RARCC aims to protect and preserve Raja Ampat’s natural beauty, encourage, assist, and facilitate research on its flora and fauna, combat poverty among the local population, teach the local communities about sustainable use of their natural resources, promote green awareness among the local population and assist the local population to work in sustainable tourism.
At RARCC, we believe that having indigenous communities participate in tourism projects is a key solution to conserving Raja Ampat – from day one we’ve worked closely with the local Papuan people by providing them with better alternatives and education so that they would abandon destructive practices such as illegal logging, blast fishing, shark finning or turtle poaching.
Some projects that we’re currently undertaking include coral farming and coral reef restoration. We’ve seen spectacular environmental growth in our house reef which is now the richest reef in the world. RARCC also facilitates research by students, researchers, and scientists plus supports all work in sustainability and marine conservation in Raja Ampat.
Environmental Projects: With support from Papua Diving Resorts, regular patrols have put an end to shark finning, turtle hunting, and destructive fishing activities while creating awareness amongst guests and staff.
Kayak 4 Conservation: An initiative to promote sustainable tourism in Raja Ampat by creating jobs that adhere to sustainability. We’ll help the local people to start their own businesses by giving them interest-free loans to build homestays.
Community Projects: We teach the villagers how to grow their own crops and harvesting methods with the least possible impact on the environment so that they can supply their families with healthy & fresh foods. We also source vitamins for the local children in the surrounding villages.
Batanta Education Center: Creating opportunities by providing necessary education for kids in the remote village of Sauwandarek. We've built three classrooms, hired three amazing teachers, and are now proud to have 66 students learning and growing with us.
Re-Shark Project: The first zebra shark hatchery in Raja Ampat was established right here on Kri Island. Three zebra shark pups hatched from the eggs, got their tags, and, when they were ready, we released them into the ocean as cool juveniles.
Sustainable Diving: We work together with dive operators, dive resorts and with the local community in Raja Ampat to adopt and implement sustainable diving practices. This includes using environmentally friendly equipment, minimizing their impact on the environment, and educating customers about marine conservation.
