Yenbeser Scholarships, Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

600+
species of hard coral (75% of world’s total)

About Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is an archipelago of around 1500 tiny islands spread over forty thousand square kilometres, a large number of which are uninhabited. and made up of about one thousand five hundred tiny islands, many of which are uninhabited. It is becoming a popular ecotourism destination because of the beauty of its marine life and local culture.

Raja Ampat means “The Four Kings”, named after a local myth that tells a story of a kings that occupied four of Raja Ampat’s main islands—Batanta, Salawati, Waigeo and Misool.

1,711
species of coral reef fish

Raja Ampat is part of the Coral Triangle and with incredible scenery of jungle capped islands, fine white sandy beaches, lagoons, caves, arches and the most turquoise waters with stunning coral reefs and teeming with marine life, Raja Ampat is a precious island system which is reputed to restock reefs elsewhere in the Pacific and Indian oceans.

35
species of endemic reef fish found only here

57
species of Mantis Shrimp

5
species of endangered sea turtle

17
species of Marine Mammals

About the Project

Despite living in marine biodiversity hotspots, it’s surprising that many under 10’s can’t swim or aren’t aware of need for conservation in the very own back yard. We believe that by creating opportunity to explore the beauty in their environment, they will have a vested interest in protecting it and their story can educate us about the need for conservation.

Ecotourism to biodiversity hotspots around the world not only needs to be sustainable but it also needs to create local employment. We believe that by educating local adolescents up to certification level required to work as dive guide is an effective way to educate and provide employment in the local economy.

We aim to provide pairs of dive scholarships, certified by PADI, fully equipped and with extensive dive log for each scholarship, in select biodiversity hotspots. Participants will be selected from pool of candidates proposed by local school and community based on aptitude, swimming skills and basic English level.

Project Objectives

Build awareness of delicate balance of marine biodiversity in local schools
Educate kids about coral and its role as a life supporting ecosystem
By documenting this project we can inspire a better and more hopeful future that safeguards these marine habitats for future generations
Support swimming lessons for kids unable to swim in participating schools

Provide snorkel kit for participating school kids including mask, snorkel and fins.
Implement program of study with local dive operator for two scholarships for Open Water, Advanced, Rescue and Divemaster certification
Enable local guides to better educate visitors about local conservation efforts and participate in survey work