Paradise Island lies 100km south of the equator in warm, clear tropical seas. It is a small island (about 10km by 5km), with no airport, though it has some roads. It has a population of about 500 people, mainly living in one village, Paradise Town, at the north east corner of the island.
Paradise Town is very sheltered and has a small natural harbour, from where the island’s fishermen – and fishing is the island’s main activity – go out to sea to harvest the rich supplies of seafood from Paradise Reef.
Paradise Island has wide, perfect sandy beaches fringed by palms; lovely reefs – and a rainforest on the hills in the centre of the island.
Paradise Developments have seen the potential of the island – and they propose to develop it.. The biggest tourism developers in the region, they already have developments (started ten years ago) on Paradise Island’s much bigger neighbour, Main Island, 10 km away (where they are the only developer, and where there is an airport). Following a fact-finding visit, their main office, in Europe, has provided the regional staff with a plan for a development on Paradise Island, which they have been told to implement.
Paradise Development’s developments are holiday destinations for westerners, with neat lawns, swimming pools, restaurants where the food is mainly western, with just a little local flavour, and where local people put on evening shows of dance and music for the tourists, as well as working as waiters/waitresses, kitchen staff and cleaners.
It seems that all is not well on Main Island: reports come back of increasing unemployment, drug problems and prostitution among the bright, noisy bars of the waterfront.
Paradise Developments have no CSR or Environmental Policies – there has never been a reason to have these in the region, from the company’s point of view.
Paradise Developments say that this is Paradise Island’s big chance for prosperity, jobs and a bright future on the world’s tourism map.
Local NGO SPIES (South Pacific Island Environment and Stakeholders) are not so sure. They are concerned for the people of Paradise Island.
They see what has happened with unrestrained tourism development on Main Island (communities changed forever, a few jobs created – but almost all junior - and local people excluded from the beaches and coast that were once their own) and they are concerned to prevent this happening on Paradise Island.
SPIES are also concerned about the impact of the development on the outstanding natural character of the island. It is a near-pristine tropical island, with a superb reef, abundant and varied marine wildlife (including whales which breed nearby, sharks, seabirds, turtles), and a primary rainforest which is important for primates and a large regionally endemic eagle.
The local media, Paradise Island News (PIN – sharp as a pin!) will be following – and reporting on – the story vigorously: and PIN is heard all around the region, so news heard here can soon get out to the region – and beyond – if it is interesting or controversial enough.
The decision on whether the development can go ahead lies (depending on your own area of interest) with the investment committee of a major bank, who Paradise Developments have approached for the necessary capital; or with the Island’s elected Council, who decide the outcome of all planning proposals…
You will either be a developer, a campaigner, or a decision-maker: and the future of the island lies with you!
In your team you will campaign and negotiate for what you see as the right outcome.
Understanding and appreciation of CSR; negotiation skills; innovation and creativity; leadership; team skills; strategic planning – they are all features of the Paradise Island roleplay – there’s no better way to get people connected with the ideas and concerns of CSR!
