Juliflora vegetation are identified. 2) Monitoring report and of the project 3) The plantation of native and other questionnaire to key 3) End of the project species with potential of tourism and informants and focus groups, other services to Selakh village better analysis by JPT and QFZO than those of P. Juliflora is experts established. 3) Direct measurement and analysis by JPT and QFZO experts 1) Completion of the project promptly 1) Monitoring report and 1) End of the project Efficiency in a timely manner. analysis by JPT and QFZO 2) End of the project 2) Cost-efficiency of the activities (Was experts the project implemented in the most 2) Ditto efficient way compared to alternatives to achieve the project purpose?) 1) Control of P. Juliflora in Qeshm 1) Analysis referring to draft 1) End of the project Impact using the methodology developed in master plan by JPT and QFZO 2) End of the project the project is proposed in the revised expert 3) End of the project master plan of the island. 2) Questionnaire to key 2) Selakh village develops agritourism informants and focus groups activities based on the improved (villagers, tourists, etc.) ecosystems services. 3) Ditto 3) Any other impacts by the project 1) Capacity (financial resource, 1) Questionnaire to key 1) End of the project Sustainability machinery and equipment, informants and focus groups to half year later organizations, human resource with (villagers) and analysis by 2) End of the project technology and skills) and JPT and QFZO expert to three year later environment (policy, nature, society, 2) Questionnaire to key economy, etc.) to maintain the informants and focus groups plantation in Selakh after the project (villagers and tourists) and 2) Capacity and environment to develop analysis by JPT and QFZO agritourism activities in Selakh based expert on the plantation after the project *End of project defines the period from August to September 2018
1) Relevance The relevance of this project is high considering that the result of the project is in conformity with the Eco-Qeshm master plan and project purpose prepared before starting implementation of the project.
A8-27 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report One of the main problems on natural terrestrial environment in Qeshm island is recognized as there being too much P. Juriflora flourishing, its damage on conservation of rare species in terrestrial area and influence of grazing on various tropisms (especially native trees). This project addressing these problems is highly relevant to the policy of Qeshm island. At the end of the project, eliminating P. Juriflora was successfully completed and the basement of future agritourism activities was set up through the success of eliminating P. Juliflora and the confirmation of nurturing alternative planting trees. Therefore, this pilot project is consistent with Eco-Qeshm master plan’s policy.
2) Effectiveness Effectiveness of this project is fair considering the facts that the project purpose has been mostly achieved as a result of the project outputs. P. Juliflora was removed and has not regenerated in the project site during the project period. Plant species with potential to replace P. Juliflora vegetation are identified, such as Opuntia ficus-indica, Moringa oleifera, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Aloe vera, Paulownia sp., Ziziphus spina-christi and Prosopis cineraria. Survival and growth of the plantation of these species were observed during the project period. The set of effective technologies for controlling the expansion of P. juliflora, utilizing replacing it with other tree species, was verified within the particular conditions of the project site and the project period. On the other hand, due to the limited project period, survival and growth of the planted species in long-term, and income from their produce and other ecosystem services provided by them have not been observed yet. The most suitable specie as alternatives of P. juliflora has not been confirmed either.
3) Efficiency Efficiency of the project is fair, in general the planned inputs (personnel, material, and financial inputs) have been provided in appropriate timing and utilized for production of the outputs. However, it took time to initiate the project activities, as the project site was changed from Nagashe village to the current one. Installation of the drip irrigation system and plantation of the seedlings of alternative species delayed for 3-4 months from the schedule. Due to the delay actual monitoring period of growth of the plantation was even shorter than scheduled.
4) Impact Some positive impacts including contribution to the overall goal has been observed, while no negative impact was found. The concept of strategic environmental conservation was promoted through the management of inland vegetation including P. juliflora. In addition, as an unintended positive impact, this project, as the result through implementation, contributed to the clarification of land ownership and usage right of the project site. Therefore, the satisfaction of the residents in Selakh village is high.
5) Sustanability Sustainability of the project is evaluated as high. Continuing the current project activities to maintain the plantation, economic benefit and other ecosystems services provided by the planted species is expected to be observed after the project period. QFZO is enthusiastic to support this project to make the project sustainable. On the other hand, due to the delay in ontaining permission from the electricity company to supply electricity from the power grid to operate the irrigation system, stable power source of the irrigation system has not been assured yet. Recommendations Survival and growth of the plantation, as well as benefit through harvesting their produce, tourism and other ecosystem services from the plantation should be monitored and shared with QFZO to complete integrity of the set of the technologies developed by the project. To enable that, sustainability of the
A8-28 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report project activities must be assured solving the problems of water supply after the project and connection to the power grid. Lessons learned The technology to replace P. Juliflora with beneficial plant species should be extended to the other part of Qeshm island with an initiative and assistance of QFZO and Natural Resources Office (FRWMO) after completion of the pilot project.
A8.2.5 Training on Seaweed Farming Pilot Project
The objectives of the Training on Seaweed Farming Pilot Project are as follows. Overall Goal (the objective to be achieved after the project period as a result of the project): Seaweed farming is disseminated as an activity of income generation for the local people in Qeshm. Project Purpose (the objectives to be achieved by the end of project period) Participants of training programs become interested in starting the seaweed farming in their villages. Some groups of local people in Qeshm will intend to start the seaweed farming at larger or commercial scales in their village(s) in the next farming season. Outputs (the intermediate goals to be reached to achieve the Project Purpose) Local people of Hangom, Baseidou and Kani acquire knowledge and techniques about the farming of seaweed. The participants have an opportunity to experience a test farming in their villages. PDM of this project (Attachment. 5) is attached at the end of this chapter. Table 5.5 shows evaluation method on this project. Table A8.2.5 shows evaluation method on this project.
A8-29 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A8.2.5 Evaluation method for Training on Seaweed Farming Pilot Project Item Evaluation index Method for evaluation Time of evaluation 1) Conformity with Eco-Qeshm master 1) Analysis by JPT and 1) End of the project* Relevance plan QFZO experts 2) End of the project 2) Conformity with the project purpose 2) Analysis by JPT shown by PDM 1) Participants from the target villages 1) Interview with trainees 1) End of the project Effectiveness acquire knowledge and techniques. and the trainer 2) The end of the next 2) Local people from the target villages and 2) Interview with buyer seaweed farming other villages produce marketable quality (trainer) season (Apr. 2019) of seaweed. 1) Completion of the project following the 1) Judgement by JPT 1) End of the project Efficiency original plan 2) Judgement by JPT and 2) End of the project 2) Reality and quickness of seaweed farming QFZO experts training. 1) Local people get motivated to carry out 1) Questionnaire to 1) End of the project Impact further test farming at larger scales or in trainees and other 2) End of the project and other coastal areas. local people of the next seaweed 2) Local people plan to apply for permits trainees’ villages farming season (Dec. of commercial seaweed farming to 2) Above-mentioned 2017 to Apr. 2019) QFZO and Shilat. questionnaire 3) On and after the end of 3) Seaweed farming technique is 3) Monitoring by QFZO the next seaweed disseminated in some more villages of farming season (after Apr. 2019) Qeshm Island. 1) Annual seaweed production increase. 1) Monitoring by QFZO 1) On and after the next Sustainability 2) Establishment of producers’ cooperatives or 2) Monitoring by QFZO seaweed farming groups to enhance their activities. 3) Monitoring by QFZO season (Apr. 2019) 3) Technique and knowledge are handed 2) End of the project to down to the next generation five year later 3) After the next farming season *End of project defines the period from April to May 2018
1) Relevance The policy of the Eco-Qeshm master plan emphasizes the community development that can enhance income generating activities in the rural area. At the end of the project, local people were motivated to conduct further farming tests or start commercial farming in their villages. Therefore, this pilot project is consistent with the master plan’s policy as well as the project purpose.
2) Effectiveness Participants from the target villages clearly acquired the knowledge and techniques related to the seaweed farming through the lectures, seaweed farming manual and OJTs. It is better to carry out the assessment of effectiveness, especially the quality of seaweed products, after the participants conduct the farming by themselves and produce dried seaweed products in the next farming season.
3) Efficiency The training programs were not implemented in accordance with the original implementation schedule and delayed due to the following reasons: a) lack of seaweed seedlings for the training program, b) delay of training facility construction, and c) unusual event of high seawater temperature at the beginning of seaweed farming season, November 2017. Although the project proceeded behind the schedule, all the training contents were fulfilled by the end of May 2018. In addition, the contractor implemented a supplementary technical transfer visiting the test farming site in each village. In these ways, the participants could acquire the knowledge and techniques of seaweed farming and see how the seaweed was growing in their villages. This was the efficient way to draw attentions of the participants and other interested residents in the villages.
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4) Impact The participants of Baseidou were highly motivated to conduct further test farming and apply for permissions of commercial seaweed farming to QFZO and Shilat (Iranian Fisheries Organization) during the next farming season. The participants of Hangom and Kani also showed interest in conducting test farming in their villages during the next season. The positive impact is evaluated as high. However, actual impact should be assessed during or after the next farming season.
5) Sustanability The sustainability should be assessed during or after the next farming season because the seaweed farming at commercial scale has not started yet in the villages. At present, it is evaluated as fair. Recommendations QFZO stays in touch with the village people and private seaweed companies in order to assist village people to obtain seaweed seedlings from supply companies and sell dried seaweed products to buyers during the next farming season. In addition, QFZO facilitates the villagers in obtaining official permissions of commercial seaweed farming, where necessary. QFZO also disseminates the seaweed farming technique in other villages of Qeshm by utilizing the participants of the present OJT programs as the human resource for technical dissemination. Lessons learned Obtaining of seedlings is a prerequisite for launching and disseminating the seaweed farming. During the last farming season, November 2017 through April 2018, the present pilot project faced extraordinary difficulties in obtaining seedlings from both natural habitats and private companies, and therefore, could not start the training programs as originally scheduled. Ensuring stable supply routes of the seedling in cooperation with seedling suppliers is one of the most important issues.
A8.2.6 Haft Rangou Traditional Date Palm Garden Pilot Project
The objectives of the Haft Rangou Traditional Date Palm Garden Pilot Project are defined as follows: Overall Goal: The people’s livelihoods are improved by participatory approach in all the villages in Qeshm Island Project Purpose: Possibilities of livelihood development are observed through the implementation of the pilot project Effectiveness of participatory development is verified. Outputs: A traditional date palm garden is established (re-constructed). Date products and handicrafts are sold there. PDM of this project Attachment.6) is attached at the end of this chapter. Table A8.2.6 shows evaluation method on this project.
