RAJA AMPAT ISLANDS

WEST PAPUA INDONESIA

The Raja Ampat, or “Four Kings,” archipelago encompasses more than 9.8 million acres of land and sea off the northwestern tip of Indonesia’s West Papua Province. Located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, the seas around Raja Ampat possibly hold the richest variety of species in the world.

The area’s massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resistant to threats like coral bleaching and disease —threats that now jeopardize the survival of corals around the world. In addition, Raja Ampat’s strong ocean currents sweep coral larvae across the Indian and Pacific Oceans to replenish other reef ecosystems. Raja Ampat’s coral diversity, resilience to threats, and ability to replenish reefs make it a global priority for marine protection.

Survey Confirms Highest Marine Biodiversity on Earth
In 2002, The Nature Conservancy and its partners conducted a scientific survey of the Raja Ampat Islands to collect information on its marine ecosystems, mangroves, and forests. The survey brought Raja Ampat’s total number of confirmed corals to 537 species— an incredible 75% of all known coral species. In addition, 899 fish species were recorded, raising the known total for Raja Ampat to an amazing 1,074. On land, the survey found lush forests, rare plants, limestone outcroppings, and nesting beachesfor thousands of sea turtles.

Though human impacts here are less severe than elsewhere in Indonesia, Raja Ampat’s natural resources are endangered by over fishing and destructive fishing, turtle poaching, and unsustainable logging. The Indonesian government recently established Raja Ampat as a separate administrative unit, which will give communities a greater say in managing the natural resources upon which their livelihoods depend. This structure also offers an important opportunity to include conservation in the spatial planning of the newly formed local government.

Ensuring Conservation through Partnerships
To address these issues, the Conservancy launched a new project to protect Raja Ampat, working in close partnership with the government and communities to: 1) contribute to a comprehensive conservation action plan to protect Raja Ampat’s reefs and forests; 2) help incorporate marine protected area management into long-term planning and policy; and, 3) establish a network of marine protected areas for Raja Ampat.

The Conservancy’s ultimate goal is to protect Raja Ampat’s magnificent reefs while sustaining the livelihoods of local people. Raja Ampat includes the four large islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool, plus hundreds of smaller islands. The archipelago is part of an area known as the Bird’s Head functional seascape, which also contains Cenderawasih Bay, the largest marine national park in Indonesia.

Come and dive in Raja Ampat Islands with Our Liveaboards

Source:

www.rajaampat.org

www.raja4-papua.com

11 Day – 10 Night PAPUA Raja Ampat
Day 1 From Jakarta or Ujungpandang or Manado – Sorong – RajaAmpat
Arrive Sorong. Transfer to boat. Depart for RajaAmpat. Begin dive
program. Meals onboard.

Day 2 through Day 9 RajaAmpat
Full dive schedule. Meals onboard.

Day 10 RajaAmpat – Sorong
Morning dives. Meals onboard. Overnight on the stay on the boat.

Day 11 Sorong – Manado or Jakarta or Denpasar
Breakfast onboard. Disembark, travel to Sorong’s airport for flight
To Jakarta or Denpasar or Manado.

End of Service.

Prices INCLUDE:
the boat and the diving, tanks, weights, weight belts, dive guide, meals, transfers airport-seaport v.v., entrance fee.

Retribution fee. Airfares, softdrinks/beer, conservation fee are NOT included.

Price: US$ 3.000/Person Min 04 Divers for Guarantee Departure.
Advance booking is recommend, at least 4 months ahead to avoid over booking.

We recommend divers to use own equipment/gear (except tanks) for utmost comfort and to avoid excessive rental in long programs.