Conservation
While Raja Ampat has the world's largest marine biodiversity, the diverse islands provide a unique home for many land animals and humans. Unfortunately this paradise is in great danger. Climate change, coral bleaching, mass tourism and the increasing pollution of the seas are threatening this sensitive ecosystem.
What happens in Raja Ampat has a direct impact on all oceans and thus on the entire earth. By raising the awareness of and educating today's youth of Raja Ampat, we hope to increase awareness of environmental issues. In addition, the local population should be given the opportunity to protect their unique nature and culture.
We are giving the necessary skills to the future generation of Raja Ampat. Through their own experience, the children learn why current events represent an acute challenge to their future and what they can do to sustainably protect their breathtaking home.
Environmental lessons
Every Friday evening our students enjoy the opportunity to learn more about their environment.
The lessons give the children a deeper understanding of the diverse ecosystem of Raja Ampat. We believe that to understand and to experience our world is a first step in protecting this diversity in the long term.
The knowledge acquired is directly applied and deepened through practical experience.
Practical lessons
In our organized excursions, the children get to know and appreciate their environment in a playful way.
We place great value on practical experience in environmental protection. Through tasks and learning goals, the students put what they have learned from environmental teaching into practice.
The idea of environmental protection is anchored in the direct and personal experiences of children and young people.
COTS
The crown of thorns starfish is a type of starfish that feeds on corals. This can lead to the death of entire reefs. The problem here is that the COTS spread very quickly and are therefore a major nuisance.
In cooperation with the local fisheries authority, we take part in cleaning up in Raja Ampat. Since the COTS have to be removed from the sea, they can be reused as compost in the village permaculture garden.
Garden project
Together with partners from Europe and Indonesia a permaculture garden project was started in the beginning of 2020.
The Sawinggrai garden objective is to support the renewal of gardening culture in Sawinggrai for the benefit of the community. It aims to increase food security in the village, to support local businesses and to create sustainable livelihoods.
The harvest will be sold to nearby homestays and resorts The project is expected to be self-financed by 2021. Several locals could be employed to work at this garden. Until now, all fruit and vegetables had to be brought to the islands from the nearby town of Waisai.
This can be changed in the future by the own village garden. A benefit for people and nature.