A8-31 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A8.2.6 Evaluation Method for Haft Rangou Revival a Traditional Date Palm Garden Pilot Project Item Evaluation index Method for evaluation Time of evaluation 1) Conformity with Eco-Qeshm master plan 1) Analysis by JPT and 1) End of the project* Relevance 2) Conformity with the project purpose QFZO expert 2) End of the project shown by PDM 2) Analysis by JPT 1) Degree of understanding of traditional 1) Interviews with 1) End of the project Effectiveness technique on palm tree cultivation cooperative members 2) End of the project 2) Values of sales and profits of date palm 2) Interviews with products of the garden cooperative members 1) Completion of the project promptly in a 1) Judgement by JPT and 1) End of the project Efficiency timely manner. QFZO expert 2) End of the project 2) Reality and quickness of development of 2) Judgement by JPT and the palm products. QFZO expert 1) Captured the attention of traditional palm 1) Interviews with 1) End of the project Impact tree cultivation to other villagers cooperative members 2) End of the project 2) Enhancement of public awareness of 2) Interviews with products produced by Haft Rangou cooperative members 1) The support form QFZO 1) Monitoring by 1) End of the project to Sustainability 2) Establishment of proper organization cooperative members one year later structure 2) Interview with the 2) End of the project to cooperative leader one year later *End of project defines the period from June to July 2018
1) Relevance In this project, a palm garden was revitalized through planting several types of palm trees. At the beginning of this project, cooperative members were not organized properly, but in the process of implementation, they tried to enhance their organization and successfully completed this project. After the completion of this project, the cooperative plan to plant other trees such as fruit and promote the garden as a tour spot. In one or two years, the palm trees planted in this project would grow and the garden will become attractive for tourists. As more tourists begin to visit the garden, there will be more chances for improving the people’s livelihoods. Considering these, this pilot project is consistent with Eco-Qeshm master plan’s policy.
2) Effectiveness While during Nowruz 2018, around 30 tourists visited this garden., the exact number is not captured. The cooperative mentioned that those who have been involved in this project have learned a lot from this project. However, values of sales and profits of date palm products of the garden was not confirmed so far. The actual effectiveness should be assessed during or after the next Nowruz season.
3) Efficiency A part of delay due to inefficient construction plan affected the implementation schedule. Finally, the cooperative completed all the construction and planting by the end of June 2018 (as original schedule). Considering this, the efficiency of this project can be assessed as fair. Reality and quickness of development of the palm products should be evaluated after the project.
4) Impact It is still premature to assess the project’s contribution to the project purpose, because palm trees planted during this project, were still young and have not grown sufficiently yet. Generally speaking, it takes two or three years for the trees to be ready for harvest. The positive impact is limited. Considering future productivity, the impact was assessed as fair.
A8-32 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report
5) Sustanability At the beginning of this project, cooperative members were not organized properly, but in the process of implementation, they tried to enhance their organization and successfully completed this project. However, sustainability should not be evaluated at present. It depends on their continuous effort. Recommendations The quality of this garden should be improved in every detail to impress tourists. Moreover, unless they continue to pay attention to proper maintenance, the quality would be degraded year by year. They should study the promotion skills more as well as advertisement skills as their voluntary effort. Moreover, networking with other villagers, especially those villages around Hara-Mangrove area is important. Lessons learned In this project, it is originally planned to develop and sell several kinds of date-palm-relating products. There is, however, a shortage in the kind of date-products to attract tourists. It should be established on the technically proper method.
A8.2.7 Gouron Lenj Building and Sailing Open Museum Pilot Project
The objectives of the Gouron Lenj Building and Sailing Open Museum Pilot Project are defined as follows: Overall Goal: Lenj building and sailing technique and knowledge are preserved in Gouron and succeeded to the next generation. Purpose: The core part of Lenj building and sailing open museum is constructed and managed by villagers. Outputs: All the planning and design materials of Lenj building and sailing open museum are developed. A playground equipped with small scale lenj is constructed. Facilities around visitor center are constructed. Trail is developed. A mechanism of operating the museum in Gouron is established. PDM of this project (Attachment.7) is attached at the end of this chapter. Table A8.2.7 shows evaluation method on this project.
A8-33 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A8.2.7 Evaluation method for Gouron Lenj Building and Sailing Open Museum Pilot Project Item Evaluation index Method for evaluation Time of evaluation 1) Conformity with Eco-Qeshm master plan 1) Analysis by JPT and 1) End of the project* Relevance 2) Conformity with the project purpose QFZO expert 2) End of the project shown by PDM 2) Analysis by JPT 1) Degree of visitor’s satisfaction and 1) Questionnaire to 1) End of the project Effectiveness recognition by villagers tourists 2) End of the project 2) Degree of understanding of management 2) Interviews with method of open museum cooperative members 1) Completion of the project promptly in a 1) Judgement by JPT 1) End of the project Efficiency timely manner. 1) Dissemination of traditional lenj buiding 1) Interviews with 1) End of the project Impact promotion to other villagers cooperative members 2) End of the project 2) Enhancement of public awareness of 2) Interviews with products produced by Gouron cooperative members 3) QFZO staff gain the knowledge and 3) Interviews with QFZO experience through the participatory expert activities 1) Number of participated members of the 1) Interviews with 1) End of the project to Sustainability cooperative cooperative members one year later 2) Number of trained local people 2) Interviews with 2) End of the project to cooperative members one year later *End of project defines the period from August to September 2018
1) Relevance The relevance of this project is high considering that the results of the project is in conformity with the Eco-Qeshm master plan and project purpose prepared before starting implementation of the project. The techniques for building Lenj boat have priceless value for attracting tourists and visitors to Gouron village. In this project, succeeding the techniques to young generation and enhancement of cultural heritage had been achieved mostly. In addition, villagers have been trained on management skill of the open museum and attracting tourists. At the end of the project, the cooperative members could gain enough techniques and experience for enhancement of their livelihood sustainably. This pilot project is consistent with Eco-Qeshm master plan’s policy.
2) Effectiveness Most of visitor’s satisfaction during the last Nowruz was high. However, some tourists were not satisfied with the service quality and the prices charged for the activities. Regarding the degree of understanding of management method of the open museum, the cooperative has learned a lot through operating the museum.
3) Efficiency Almost all the activities for this project have been conducted promptly in a timely manner. The cooperative has conducted some additional activities using the budget flexibly with the JPT’s approval. As a result, a bit of delay was happened, but it was not attributed to them. Considering these, the efficiency of this project can be assessed as high.
4) Impact The positive impact can be assessed as high. That is because the number of the tourists of this year significantly increased from the last year as well as their income, according to the interview with the cooperative member. The impact of this project is observed not only in a tangible manner by facilities such as lenj, playground, handicraft shop and so on, but also in an intangible manner by the
A8-34 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report conservation of heritages like traditional knowledge of lenj and sailing techniques. In addition, they were able to improve promotion and advertising skills through crating a web site and connecting to tour agency through this project. Negative impact has not been observed so far.
5) Sustanability The number of participated members has increased compared to the previous year significantly. In the last year, only 4 villagers were involved in this project, but in this year 15 villagers participated in this project. The cooperative has conducted trainings such as “lenj building and sailing techniques to youngsters” and accounting/sales technique to secure sustainability. Recommendations In the process of formulating the pilot projects, the JPT could have introduced some methods on the participatory approach such as consultation meeting to select best activities and workshops to prepare an action plan. The villagers should learn more types of analyzing existing conditions and considering prospects for the future such as problem analysis or land use planning. That is because the target area is wide and activities are various. Various problems might happen both in a tangible and intangible manner without proper management. A systematic analysis such as problem analysis and land use planning would help organizing issues, prioritizing them and clarifying desirable directions for the future. With the support of experts in these techniques and participation of villagers, the pilot project could be developed further in a well coordinated manner. Lessons learned The quality of the service of this museum should be improved in every detail to impress tourists more. Unless they continue to pay attention to proper maintenance, the quality would be degraded year by year. They should study the promotion skills more as well as advertisement skills as their voluntary effort. Moreover, networking with other villagers especially those villages around Hara-Mangrove area is important.
A8.2.8 Hara Mangrove Ecotourism Pilot Project
The objectives of “Hara Mangrove Ecotourism Pilot Project” are defined as follows. (a) To develop a sustainable management system to utilize and conserve the ecosystem of Hara Mangrove; To generate more opportunities of economic activities for villagers; and To improve the quality of existing activities in Hara, according to the ecotourism international standards. Table A8.2.8 shows evaluation method on this project.
