Syntropic Agroforestry Program in Raja Ampat: A Sustainable Conservation Initiative by Papua Diving Resorts

Syntropic Agroforestry is a regenerative approach that integrates trees, crops, and native vegetation to mimic natural ecosystems. 

In the Kebar Valley of Tambrauw, the land is naturally fertile, but years of single-crop farming and slash-and-burn practices have turned many areas into degraded grasslands, unsuitable for long-term cultivation.

The program’s founder, Max Ammer, has spent decades committed to conservation in Raja Ampat. With this project, he and his team broaden their initiatives to the larger Southwest Papua, aiming to blend ecology with empowerment, restoring balance to the land while supporting local Papuan livelihoods.

Rather than burning land, the programme restores it through sustainable methods, replanting native and food-bearing species such as cacao, banana, coconut, coffee, Matoa, Lengua, and Kayu Besi. These plantings not only revive soil health but also provide a long-term food source and income opportunity for local families.

What sets this project apart is its community-first mindset. Local people are not just participants; they are core team members. They’re trained in syntropic agroforestry techniques and encouraged to apply them in their own backyards, creating a ripple effect of sustainable land use across the region.

Read more on how we build sustainability into every aspect of our operation.

Source: RARCC Agroforestry Program

The Stewards for Nature Agroforestry Program is a bold, community-led reforestation initiative with a goal to plant one million trees in degraded grasslands  of Southwest Papua. 

Spearheaded by Papua Diving Resorts and its nonprofit arm, RARCC, this initiative combines sustainability science with deep local knowledge.

Each species planted is selected for its environmental and social impact, improving soil, providing shade and food, and generating sustainable income for nearby villages.

By planting trees that provide food, materials, and income, the programme opens new possibilities for families. Locals can diversify what they grow and sell, increasing household income and reducing dependency on unsustainable practices like slash-and-burn agriculture. 

From homemade chocolate to fresh bananas and honey, these goods could be enjoyed by visiting guests or sold in local markets, creating a thriving, circular economy rooted in conservation.

The project is gaining real momentum. Tens of thousands of trees have already been planted, with a bold goal of reaching one million. 

A recent highlight? The program’s first cacao harvest marked a major step toward producing locally made chocolate that could one day be shared with resort guests and surrounding communities.

In addition to cacao, the team has also planted coffee and introduced beehives, with honey production expected soon. This mix of crops boosts biodiversity and strengthens local food systems, helping to create a future where Papuan farmers become stewards of their own land.

Just as important as planting trees is growing leadership. Recent meetings with schools and government officials have laid the foundation for stronger community involvement. 

The team is actively working with local leaders to build a sustainable support network, while also establishing train-the-trainer programmes, so that knowledge and skills can be passed on from one villager to the next.

This movement isn’t just about growing trees; it’s about cultivating a generation of local stewards who understand the value of the land and are equipped to protect it.

You can follow ongoing milestones and visuals directly from the field via Instagram @rarcc.agroforestry.

You don’t have to visit the agroforestry site to make a difference. Just by staying at Papua Diving Resorts, you’re already supporting conservation. A portion of every booking goes directly to fund RARCC (Raja Ampat Research & Conservation Centre)’s efforts, including the syntropic agroforestry farm.

Our guests are invited to on-site conservation presentations by our founder, Max, where he shares stories, data, and visuals from the field. It’s a powerful reminder that diving in Raja Ampat isn’t just about the sea, it’s also about stewardship of the land. 

Want to do more? You can make a direct donation through the RARCC website or speak to our staff during your stay.

It’s a chance to go beyond sightseeing and become part of something truly meaningful. From reforestation to reef protection, your trip helps preserve Raja Ampat’s fragile ecosystems.

See how we protect our reefs, including our hands-on fish net removal initiative.

Max Ammer and a local Papuan share a warm, genuine moment

Papua Diving Resorts' agroforestry program is part of a larger, purpose-driven approach to conservation. Our initiatives extend into community-based projects that foster both ecological restoration and economic empowerment:

• Kayak4Conservation (Returning soon): Although temporarily paused during the pandemic, Kayak4Conservation is a community-driven initiative that supports the local economy by connecting travelers with homestays across Raja Ampat through guided kayak tours.
• Aviation training for locals: A training initiative designed to provide local people with aviation skills to support sustainable tourism in the region.
• Wastewater gardens: A Wastewater garden is an eco-friendly solution to waste management that prevents nutrification contamination and protects marine ecosystems.