OUR TEAM
The core of Chumbe`s project lies with the Chumbe Team running it. It ensures your needs and desires are given utmost attention during your stay with us!
Out of our 45 employees, 99% are Tanzanians with over two thirds from local communities. Wherever possible, we employ people from nearby communities, which helps local people to understand the tangible benefits of our eco-tourism and conservation endeavours, and fosters a positive relationship with our neighbours and their families. With only 7 rooms, CHICOP therefore, has probably the highest employee/room ratio of any tourism business in Tanzania, and three times the international average for eco-lodges.
The management style on the island is very different from a regular hotelier operation. All project decisions are made with opportunity for all concerned to express their opinions and wishes. Whilst the management team comprises of two expatriate staff, much of their work entails training of local employees who will ultimately manage the project independent of foreign expertise. Therefore, it has been important from the beginning to ensure that ideas from the team be given a chance to be developed. Decisions and systems established must be accepted by all and be culturally suitable.
A third of our staff is directly involved in conservation management and education, while the whole team is extremely proud of the successful protection of the Marine Park and the eco-tourism framework under which it operates. In particular, former fishers are recruited and trained as park rangers and stationed on the island.
On Chumbe Island we promote equal opportunities to all staff, whether they are cooks, waiters, house-keepers, maintenance staff or other, and actively encourage the employment of women as in the local Islamic culture, undereducated women from rural communities often find it difficult to find employment. Because of the pride all staff take in their work and benefits they experience, staff turnover at Chumbe is exceptionally low for the tourism industry in Tanzania.
In summary, our team has been empowered by the project through a unique approach to protected area management and is feeling a sense of ownership and responsibility for the environment which is of great significance for the long-term security of wildlife preservation in East Africa.