A8-35 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Table A8.2.8 Evaluation method for Hara Mangrove Ecotourism Pilot Project Evaluation index Method for evaluation Time of evaluation 1) Conformity of the project with 1) Analysis by JPT and 1) End of the project* Relevance Eco-Qeshm master plan QFZO expert 2) End of the project 2) Conformity of the project with the needs 2) Analysis by JPT and of the target group, policies of the Iranian QFZO expert government and other environment 3) Analysis by JPT and 3) Suitability of the project in terms of its QFZO expert approach and selection of the target group 1) Degree of visitor’s satisfaction and 1) Questionnaire to 1) During peak season Effectiveness awareness by villagers tourists and villagers 2) End of the project 2) Degree of understanding of management 2) Interviews with 3) End of the project method of Ecotourism participants 4) End of the project 3) Establishment of Management structure 3) Interviews with the for boat trip cooperative members 4) Increase of amount of income after the 4) Analysis of sales training records by JPT and QFZO expert 1) Completion of the project promptly in a 1) Monitoring report and 1) End of the project Efficiency timely manner. analysis by JPT and 2) End of the project 2) 2) Cost-efficiency of the activities QFZO expert (Was the project implemented in the most 2) Monitoring report and efficient way compared to alternatives to analysis by JPT and achieve the project purpose?) QFZO expert 1) Dissemination of Ecotourism to target 1) Interviews with 1) End of the project Impact villages (three villages) villagers 2) During peak season 2) Quality of boat tour in Hara mangrove 2) Feedback from tourists 1) Establishment of an ecotourism committee 1) Monitoring by QFZO 1) End of the project Sustainability within QFZO 2) Monitoring by the 2) End of the project 2) Environmental education awareness cooperative members 3) End of the project to 3) Number of trained boatmen 3) Monitoring by the one year later 4) Budget allocation for continuous training cooperative members 4) End of the project 4) Monitoring by QFZO *End of project defines the period from August to September 2018
1) Relevance The relevance of this project is high since the outputs of the project are compatible with the Eco-Qeshm master plan. The project is consistent also with the needs of the target group. The knowledge and management skill of ecotourism were enhanced through implementation of this project. Especially, trained boatmen have improved the quality of boat trips in terms of the information provided to tourists and environmentally friendly behavior. In addition, the awareness on environmental education has been raised, which matches the Eco-Qeshm master plan’s objectives from a long-term perspective. Eco-Qeshm master plan’s policy shows the importance of community awareness for diversifying the livelihood activities as well as conserving its environment. By the end of this project, the cooperative members and boatmen learned how to utilize their existing resources in eco-friendly manner for sustaining their livelihood
2) Effectiveness The effectiveness of this project is high, since a training system for boat operators in Hara Mangrove Protected Areas has been established. Totally 14 trainers from the three villages, Kovarzin, Sohli and Tabl were trained. These trained trainers conducted the training for local boat operators with the support of the JPT, QFZO and the subcontracted training company. According to the interview conducted during the Iranian New Year 2018 after the training, visitors were satisfied with the information which trained boat operators provided and boat operators increased their income by tips.
A8-36 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report Additionally, the project undertook activities to foster the next generations to raise their awareness on environmental conservation and tourism. The information center established within the compound of tourism vocational high school provided practical experiences to receive tourists as tour guids. The environmental education handbook for kids whose sample came from Japan was redesigned and published.
3) Efficiency The efficiency of this project is fair, since some activities were delayed. It was necessary to coordinate relevant stakeholders and it took time to reach an agreement within the stakeholders. For instance, the trainings for the local boat operators were sometimes suspended. However, it was indispensable to experience the suspension to understand each other better and to develop mutual trust for further cooperation in future.
4) Impact The impact of this project is high. A total package of the training, which consisted of trainers’ training, educational tour, and the training for local boat operators, was established. The educational tour to visit the advanced ecotourism sites provided opportunities to deepen their understanding of ecotourism and to compare different places for the trainers. They realized their advantages and started to consider how to utilize and conserve their advantages. Moreover, the training gave the opportunities to discuss and stay together within the villagers, who used to compete with each other to grab more tourists than other villages. They understood that they could work together instead of continuing unhealthy competition.
5) Sustanability The Sustainability of this project is high, since the trained trainers selected one representative among active three cooperatives, which is a quite new initiative. The DoE of QFZO is also satisfied with the results of the series of trainings and promised continuing trainings in future by securing their budget. The information center in the vocational high school will be operated by their students. The environmental education handbook for kids will be distributed to schools in Qeshm. Recommendations It is indispensable to develop an organizational framework to enhance ecotourism, which would contribute to strengthening the coordination among environment, tourism and geopark department in QFZO. Moreover, the pilot project started to work on the three villages whose cooperatives were established several years ago and are active with motorboat tours. Their knowledge and skills, which were gained through the pilot project, should be shared with other surrounding villages. The trained trainers should take an initiative to enhance ecotourism in Hara Mangrove Protected Area. Lessons learned It became apparent that the lack of clear demarcation of the roles among the environment, tourism and geopark department in terms of tourism development activities in Hara Mangrove Protected Areas worsen the existing conflicts among the villages. Ad hoc trainings, which were conducted by different department, lack the unified objectives of the trainings. It made the villagers more confused. The pilot project created one clear channel between the representative of the boat operators and the environment department in terms of further trainings and giving certificates to boat operators in Hara Mangrove Protected Area.
A8.2.9 Qeshm City Souvenir Shop Pilot Project
The objectives of “Qeshm City Souvenir Shop Pilot Project” are defined as follows. (a) To make a breakthrough for expanding the Qeshm’s souvenir market by tapping the shopping visitors market, which has been untapped until now
A8-37 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report (b) To make village women realize the importance of marketing by exposing them to the competitive environment of souvenir market (c) To create a system of continuously supplying souvenir products both to shopping visitors and tourists interested in nature and culture in Qeshm for the benefit of villagers (d) To verify the effectiveness of the approach adopted for the pilot project in expanding the Qeshm’s souvenir market PDM of this project (Attachment.8) is attached at the end of this chapter. Table A8.2.9 shows evaluation method on this project.
Table A8.2.9 Evaluation method for Qeshm City Souvenir Shop Pilot Project Item Evaluation index Method for evaluation Time of evaluation 1) Conformity with Eco-Qeshm master plan 1) Analysis by JPT and 1) End of the project* Relevance 2) Conformity with the project purpose QFZO expert 2) End of the project 2) Analysis by JPT and QFZO expert 1) Establishment of sales system for 1) Analysis by JPT and 1) End of the project Effectiveness handicraft produced by each village committee members 2) During and end of the 2) Assessment by customers visiting the 2) Questionnaire to project shop on the qualities and prices of the customers commodities sold at Qeshmineh 1) Completion of the project promptly in a 1) Judgement by JPT 1) End of the project Efficiency timely manner. 2) Judgement by JPT 2) End of the project 2) Proper management of expenditures within the budget 1) Expansion of the handicraft making 1) Interviews with 1) End of the project Impact activities within the villages committee members 2) End of the project 2) Achievement of the diversity of their 2) Interviews with products within project period committee members 1) Willingness and readiness of the villagers 1) Monitoring by 1) End of the project to Sustainability to maintain cooperation with the shop committee members one year later 2) Expansion of the handicraft making 2) Monitoring by 2) End of the project to activities from the initial 10 villages to committee members one year later other villages in Qeshm 3) Monitoring by QFZO 3) End of the project to 3) Commitment of QFZO to continue experts one year later supporting Qeshmine after the completion of the JICA project *End of project defines the period from August to September 2018
1) Relevance The relevance of this project is high considering that the objectives of the project are in conformity with the Eco-Qeshm master plan concept and the project purpose such as follows.
Emphasis on tradition and culture Vitalization of urban and rural communities Outward oriented development through promoting Qeshm handicrafts for new markets Contribution to economic diversity Human-oriented development with the involvement of women from different villages Mixed culture society through developing new handicraft designs integrating traditional and modern elements
2) Effectiveness With regard to tapping new handicraft market mentioned as the first objective, the Qeshmineh project was successful to some extent in that the customers having purchased the items sold at the shop highly
A8-38 The Project for Community-based Sustainable Development Master Plan of Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island” Final Report evaluated their qualities and the initiative to promote livelihood. It was true, though, that there were some comments such as the need for more promotion, more diversity, better shop location and lower prices, indicating there is a room for improvement in various aspects. The effectiveness in increased awareness of women on the importance of marketing was limited. Although the participating women seemed to have realized the fact that selling their products is not as easy as they had imagined, their reaction was not as positive as to start thinking more seriously about marketing. One reason could be the limited opportunities for village women to directly face customers and feel the reactions from them. The effectiveness in creating a system in which village handcrafts constantly reach shopping visitors and tourists is yet to be seen. The effort in the Qeshmineh project to establish a cooperative relation of village ladies and the shop could be developed into a permanent and stable system provided that QFZO continues its support and women continue to positively cooperate with each other. The same could be said about the appropriateness of the approach.
3) Efficiency The start-up of the Qeshmineh project was later than the other pilot projects, because of the need to concentrate time and effort on supporting other village-oriented pilot projects at the initial stage. Once it started, however, most activities proceeded according to the schedule. The actual expenditure for the project exceeded the budget due to the need to allocate fund for purchasing the products from villages more than planned and the extension of the pilot project period to ensure more time to transfer the shop operation from JPT to QFZO, especially in terms of the responsibility to bear the cost for shop employees’ salaries.
4) Impact The impact of the Qeshmineh pilot project seems to be limited as of August 2018. It was expected that cooperative work by women from different villages would create a momentum for stronger and wider cooperation among themselves and increase participation of the women in each village who were not participating in the Qeshmineh pilot project at the beginning. Unfortunately, this is not happening yet. The reasons could be that the sales of Qeshmineh have not been as impressive as expected and women in Qeshm maintain an individualistic mentality and are not used to working with women from other villages. The development in Mesen to establish their own shop in their village, however, is a positive trend. This could be an impact of the Mesen’s pilot project for souvenir pilot project as well as the Qeshmineh pilot project.
5) Sustanability The sustainability of the Qeshmineh pilot project is still uncertain as of August 2018. A uniqueness of the Qeshmineh pilot project is its composition of stakeholders, including shop management and women from different villages. It is rather a JPT/QFZO initiated pilot project than a village-oriented pilot project. While village-oriented pilot projects could be sustained as far as the momentum is maintained in the village, strong leadership of QFZO is needed to ensure sustainability of the Qeshmineh pilot project. With a clear marketing and operation strategy, Qeshmineh needs to be supported by QFZO for at least some years after the JICA project is over as an incubation period. With accumulated experiences and strengthened capacity during the incubation period, Qeshmineh could take off and become financially self-independent. The arrangements along this line are under way at the last stage of the JICA project. Recommendations The following actions are recommended.
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Establishment of a cooperative by village women: Preparation has been made and an application was submitted to QFZO waiting for approval. The membership could be modified as circumstance changes. QFZO’s commitment: The QFZO’s continued support will be indispensible for sustaining Qeshmineh. In addition to bearing the rent for the Qeshmineh space, salaries for the shop employees need to be borne by QFZO for a certain period as a minimum requirement. Preparation of marketing and operation strategy: Based on the experience so far, a marketing strategy needs to be prepared clarifying target market segment, appropriate commodities, acceptable price levels, quality requirement and promotion activities. A strategy for operating Qeshmineh should be prepared and applied as well. Capacity development of village women: The capacities of the participating women need to be developed to nurture a sense of team work so that they will be able to cooperate with other women as well as in the technical aspects such as designing, sewing, embroidery, customer relation and so on.
