More than thirty years ago, Max Ammer, a Dutch history enthusiast, received a tip from his then-owner, a war veteran, a couple of sunken World War II plane in Indonesian waters. This tip sparked a four-month diving expedition through various archipelagos, during which Ammer consulted with local fishermen. Among the places visited, Raja Ampat within the Indonesian province of West Papua stood out for its extraordinary marine biodiversity and distant, untouched nature.
Raja Ampat, positioned within the Coral Triangle, covers over 4 million hectares and includes roughly 1,500 islands. Famous for its unparalleled marine life, home to over 1,600 species of fish and 75% of the world’s known coral species, Raja Ampat has earned the fame of “the last paradise on Earth.”
Ammer’s deep appreciation for the region inspired him to found the Kri Eco Dive Resort in 1994, with the goal of coaching local divers and introducing guests to the pristine underwater world. This initiative, together with others, has contributed to Raja Ampat’s conservation success.
About twenty years ago, Raja Ampat faced challenges akin to unregulated fishing and unsustainable practices, which led to the decline of the industry. However, concerted efforts, including the creation of marine protected areas and community engagement, have reversed this trend. The inclusion of Raja Ampat within the Bird’s Head Seascape initiative in 2004 was a turning point that resulted in significant improvements in fish populations, coral recovery and the safety of local communities’ livelihoods.
Similarly, Marit Miners, co-founder of Misool Eco Resort and the Misool Foundation, emphasized the importance of engaging local communities in conservation efforts. Their initiatives, akin to establishing no-fishing zones and implementing sustainable practices on the resort, have led to a remarkable revival of marine life.
Despite these achievements, maintaining the momentum for environmental protection requires continued commitment from quite a lot of stakeholders, including local communities, governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations. Miners highlighted the evolving nature of threats to marine ecosystems, emphasizing the necessity for sustained collaborative efforts.
Both Ammer and Miners highlighted the great thing about Raja Ampat’s sea and land landscapes, encouraging visitors to interact with local communities and immerse themselves within the region’s culture.
Ultimately, the charm of Raja Ampat lies not only in its breathtaking natural wonders, but additionally in the heat and hospitality of its people, making it a spot treasured by tourists and locals alike.