A8-40
Attachment A8.1 Facts Showing the Comparison Between Last Year (2017) and This Year (2018) (Tourism-oriented Projects Only) 1.1 Number of 1.5 Amount of 1.3 Number of 1.4 Change in income people 1.2 Products/service offered income tourists (1,000 Toman) Project involved (1,000 Toman) Last This Selected Last year This year Last year This year Reason Last year This year year year answer Haftrang ou There were we added bathroom and bedroom - 30 70 our services were free (tradition 7 7 not good No No No building traditional windproof people people for tourists. al services here.
garden) The Project for Community-based Susta
Free Internet - Power to the pier - Improving the quality Floating berth launch - of tourism services, Kovarzin Tourism in the Telecommunication tower 2,700 3,350 which has increased (tour-gui 8 8 Hara forest by construction - All captains were 4,500 189,00 234,500 tour tour sales by 40 to 50
A8-41 de) boat certified, and all boats were insured percent of shops and - Distribution of safety brochures restaurants among tourists - Access to the pier
Catering and tea in the hut of Pirhra camp - Tourist guide - More suitable boats - More information to Tabl Tourism in the tourists - Souvenirs - Natural honey 1,000 1,100 Improving service on (tour-gui 100 100 Hara forest by - Handicrafts - welcoming tourists 7,000 70,00 77,000 inable Development MasterPlan o tour tour the pier Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island de) boat with local music - The use of two people to speed up the sale of tickets - Coordinating and ordering on the tourists from the boat Last year we only got Questionnaire Riding Tour - Extreme riding with better ride. This year, for tourists - excursions - Providing local music - Gouran we significantly Describes how Setting up the office - Setting up a 2,500 1,000 (open- 4 15 8,500 increased our services 1,500 10,000 to make Lanj handicraft workshop - Creating a tour tour Repor Final museum) and entered the (big boats)- children's play park - Providing a entrance fee for simple tours fishing net for tourists entering the tourist site. ” f t
Attachment A8.2 The Survey Result on Attainment of Original Objective by Each Village
Pilot Villagers QFZO or Qeshm County Item Evaluation JPT member Project (Key Person) managers/officers Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, to some extent Yes, very much The plan has been for the village itself It was a good way. Perhaps one of the Yes, such an approach would certainly work in the 2.1 and has attracted people's participation problems in this project was the selection of local community. Judgment of and increased the people's enthusiasm. suitable persons, which required more time. The point is that with the help of this project participatory Reason and with this title, it was possible that approach communication and connection between the managers of QFZO and the people of the The Project for Community-based Susta Haft village was provided Rangou Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent (tradition The observation of the tourists who This has happened to some extent but cannot According to my observations, the project is different al came to the village and their long-term be abandoned because they have not yet to the project. In some projects, despite all the 2.2 Help in livelihood caused the people's interest reached the educational level so that they can support, there was no positive result. But in some A8-42 garden) building and has caused people to start again work independently. other projects, there are some uncertainties, especially Reason foundation with a lot of agricultural land to plant in land and land ownership issues, which is a huge palm trees, as well as create nuisance to continue projects.
accommodations for tourists or build a windproof in house and gardens. Reviving traditional palm gardens, 2.3 Future attracting tourists, creating a nature Answer - - goal school, teaching local games, reviving handicrafts inable Development MasterPlan o Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island Its effect is very evident in our work. A Because people's minds must first be Somewhat successful. This question cannot be zero fault in the type of management from prepared and then enter the phase of pilot and one answer. In the appearance of the participatory the top is that it assumes all the regions projects. Training should take place prior to system, there are many benefits. The idea is great, but 2.1 alike . We, our villagers, know better the project. After enough training, we must there are complexities that everyone participates in Kavarzin Judgment of what our problems are. have full and constant supervision of the this development, which seems to be a bit optimistic (tour-gui participatory Reason project, as some projects in the local with the existing mentality. Therefore, before starting de) approach community are soon forgotten. The local and implementing the system, training should be
community would like to come to an early undertaken, and I think Qeshm villagers are prepared Repor Final conclusion, and if it is time-consuming, the to accept it enough. But when people are eager to implementation of the project thinks it may work together, it's a positive achievement. not be possible, they may think. 2.2 Help in Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, very much Yes, very much. ” f t
building This confidence has taken place in our The enthusiasm and support of the rural The rural teams that worked with us have developed own countryside and in the neighboring people was enormous. very well in terms of self-confidence. foundation Reason villages. Jobs were created as a result of eco-tourism promotion by the project. Given the conditions of our Free Zone 2.3 Future organization, we have no clear future. Answer - - goal The current income of each captain on the boat is negligible. Satisfactory Yes, to some extent Yes, very much Yes, to some extent We need to consult and follow up with Given the way it was implemented, it has Somewhat successful. This question cannot be zero or the authorities. It can be arranged by come up with an excellent view. The sense of one answer. In the appearance of the participatory 2.1 negotiating the problems. This distrust of the villagers in the Free Zone has system, there are many benefits. The idea is great, but Judgment of coordination should exist. been somewhat an illusion, and the there are complexities that everyone participates in
self-sufficiency and independence of this development, which seems to be a bit optimistic The Project for Community-based Susta participatory Reason approach bringing the rural people has been very with the existing mentality. Therefore, before starting useful. and implementing the system, training should be undertaken, and I think Qeshm villagers are prepared to accept enough. But when people are eager to work Tabl together, it's a positive achievement. (tour-gui
A8-43 Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, very much Yes, to some extent de) Trained people are able to transfer their We see that in addition to our villages, other According to my observations, this project is different 2.2 Help in experiences to other. A great enthusiasm villages are also eager to enter the phase of to other projects. In some projects, despite all the building is especially evident among young pilot projects. Of course, it's too early to start support, there was no positive result. But in some Reason foundation people. a new project. The training still needs to be other projects, there are some uncertainties, especially continued. in land and land ownership issues, which is a huge nuisance to continue projects. Introducing new tours, using, Hori boat 2.3 Future (kind of traditional boat), fishing at Answer - - inable Development MasterPlan o goal night, bird watching, offering new Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island products and tourism packages. Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, very much Yes, very much A look at last year's and comparison As for the Goran project, I can say that it has I think its impact in the countryside was very high, 2.1 with this year shows that we have had a been positive. but its influence on the Qeshm Free Zone State lot of differences in the development of Administration was less, but this experience was Gouron Judgment of rural tourism. Development should be excellent for Qeshm. participatory Reason (open- from bottom to top. People's ideas museum) approach
should be analyzed by managers and Repor Final then, whenever possible, become an opportunity for development. 2.2 Help in Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, very much Yes, very much ” f t
building The team formed in the village, either The project in the village has given a double The rural teams that worked with us have developed foundation by JICA or by Geopark and the Free boost even to the extent that the neighboring very well in terms of self-confidence. Zone Organization, had many things villages are eager to implement the project. going on and there was a lot of downs Reason and downsides. The links were created between the faces, and we learned from each other and got a general conclusion. Now we can even train to use our capacities. In the future, the project will achieve its goals. Pilot projects should last at least 5 years to complete. In the meantime, we must expand the museum with Lanj (big boats). Our motto is that we want
2.3 Future The Project for Community-based Susta Answer to implement the art of longevity and - - goal revitalization of sailing. In the future, we will have an appropriate tourism-level package on the island offering different recreational tours and indirect education A8-44 Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, very much Yes, to some extent If they are not selective in awarding The method is appropriate, but not all I agree with the option somewhat. This is because of permits, the view from the bottom up is objectives have been achieved. the new experience. There are a number of
2.1 better and can lead to entrepreneurship. weaknesses in how projects are carried out, which Judgment of requires further training. The other reason is the participatory Reason cultural differences in different villages, which make approach the project different from each other. This has led to completely different partnerships from villages, even in joint projects. Therefore, educational needs were inable Development MasterPlan o Baseido felt in some villages. Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island u (algae Satisfactory Yes, very Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent culture) Because of the previous experiences, Some villages have somewhat created this It is the nature of the pilot project, and until the end, it there has been a wider field of action capacity and some others. For example, this cannot be said about the outcome. But it is certain that and is now stronger than before. But the happened in the village of Gouron or Mesen, these pilot projects can be a good example for the 2.2 Help in sense of the need for initial education is or Haftrangou , but in some villages the people of the island. According to the plan, a pilot building still there. group that formed was turned into a personal should be prepared at the final stage, which is Reason foundation team and the public participation was low available to other villages who are eager. Pilot
and difficult. The problems caused by the projects are not 100% ideal, but it's good to start and Repor Final misunderstanding in the public participation make a change. debate that I think is still not resolved by QFZO or JICA. ” f t
Establish a cooperative company and find the target market for exports 2.3 Future Answer - - goal
Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, very much Yes, very much A participatory perspective is sure to fit. I give a very good score to these projects. Since I'm involved, my feeling is that if the work and Our problem as the inhabitants of the Because the people's demand was very high, implementation of the projects gives to the villagers island is the same government and the participation of the villagers was very instead of the government sector it will be excellent, 2.1 departments, where all the troubles high, although the newness of the process but not in the present situation, which they are still Judgment of arise by them. was a problem. not ready for it. Using local experiences is very useful and increases the passion for continuing work, but participatory Reason because our experience in participatory discussions is
approach The Project for Community-based Susta low, it can waste time and money. In fact, because of the planning and certain dates for carrying out the projects, this inexperience caused delays. But because Kovarzin the sense of value and the importance of voting and (herb opinion of the villagers arises, it is excellent. demonstr Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent A8-45 ation This is quite obvious. At first, nobody For this short time the answer is somewhat. Not in all projects, but in some projects, this is very garden) 2.2 Help in believed, but there is a growing The teams that worked on the projects were evident. I think it's a very good starting point to run building tendency to grow plant species and limited. But this has happened, and people pilot projects Reason foundation even grow livestock. are familiar with the process that a group can work. I feel the initial infrastructure for future projects is provided. Obtaining license for accommodation of tourists, activities in the field of 2.3 Future tourism to visit Hara forests, sale of inable Development MasterPlan o Answer plants and seeds, sale of irrigation - - Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island goal supplies and services, summer classes for leisure, providing trainings for planting medicinal plants Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, to some extent Yes, very much We better understand our need, we if the Free Zone Organization provided This is a community-based project and you need to 2.1 should be asked to be consulted and cooperates with rural projects partner with the local community to run your pilot Sohli Judgment of supported afterwards. Lack of people's project
(tour-gui participation in the project is due to Repor Final participatory Reason de) lack of awareness, as well as the lack of approach management and weakness in our village boat cooperative company, has reduced the participation of the people. ” f t
Satisfactory Yes, to some extent Yes, very much Yes, very much 2.2 Help in We have a lot of passion and Yes, the willingness of the villagers and their Even in the neighboring villages, they were longing building motivation, but the issues within the eagerness to carry out the pilot project clearly for a project to be defined for them. Reason foundation village and the differences do not allow illustrates this. work. The people's views have increased, and we would like to form a cooperative 2.3 Future company. Our biggest problem is the Answer - - goal lack of a cooperative company.We gave suggestions to the authorities about this, but did not work. Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, very much Yes, very much Yes, it's the right way, and it should be Attracting people's participation is critical in This method and perspective are very interesting and 2.1
that we comment and express our advancing the goals of a project. have been successful in this project. There have been The Project for Community-based Susta Judgment of demands and get support from above. people who have asked to continue this process so participatory Reason that they can implement their ideas through the approach implementation of this view. Of course, it is better to run smaller projects, and, of course, comply with Tabl environmental requirements. Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, very much Yes, very much A8-46 (info-poi 2.2 Help in nt) building Many ideas are presented by students Yes, our students showed a great deal of Yes, this mentality has been created for the villagers. Reason and the level of interest in this project passion for the continuation of the project, It is now welcoming and very enthusiastic, especially foundation has increased. and these tutorials were very helpful. in the field of agriculture. To make money from tourism by introducing tourist and, accommodation 2.3 Future Answer of tourists, holding tourism classes. - - goal inable Development MasterPlan o Satisfactory Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island This cooperative vision is very practical Because people's minds must first be Somewhat successful. This question cannot be zero or if implemented. Of course, in our prepared and then entered the phase of pilot one answer. In the appearance of the participatory country, this trend is relative and cannot projects. Training should be prior to the system, there are many benefits. The idea is great, but 2.1 be said that 100% is successful or project. After sufficient training, we must there are complexities that everyone participates in Selakh Judgment of unsuccessful. Our people are have full and constant supervision of the this development, which seems to be a bit optimistic (plant participatory Reason accustomed to taking a decision for project, as some projects in the local with the existing mentality. Therefore, before starting culture) approach them. That's why I think it's fairly community are soon forgotten. The local and implementing the system, training should be successful. community would like to come to an early undertaken and I think Qeshm villagers are prepared conclusion, and if it is time-consuming, the to accept enough. But when people are eager to work Repor Final implementation of the project thinks it may together, it's a positive achievement. not be possible. 2.2 Help in Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent ” f t
building Because we already carry out Because the local community wants to come According to my observations, the project is different foundation complementary projects in the past, to an end early, and our local community is a to the project. In some projects, despite all the JICA has created this incentive to bit lazy in defining the project and being support, there was no positive result. But in some Reason develop our work. successful. other projects, there are some uncertainties, especially in land and land ownership issues, which is a huge nuisance to continue projects. Creating jobs through planting plants, 2.3 Future setting up a cactus oiling plant, Answer - - goal cultivating algae, and teaching to other village Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent In the system from top to bottom, the If the Free Zone Organization provided I agree with the option somewhat. This is because of project usually remains in the hands of cooperates with rural projects the new experience. There are a number of 2.1 the government and its main revenue is weaknesses in how projects are carried out, which The Project for Community-based Susta Judgment of not distributed among the people. With requires further training. The other reason is the participatory Reason the participatory system, people are cultural differences in different villages, which make approach encouraged to carry out a project, and the project different from each other. This has led to they will motivate people. completely different partnerships from villages, even in joint projects. Therefore, educational needs were
A8-47 felt in some villages. Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, very much Yes, to some extent Kani Due to the training provided, the field Yes, the willingness of the villagers and their It is the nature of the pilot project, and until the end, it (algae was provided for the project, and now eagerness to carry out the pilot project clearly cannot be said about the outcome. But it is certain that culture) 2.2 Help in the growth of algae has increased the illustrates this. these pilot projects can be a good example for the building motivation and confidence of the people of the island. According to the plan, a pilot Reason foundation villagers arose. should be prepared at the final stage, which is available to other villages who are eager. Pilot projects are not 100% ideal, but it's good to start and inable Development MasterPlan o make a change. Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island Since we were at the pilot stage, we have not thought about the future of the 2.3 Future project. But in the future, the potential Answer - - goal for creating employment for 10 to 15 people per farm would to cultivate algae would be our goal. Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent Mesen 2.1 It has been a good way to attract The new idea has not been implemented and I agree with the option somewhat. This is because of Final Repor Final (tailoring Judgment of women's participation and increase the most of the designs have been copied. the new experience. There are a number of presence of women in the community. weaknesses in how projects are carried out, which workshop participatory Reason requires further training. The other reason is the ) approach cultural differences in different villages, which make
the project different from each other. This has led to ” f t
completely different partnerships from villages, even in joint projects. Therefore, educational needs were felt in some villages. Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent 100 percent. Creating motivation and For this short time the answer is somewhat. Not in all projects, but in some projects, this is very 2.2 Help in confidence to implement new projects. The teams that worked on the projects were evident. I think it's a very good starting point to run building limited. But this has happened, and people pilot projects. Reason foundation are familiar with the process that a group can work. I feel the initial infrastructure for future projects is provided. When the training classes are completed, we can have orders outside 2.3 Future Answer Qeshm or even export them in our - - goal schedule. And we're thinking of setting The Project for Community-based Susta up our own cooperative company. Satisfactory Yes, to some extent Yes, very much Yes, very much If the coordination between the We should know that there is no way back in I think its impact in the countryside was very high, members was very good this approach the local community, that if you make but its influence on the Qeshm Free Zone State could be good. The disorder of our mistakes and pessimism, this mistake will Administration was less, but this experience was
A8-48 friends and the lack of financial remain for many years in the minds of the excellent for Qeshm. incentives created problems. Of course, people, making it very difficult for the next during the Nowruz holiday, where projects. However, the strength of JICA was travelers and customers were many, based on the use of local specialist forces. On 2.1 they were welcomed and accompanied the other hand, the Japanese were popular in Judgment of by good ladies. the minds of the Iranian people, and the participatory Reason leadership of the JICA team was very good approach and well connected with the people. The Laft people were sure that JICA's work was inable Development MasterPlan o (eco-mus serious and compassionate. Of course, their Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island eum) initial reports were very frustrating. One of my wishes from JICA was to tell us why our dreams are not going to be on the island and not done? I am glad to visit JICA on the island and I hope that the results and data obtained in Qeshm will be used. Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, very much Yes, very much
It created a lot of enthusiasm for ladies The Qeshm community grows whenever you The rural teams that worked with us have developed Repor Final 2.2 Help in in this project. But their mentality is give it a chance. This community has been very well in terms of self-confidence. building wrong, and they think the museum discouraged throughout history. If you reach Reason foundation should always be crowded so that they out to the local community manually, then it can participate. will extend to you from the local community. ” f But one issue that JICA should pay attention t
to is the timely and balanced growth of the local community. Once we have a local force so big in our system that we cannot be criticized anymore. And JICA should not make a special person too big because he considers himself a versatile person and expects all things to be done from his channel and become proud. And some people who have become famous with JICA are looking for their own personal interests and their own team, not the development of their own village. 2.3 Future I think if we go ahead in the current Answer - -
goal way, it will probably stop working. The Project for Community-based Susta Satisfactory Yes, to some extent Yes, very much Yes, very much People make the plans outlined above Understanding the importance of This method and perspective are very interesting and 2.1 because investments are hard on their implementing a project by villagers through have been successful in this project. There have been Judgment of own. In these projects, too, they have collaborative development happens better. people who have asked to continue this process so participatory Reason tried to earn the same income. that they can implement their ideas through the A8-49 approach implementation of this view. Of course, it is better to Hangom run smaller projects, and, of course, comply with environmental requirements. (algae Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, very much Yes, very much culture) 2.2 Help in The training is adequate, and people are The desire and eagerness of villagers and Yes, this mentality has been created for the villagers. building Reason happy. Experiences have already been even villages not involved in pilot projects is It is now welcoming and very enthusiastic, especially foundation used very tangible. in the field of agriculture. If the planting time is appropriate and it 2.3 Future has the right seed, people will come to inable Development MasterPlan o Answer - - Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island goal work and will be used as a source of income. Final Repor Final ” f t
Attachment A8.3 The Survey Result on Projects Design by Each Village
Pilot Villagers Evaluation QFZO or Qeshm County managers/officers JPT member Project (Key Person) Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent Both the design and the budget that was dedicated. In my two projects I was expecting a different place Overall, the design was poor. The most The project's timing was short because work on to be selected, but a decent budget for the project. important aspect of the budget discussion was agricultural land is time-consuming. For example, the Kovarzin project could have been that the ratio of the budget to the project was Haft done in villages similar to the Tories or the Romans, not an appropriate number and did not provide Rangou which had more agricultural backgrounds. The lack the necessary requirements in some projects. (traditional Reason of ownership of the land in this project was a Some projects were not selected in terms of The Project for Community-based Susta garden) drawback to the design of this project and took a lot location, and I think some projects were of time and time for rural implementers. In Haft rushed. Rangou, everything was well-designed, but the coordination of people in the project was less felt and slowed down. A8-50 Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, to some extent Yes, very much Kovarzin We are satisfied with the support and training In general, design has not been appropriate. Yes, designs are very suitable. Selected areas (tour-guide) Reason classes. Locations are good, but the main reason is not have been tailor-made to the JICA program and covering the entire island of Qeshm. are tailored to the potential of the island. Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent The training was appropriate to the coaches and was To a certain extent, we did not recognize the Somewhat. If we had more time, we would complementary to the knowledge we had acquired involvement of the local community. Prior to these have made better designs. Project time was low Tabl already and experimentally. activities, participation was limited to family inable Development MasterPlan o (tour-guide) Reason gatherings. With the knowledge that has been created Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island now, they would have to re-design, they must have surely reduced the number of projects, but increase the amount of activity in each project. Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent Design has been good so far. In the future, the path Somewhat fit. Both in the selection of projects and in Design has been somewhat appropriate. to the museum must be expanded. Training should the budget debate, it was better to study and evaluate Appropriate budgets have been allocated, but Gouron be continuous and appropriate. JICA's goal is to get more the place for project implementation has not (open- people involved with the projects and make them been appropriate. Because none of the initial Repor Final Reason museum) reach a level of awareness so they can continue their ideas put forward by JICA was implemented. path. Designs are good for this purpose, planning is Pilot projects should last for at least 5 years. good, and we have the right budget. These JICA projects are more like a workshop than an executive pilot. ” f t
Satisfactory Yes, Very much Yes, Very much Yes, to some extent Yes, the design has been right Yes, it was right. The design and selection of the According to my experience, design was project site was completed after a year of study. relatively good, but the choice of villages Baseidou could be selected from other villages. In the (algae budget discussion, I think some projects did culture) Reason not fit and did not match the practical content of the project. Of course, these choices were based on the needs of the villages, but now that we are in the end, I think it could have been more accurate. Satisfactory Yes, Very much Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent Designed and implemented by the village team and In my two projects I was expecting a different place Because I was not at the beginning of the
supervised by JICA. to be selected, but a decent budget for the project. project, I cannot give it a precise view, but it The Project for Community-based Susta Kovarzin For example, the Kovarzin project could have been was, in general, somewhat appropriate and done in villages similar to the Tories or the Romans, could have been better. Projects could have (herb which had more agricultural backgrounds. The lack more root causes, such as the production of demonstrati Reason of ownership of the land in this project was a sustainable fresh water, and then in the next on garden) drawback to the design of this project and took a lot step, the use of water in agriculture of time and time for rural implementers. In Haft A8-51 Rangou, everything was well-designed, but the coordination of people in the project was less felt
and slowed down. Satisfactory Yes, Very much Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent The training was very good and has left lasting To a certain extent, we did not recognize the Somewhat. In choosing the place and the effects in our work. It was very helpful for us to involvement of the local community. Prior to these villages, I also think it would have been more Sohil discuss the training as ourselves determines the time activities, participation was limited to family appropriate to choose less-favored villages. In and place. gatherings. some projects, the effects of practical and (tour-guide) Reason With the knowledge that has been created now, they educational measures are not so obvious. inable Development MasterPlan o would have to re-design, they must have surely Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island reduced the number of projects, but increase the amount of activity in each project. Satisfactory Yes, Very much Yes, Very much Yes, to some extent Tabl (info-point) Yes, proper location design and budget. Yes, I think the design and the chosen location are Somewhat. If we had more time, we would Reason suitable for this project have made better designs. Project time was low Satisfactory Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent Selakh The budget has not been commensurate with this Both the design of the activities and the location of Overall, the design was poor. The most Repor Final (plant project. We have a problem of electricity and water the projects have been carefully selected important aspect of the budget discussion was culture) Reason supply to the project site. that the ratio of the budget to the project was not an appropriate number and did not provide
the necessary requirements in some projects. ” f t
Some projects were not selected in terms of location, and I think some projects were rushed. Satisfactory Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent After each educational and practical course, we need Designed to some extent. This was the first time that According to my experience, design was to retrain and remind us that what we have learned is collaborative village-based projects were relatively good, but for the choice of villages Kani not forgotten. Training was adequate and practical implemented so it could not be complete and other villages could have been selected. In the (algae training was very useful. Lacking access to the accurate, but for the next, it was a great classroom. budget discussion, I think some projects did culture) Reason appropriate crop of algae suspension delayed the not fit and did not match the practical content project somewhat. of the project. Of course, these choices were based on the needs of the villages, but now that we are in the end, I think it could have been more accurate.
Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent The Project for Community-based Susta Design was good in terms of location and action, but In general, design has not been appropriate. Design has been somewhat appropriate. we need more technical experts Locations are good, but the main reason is not Appropriate budgets have been allocated, but Mesen covering the entire island of Qeshm. the place for project implementation has not (tailoring been appropriate. Because none of the initial Reason workshop) ideas put forward by JICA was implemented. A8-52 Pilot projects should last for at least 5 years. These JICA projects are more like a workshop than an executive pilot.
Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, to some extent Yes, to some extent No idea I have no idea about the budget, but the location of I think the good character of the Japanese is a the projects is right. But I wanted JICA to look at the widespread study before the show. Given the Laft lesser-known villages. Of course, this requires deep expertise they have, I think the choices are (eco-muse knowledge. accurate and there may be some flaws, but Reason since the pilot is normal, some of them are not inable Development MasterPlan o um) Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island a good result. But since the projects have been piloted, it is natural that some of them do not have the proper result. The budgets were very good for training Hangom Satisfactory Yes, very much Yes, to some extent Yes, very much (algae Training has been enough. Diversity in this project The lack of innovation and the use of advanced In the plans I was in, the topics of the budget culture) Reason has made people's enthusiasm. technology has been the biggest flaw in design and and the location of the projects were implementation of projects. appropriate. Repor Final
” f t
Attachment A8.4 Lessons Learnt from Pilot Project
Pilot Villagers QFZO or Qeshm County Item JPT member Project (Key Person) managers/officers The lesson we learned was to plan It was a very interesting case for me to be and schedule according to accompanied by JICA experts who could schedule easily get along with rural people. The next item was their very nice and accurate planning, which was exactly the 5.1 Lessons same as the program. Allowing rural No idea learnt people to speak for themselves and this interaction was a great lesson for me. The Project for Community-based Susta Their peace of mind was interesting during the course of the project, but they demanded from villagers the required work within the prescribed time. We need to divide the work. This I suggest that we use groups that have The important thing in the recognition phase of the village should be A8-53 project has been somewhat been trained so far to train new groups. 5.2 more work. In this section, we need to start from the very beginning, solitary. More time and more meetings should be Villagers' creating more groups of people involved. We should try to avoid Team members should have considered for more information. It has to
Haftrangou competition or conflict between groups in a village during the improvements coordinated with each other and involve people in this phase with different implementation of a project. (Palm started the project. people and different groups garden) Financial auditing is boring and We were expecting expert and technical Many of JICA's activities were not optimal, and a high percentage of 5.3 JPT's time-consuming every month. It's talks from JICA experts, but we did not visits were without purpose and formalities, and were usually without better to be audited every three see this. achievement. There is, of course, the logic behind this, and this repetition improvements months. of the traffic, maybe you're looking for the slightest change and outcome, inable Development MasterPlan o but this trend was not at all appropriate for short-term projects. Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island We expect the Free Zone to More serious presence of the free zone The Free Zone Organization should take a much more serious step. In sponsor alongside JICA. They can contributes to the progress of the projects each of its management, they must have a working group for rural 5.4 QFZO's embark on access to the garden. More coordination should also arise with development. A centralized system can also be very useful. support Road lighting and tree planting government departments. can also be done by the Free Zone Organization. If we can provide palm We have used all our technical This section is very difficult for government departments, as the link 5.5 Qeshm plantations and build roads and capabilities. between the Free Zone Organization and government departments is very County's pavements for the land around us. inadequate, and I think there is a need for fundamental changes from Repor Final support Also, the old mosque of the higher authorities. village will be restored. ” f t
We tried to learn from JICA's I learned to feel compassion for my Firstly, I learned that the executor wants people instead of executing what team how to create order in our country. the employer wants. The biggest lesson I learned was that I should not be 5.1 Lessons lives. We created the schedule and direct sponsor and just evaluate. Regular and timely work out of the learnt order in our sailing services as lessons I received. And I learned much more from failures. Another was much as possible, the patience and patience that should be placed in the hearts of people with patience and humility. Maybe we'd better go to farming Education and more follow up If projects can be turned into companies, they can do more. We spent a and start mushrooming or lot of our time shifting people to the team. It's best to start a company 5.2 strawberries first and then go to pilot projects. Projects must also be able to engage Villagers' the entire village. I expect the countryside to be patient. People who improvements worked on projects worked voluntarily. They had to have a source of income, then they would enter the project and expect no income from JICA, but earn money through the project. We suggest to go to cooperative No comment We had problems with the definition of assistant and translator in our companies instead of specific team. This should be bordered. Translators were still only translators The Project for Community-based Susta Kavarzin people. after being assisted. I think in this case the service description should be (tour-guide 5.3 JPT's changed and the assignment should be specified. In terms of the ) management of the entire project, we had monthly meetings only at the improvements beginning, but did not continue despite my proposal to continue it. Perhaps training is needed. Our specialist forces need to stay in the
A8-54 village one day or two and live with them so that they can go faster to their hearts. Funding and providing land for The Free Zone Organization must prove Experts from the Free Zone Organization had difficulty traveling to work to the villagers that they want to work in villages after their time and afternoon, and their incentives should be favor of the village, and the Free Zone financially supported. Also, the problems between the managers of the 5.4 QFZO's Organization has no interest in doing this organization and their differences of opinion always hurt our work and support project for the development of the village. created inconsistencies. Perhaps, first of all, we would have asked the Free Zone Organization to create a separate unit for communication with JICA. If pilot projects are supposed to continue, they should understand inable Development MasterPlan o the need to establish this unit. Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island 5.5 Qeshm no comments No comments I do not know because we did not have contact with them at all. I propose County's the formation of joint committees for dialogue between government support departments and the Free Zone Organization. Pre-run training, regularization I have learned that Culture education and My look at the island development routine has changed. I feel like I've 5.1 Lessons and commitment to your good education can lead to progress and become more humane with the experiences I have gained. I learned the appointments, paying attention to development. flexibility of work. learnt Tabl all details, gaining experience on
an educational trip Repor Final (tour-guide It is better to engage in the Entrepreneurship education plus I believe in the hard work at the beginning. It is very important in rural ) 5.2 formation of a village team of partnership projects that there is a belief and commitment to work and commitment Villagers' village officials such as the imam to responsibility. improvements of the congregation or the head of In my opinion, there should be a mixture of top-down approach and a ” f the village council collaborative development approach so no problem will happen in the t
village and no delay in the progress of the work. Trainings include all the people of Accurate rural location and information A very basic elemental requirement is needed. Deprived villages and 5.3 JPT's the village and are continuous. and more details more important needs should be taken into consideration. improvements Permissions are not given without Facilitate provision, create a single The coordination between the management of the Free Zone 5.4 QFZO's education and, of course, for window to facilitate administrative and Organization should be better and the overlapping of responsibilities support continuing education transparency must be eliminated This will make the villagers' and JICA's homework clear and nobody will be confused.
5.5 Qeshm We expect the provision of Reduce administrative bureaucracy No idea County's tourism infrastructure from support government departments Having Long-term goals, think In short, I can say in two cases: one is an The adherence to the terms of the contract was one of the most important The Project for Community-based Susta ahead, do not wait for others to do expert and the other is a good lessons that I received, which unfortunately does not happen in most of 5.1 Lessons something for us, work in a team, documentation our countries. learnt be positive. We have the order The second lesson I learned during the implementation of the JICA and patience in the work. project was to attract public contribution so that its effects would remain for a long time in villages. Teach them first and then enter The selection of the project must be very Villagers should be trained, for example, in filling out financial forms. A8-55 the project. Maybe it's even better careful to reach the main subject in the Villagers should demand more training. Villagers are eager to work and if 5.2 to just teach the first year. People village. The villagers should be given a they are properly trained, they will be able to demonstrate their abilities need to know that they need clearer picture of the project. well. Villagers' improvements patience to reach the goal. Now after two years people have come to this understanding. Gouran We need more training. JICA had not been sufficiently aware of I think that Jica practices were good, only the selection of projects could (open- Facilities or technology do not the choice of projects during this period if have been better, and otherwise JICA did excellent job. make the new world, but it is projects were re-elected differently after inable Development MasterPlan o museum) actually the thoughts of managers three years. JICA's initial knowledge was Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island 5.3 JPT's who are leading professionals. If not enough to select the projects and their JICA wants to make the largest location improvements investment in Qeshm, they need to educate the managers. Current managers do not realize that what they are doing now cannot be called management. Has not donated at the moment. I think the scope of the projects should be Improve management inconsistency. When there is no coordination Final Repor Final Should have financial support. limited. between the deputy finance directorate and the deputy director of 5.4 QFZO's For example, the green space or The JICA project was a general project development in the Free Zone Organization, this is very disturbing and support the lighthouse should help. The that reduced JICA power and moving affects the outcome and estimation of pilot projects. scheme is known as Eco-Island from one issue to another, resulting in a ” f and the Free Zone Organization waste of money in these projects. t
should continue to do so. Reduce administrative bureaucracy and make it easy for people to get a simple license. We need a comprehensive plan for our museum. 5.5 Qeshm no comments No comments Problems between government agencies and free-zone management County's should be reduced. It's best to create a collaborative team to solve issues support at a specific location and time. In addition to our cultivation Engaging in popular participation was the Looking from the bottom up was my first lesson to see the roles of method, we learned from JICA most important lesson we learned. We ordinary people in the projects. The other things are the team work in the 5.1 Lessons self-esteem, teamwork, and also had experiences from the past. true sense of each employee and fill each other with the help of each learnt follow up to complete the work. other. I learned about discipline and discipline from Jakarta. Another
important issue is commitment to time and planning. The Project for Community-based Susta The suggestion of breeding We have no problems in the rural sector, No comments 5.2 fishing cages, team expansion, but the representative of the project's more coordination in the division executor was not an expert technician. Villagers' of labor, and The village team can improve, but not the improvements leaders spend more time on the key A8-56 project Basaidou We expect to be more accurate The project's representative was not a JICA's team has worked well.
(algae 5.3 JPT's and better informed than the good technical expert. culture) improvements process. To teach us how to breed shrimp on land We expect the Free Zone For the QFZ organization. The technical . Organization to find a solution for expert is a key point as well. The Free Zone Organization does not just play a role of observer, but 5.4 QFZO's better use of fish in Basaidu. For must play its part in the successful implementation of the projects. example, launching a canning or inable Development MasterPlan o support packing plant, as well as Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island providing training and financial support to the villagers. Our main expectation is the We have made every effort to ensure that Similar to the Free Zone, they must play an active role in implementing 5.5 Qeshm granting of fishing licenses. we have sufficient cooperation and projects and provide more support to villagers County's cooperation in the implementation of support projects.
The lessons we learned from As a result of JICA projects, I learned that The adherence to the terms of the contract was one of the most important
Repor Final Kovarzin Jakarta include work ordering, in two years I learned to work together as lessons that I received, which unfortunately does not happen in most of 5.1 Lessons improved presentation and a group. our countries. The second lesson I learned during the implementation (herb learnt expressing opinions, self-esteem, of the JICA project was to attract public contribution so that its effects demonstrat and the emergence of abilities, as would remain for a long time in villages. ion garden) well as the ability to transfer ” f t
content to other villages. It is better to have rural teams The number of rural projects should be Villagers should be trained, for example, in filling out financial forms. 5.2 registered as cooperative limited Villagers should demand more training. Villagers are eager to work and if Villagers' companies. they are properly trained, they will be able to demonstrate their abilities improvements well.
Get the necessary permission One of the reasons why JICA was I think that JICA practices were good, only the selection of projects could beforehand. expanding the project was to give have been better, and otherwise Jica did excellent job. everyone a chance. This spread became 5.3 JPT's problematic. For the future, my suggestion is to be limited. We must improvements evaluate our capacities not to hit our environment. We need to have
professional experts in the field of limited The Project for Community-based Susta and specific training. Coordination and collaboration QFZO has not paid to JICA for the Improve management inconsistency. When there is no coordination between different administrations project, but it is demanding a big scale between the deputy finance directorate and the deputy director of is the most important problem result. QFZO has to demand to development in the Free Zone Organization, this is very disturbing and that needs to be corrected. companies the output compatible with the affects the outcome and estimation of pilot projects costs.
A8-57 money it paid to them, but not to JICA. 5.4 QFZO's Our vacuum space was our contact with support the consultant who was in Jakarta with whom we had complete contact. We have to accept that we do not know what we know. In our organization, the people who understood the JICA project are very small. Facilitate the granting of permits No comments Problems between government agencies and free-zone management inable Development MasterPlan o 5.5 Qeshm to villages should be reduced. It's best to create a collaborative team to solve issues Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island County's at a specific location and time. support
Training and transfer of The training course in Japan was very My look at the island development routine has changed. I feel like I've Soheili experiences to each other, proper informative. I learned things like become more humane with the experiences I have gained. I learned the (tour-guide 5.1 Lessons treatment and better dialogue with punctuality, teamwork, and humility flexibility of work. ) learnt tourists, acquisition of knowledge during work. about Hara forests Final Repor Final ” f t
Establishing a cooperative Teaching teamwork, providing goals and I believe in the hard work at the beginning. It is very important in rural 5.2 company, empowering and training to members of the village team is projects that there is a belief and commitment to work and commitment educating members of the a fundamental requirement before the to responsibility. In my opinion, there should be a mixture of top-down Villagers' cooperative project starts. Training should be for all approach and a collaborative development approach so no problem will improvements members of a group, not just for specific happen in the village and no delay in the progress of the work. and limited people. Training for diversification of Entering the local community is based on A very basic elemental requirement is needed. Deprived villages and products, village-level education strong social studies and covers the initial more important needs should be taken into consideration. 5.3 JPT's and boarding training for the needs of the entire rural community. improvements benefit of the village
Financial support, administrative Due to the rapid changes in the The coordination between the management of the Free Zone cooperation and licensing, management of the Free Zone Organization should be better and the overlapping of responsibilities
infrastructure development, such Organization, there cannot be much must be eliminated and this will make the villagers' and JICA's The Project for Community-based Susta as quay equipping, cultural affairs reform. homework clear and nobody will be confused. 5.4 QFZO's promotion. We also expect the support Free Zone Organization to confirm the competence of the cooperative members. Modify the road guide and collect A8-58 non-standard signs. Providing tourism infrastructure, No comments No idea
5.5 Qeshm changing boats without causing double pressure on boats, building County's docks and shadows, providing support emergency or medical emergency points at the pier We learned timing, hardworking, discipline and accountability My look at the island development routine has changed. I feel like I've 5.1 Lessons consulting, and confidence from become more humane with the experiences I have gained. I learned the inable Development MasterPlan o learnt the JICA team. flexibility of work. Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island
5.2 The proposal to set up the field of Public participation, especially from the I believe in the hard work at the beginning. It is very important in rural Villagers' crafts production education and officials of each village projects that there is a belief and commitment to work and commitment Tabl also the establishment of a to responsibility. In my opinion, there should be a mixture of top-down improvements (info-point handicraft workshop approach and a collaborative development approach so no problem will
) ) happen in the village and no delay in the progress of the work. The program must be clear from No comment A very basic elemental requirement is needed. Deprived villages, which the beginning. Unfortunately, it are with fewer facilities and located in a more distant areas from Qeshm Final Repor Final was unclear to us from the City should be considered and more important needs should be taken into 5.3 JPT's beginning, and we gradually consideration. improvements realized what the general purpose was, and from the beginning it ” f was not definite. t
The Tourism Authority must Support continues as before The coordination between the management of the Free Zone support the launch of the field. Organization should be better and the overlapping of responsibilities 5.4 QFZO's Organizing language classes, must be eliminated, which will make the villagers' and JICA's homework support holding training camps, providing clear and this will make the villagers' and JICA's homework clear and travel services, holding seminars nobody will be confused. and workshops can help us. 5.5 Qeshm Supporting and conducting valid Financial and administrative support us No idea County's language courses and language support classes Regulation, consultation with It was an experience of a collective effort Regular reporting and planning for activities team members, decisiveness in to carry out a joint project and in this work, commitment, clarity and way, with the help of JICA, we were 5.1 Lessons transparency in work better touching the problems that we had
learnt not faced before the start of the JICA The Project for Community-based Susta project, and we found out how much we had a problem in collaborative work in the villages. We need to be more careful about I have a lot of discussions about how to The commitment of the villagers to their obligations. Budgeting and 5.2 forming a team and have a closer pick a team. There was no precision in the planning more accurately look at each other before we formation of the team. Individual village A8-59 Villagers' begin leaders should be members of the team improvements from the outset, and small and personal
teams cannot win public participation. Salakh The staff of Iranian consultants Select workgroups more carefully. The The experience of local and native experts should be taken into (plant and experts in the JICA team local experts are more involved and the consideration culture) must be more complete. good selection of projects has been due to 5.3 JPT's Indigenous advisers from Qeshm the presence of these forces to implement projects. In the improvements JICA team, the natives of the inable Development MasterPlan o island will be more used to Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island provide more accurate knowledge and information. More financial support. The It has often happened that villagers are Acting on promises and commitments to the people island's people need to be eager to start a project supported QFZO supported in line with the needs or county, but they soon become 5.4 QFZO's and desires of the island, focusing discouraged because of the lack of on creating jobs centered on the consistency of the support. I think there is support
sea, not polluting industries. a need for more concentration to Repor Final continue, and it might be best to create a new unit in QGZO responsible for the pilot projects. ” f t
The government department Urban affairs agencies did not have much There must be more coordination and maximum cooperation. These 5.5 Qeshm should be more involved with the to do with high-level projects like the inconsistencies have greatly delayed the progress of projects in people. Do not treat them with a JICA project, and they were only agriculture and water. There is much more expectation for coordination County's negative attitude. The lack of trust involved only at the technical level on the and collaboration to be done on the implementation or success of a support between people and the ground. specific project. government is very unfortunate. Discipline in work, compliance Use community involvement in projects Looking from the bottom up was my first lesson to see the roles of with obligations ordinary people in the projects. The other things are the team work in the 5.1 Lessons true sense of each employee and fill each other with the help of each learnt other. I learned about discipline and discipline from Jakarta. Another important issue is commitment to time and planning. The formation of a cooperative, a Maximum participation by villagers No comments 5.2 Villagers commitment to regular
'improvements participation in meetings and The Project for Community-based Susta training courses Participation is good in this Application of Innovation in Design and JICA's team has worked well. village, but if the project is left to Modern Technologies in the the people and their cooperative Implementation of Future Projects Kani 5.3 JPT's company, then the training will (algae become available for everyone A8-60 improvements culture) and the objective of the project will be understood by people
better. We expect to launch shrimp Providing more financial and technical The Free Zone Organization does not just play a role of observer and 5.4 QFZO's fishing projects or fish in cages to support to the villagers must play its part in the successful implementation of the projects. support create employment and marketing for algae products. Authorization and location and No comments Similar to the Free Zone, they must play an active role in implementing inable Development MasterPlan o 5.5 Qeshm land allocation for fisheries projects and provide more support to villagers Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island County's projects support
Clear financial management, discipline in work The training course in Japan was very informative. I learned things like 5.1 Lessons Understanding your abilities, punctuality, teamwork, and humility during work. learnt Confidence, Teamwork Mesen
(tailoring Early refinement and initial The villagers are very good at the Teaching teamwork, providing goals and training to members of the Repor Final workshop) assessment of trainees before beginning of each project, but village team is a fundamental requirement before the project starts. 5.2 Villagers entering the project unfortunately they leave too soon. Training should be for all members of a group, not just for specific and 'improvements Participation should be continuous and limited people. continuous ” f t
The work of the JICA team was Take the villagers to visit what they are Entering the local community is based on strong social studies and very good but not without fail. supposed to do to get acquainted with covers the initial needs of the entire rural community. 5.3 JPT's Non-payment of wages to the successful examples. This did not happen main village personnel of the in the field of handicrafts. This improvements project has caused some of the acquaintance makes you interested people who initially worked with us to leave this project. Until now, no training classes They should use more relevant experts to Given the rapid changes in the management of the Free Trade were held in our village. After grow both the community where the Organization, it is not easy to make modifications to management 5.4 QFZO's Jakarta we continue to need project is to be run and the experts as approaches. support continuous and continuous well. training and holding various classes with a variety of topics. No idea No comments No comments
5.5 Qeshm The Project for Community-based Susta County's support discipline in work and have a What I found through JICA is that if you In the pilot project, I learned the biggest lesson I learned that the wider view succeed in knowing, collaborating and implementation of such programs should be from the bottom up. From 5.1 Lessons team-building and respecting your local the outset, there were meetings for familiarizing and assessing the A8-61 learnt community you will be successful. interest and motivation of villagers to carry out a pilot project in their Another was the very precise and village, and after evaluating them, we arrived at plans that were sought accurate documentation. by the people. It's better to choose members and If there's another chance, you should be We should go further towards the work of the cooperative bodies, in 5.2 someone in the team to be caring careful about closing the team. JICA other words, we must increase the participation of the villagers. Some and enthusiastically enthusiastic should not make a person very big cooperatives were very small and there was no need for them and I Villagers' about the project. because he considers the person to be expect more participation from the villagers. improvements versatile and expects all things to be done Laft from his channel and become proud. inable Development MasterPlan o JICA is better of working with a Both experts and specialists, as well as This discussion of engagement is two-way and should be planned in such Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island (eco-muse team with more experiences. the location of projects, should be a way. 5.3 JPT's amended um) improvements
This free zone has been With social behaviors I saw from my The Free Zone Organization has been working, but it was expected that cooperating with us. colleagues that these behaviors are highly they would take advantage of JICA's presence in Qeshm and show a determinative in the continuation of the more active and vigorous engagement.
5.4 QFZO's projects. JICA's team was very humble Repor Final and communicated with very good support people. The people understood that the Japanese were not looking for a special purpose in the villages. I think the team ” f that came in was a great team t
No idea I think the range of people who It was also expected from government departments that there was a collaborated with the organizations was maximum participation, as the state administration had less involvement 5.5 Qeshm very limited. in the design and implementation of pilot projects than in the Free Zone Some managers or experts in Organization. County's QFZO/Qeshm county do not allow their support young experts to show their abilities because of jealousy, which is a kind of mismanagement. The work of the team was very Engaging in popular participation was the Looking from the bottom up was my first lesson to see the roles of precise and very practical training most important lesson we learned. We ordinary people in the projects. The other things are the team work in the 5.1 Lessons that has been informative to us. also had experiences from the past. true sense of each employee and fill each other with the help of each Also, the method of using the other. I learned about discipline and discipline from Jakarta. Another learnt potential of each region for the important issue is commitment to time and planning. development of that region is also very informative. The Project for Community-based Susta To form a working team, be used We have no problems in the rural sector, No comments by volunteers who are but the representative of the project's 5.2 Villagers enthusiastic about the project and executor was not an expert technician. 'improvements have the responsibility. The village team can improve, but not the key
A8-62 Hengam (algae Our suggestion is to look at the The project's representative was not a JICA's team has worked well. tourist capacity when looking at it good technical expert. culture)
5.3 JPT's and that the ladies would move in improvements that direction. Projects go hand in hand with crafts, as well as quick and productive projects. Aid for the workshop for the QFZ organization. The technical The Free Zone Organization does not just play a role of observer, but 5.4 QFZO's infrastructure and handicraft tools expert is a key point as well. must play its part in the successful implementation of the projects. support in line with the region and the inable Development MasterPlan o canvas Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island 5.5 Qeshm Donation and Granting a We have made every effort to ensure that Similar to the Free Zone, they must play an active role in implementing Cooperative company License we have sufficient cooperation and projects and provide more support to villagers County's cooperation in the implementation of support projects.
Final Repor Final ” f t
Attachment A8.5 The Survey Result on Qeshmineh by Each Village
Item Evaluation Villagers Ladies (Key Person) QFZO or Qeshm County managers/officers JPT member The objective is very good, addressing the right The objective is very good, addressing the right The objective is very good, addressing the right issue for Satisfactory issue for Qeshm. issue for Qeshm. Qeshm. It seemed to us the best way. In terms of the Both the goal and the good method have been Qeshmineh was not in JICA projects, but we saw that method, the store is good and it is located in chosen. There are many meetings for this rural women suffered from a lack of permanent sales. 1.Objective Qeshm and our products are supplied. But our category. Spacious and, of course, temporary in many places, there of problem is we do not know how to get our is the opportunity to try to solve the problem of selling Qeshmineh Reason products into the store. handicrafts by setting up a store. The goal of this project is very well chosen, but there seems to be some problems in performance. My explanation is that the time it takes to judge this store is at least two to three years. The Project for Community-based Susta If a location with higher visibility and better If a location with higher visibility and better If a location with higher visibility and better access Satisfactory access could be found in City Center-2 or access could be found in City Center-2 or could be found in City Center-2 or preferably in City preferably in City Center-1. preferably in City Center-1. Center-1. It's not the right place, maybe after a while. For We have to choose a place that is crowded and The role that I see for the store is not so much a place, example, the City Center lobby can be a good busy. Now Citi City is more attractive than and because of that, the location is not at all important, A8-63 option. We will have fewer customers in elsewhere. There are foreign tourists in villages and so the current location is right. Shopping can now be Qeshm. We need to have a single storefront but the audience is special and not public. Rural done through cyberspace and orders can be made. 2. Location and, more importantly, have enough visitors. If stores are usually small and affect the quality of
Reason we have a branch in the villages, especially on the product. tourist sites such as Soheil, Slope and Cute Islands, there will surely be more sales. If our customers can visit rural shopping centers as well as shopping, then it's possible that the Qeshmina village branches can also be opened. inable Development MasterPlan o Many of them are cooperative and active, but Many of them are cooperative and active, but Many of them are cooperative and active, but some are Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island Satisfactory some are not some are not not The vendors have not had much support , but Most of them have good interactions with each Most of these women are active but some are not they have been active at the store but have to be other and they are active able to attract the customer. In addition to the 3. Attitude vendor, it's best to have a small production of village sample simultaneously in the store. Dealers should give us more feedback to improve or Reason women diversify our products. This may not be pleasant, but it will ultimately be in our favor Repor Final for the benefit of the store. Shop orders should be transparent and announced to all manufacturers to avoid pessimism. Orders are ” f
even better for members to divide. t
We did some publicity activities, but should We did some publicity activities, but not We did some publicity activities, but not sufficiently Satisfactory have done them in a different way sufficiently In the brochure, village's handicrafts are still Our advertising is not enough and should be Advertisements in cyberspace and media like TV, etc., unknown to the tourists and the Qeshmina store increased. Renting billboards in the city can be a should increase advertising. can also advertise rural stores. Advertising good option 4. Publicity should be different. For example, encouraging taxi drivers or tour leaders to promote promotion Reason Qeshmayn. Qeshm streets can be used on billboards. The current location of the store is small and therefore, in the larger local area, it is possible to advertise villages by placing villages products.
The Project for Community-based Susta
A8-64
inable Development MasterPlan o Qeshm Island toward “Eco-island Final Repor Final ” f t