Our Community Work

Raja Ampat is one of the last strongholds on Earth where coral reef systems still thrive. This archipelago shelters an incredible abundance of life, and forms what is currently thought to be the most biodiverse marine system on the planet. These stunning reefs provide a rich and sustainable food source to local communities in small villages throughout the archipelago. These reefs also support a healthy tourism economy providing livelihoods to significant portion of the community.Whilst at a glance Raja Ampat and the Dampier Strait region appears a tropical paradise where a lucrative tourism market exists, local villages are still undeveloped with limited infrastructure for basic services such as running water, power supply, education and healthcare. A large percentage of village populations are children, and most adults do not have a “paid job” but rather live simply; fishing for sustenance and participating in the construction and maintenance of village infrastructure. Support is needed in all areas in order to address these issues and improve living standards; without compromising the traditional way of life or impacting the marine environment upon which they depend for daily sustenance and survival.

Objectives

To provide sustainable livelihoods to a significant part of the local population.

One the main aims of our community work is to continue to provide sustainable livelihoods, through work skills training and employment. Currently, approximately 70% of Papua Explorers Resort staff are Papuan from our neighbouring village of Yenwaupnor, and villages within the region. Where possible it is our preference to train and employ local staff before recruiting from elsewhere outside of the region. Local community members are employed in roles in the kitchen, housekeeping, boat crew, captains and dive guides. The majority of these staff have been trained “from scratch”, and have now acquired respectable sets of workplace skills, and commendable levels of English comprehension and language.

A secure position working at also Papua Explorers means a stable income for individuals, in a location close to their home and families. Through employment at the resort, a staff member receives health insurance, an accumulative pension, and for those that choose to stay/live at the resort, accommodation and 3 meals per day are provided. This may sound very basic, however, for many local community members these are basic services and amenities that are otherwise difficult (or impossible) to access.

To assist in providing basic infrastructure and services to Yenwaupnor and surrounding villages.

Given the remote location, lack of infrastructure and skilled workers in the Dampier Strait region, rudimentary services are often not available or maintained. In order to improve basic living standards, we work to provide assistance in these areas. On a monthly basis we donate fuel to Yenwaupnor Village, enough to provide 1 month of generator powered electricity, along with 'regular giving' based on the village needs and requests. Over the past 3 years we have also been able to provide improved sanitation, such as clean and modern toilet facilities at the school, and support well digging in order to improve the supply of fresh water.

With the generous support of resort guests, on a regular basis donations are delivered to Yenwaupnor Village, including regular donations of books, pens, pencils and supplies to the school. And twice yearly, at Christmas and Eid al-Fitr, 7+ villages in the area receive large donations of rice, oil, clothing, fuel and other essential items.

These regular donations make a significant difference in livelihoods of local communities, who have limited access to the most basic of items due to location, available resources and finances.

Status

Papua Explorers Resort

Papua Explorers Resort currently employs 51 staff members from Raja Ampat on a permanent working contract. For local community members, this means job skills training, a secure job close to home, and a sustainable livelihood and income for them and their immediate family. An additional 10 daily workers are provided work at the resort, for special projects as needed. www.papuaexplorers.com

Dive Guide Training Program

Each year, up to 10 local community members are selected to complete various levels of dive guide training. After completing a PADI Open Water, new divers go on to become junior guides/apprentices at Papua Explorers Resort. Over the following 12 - 18 months, these apprentices improve their diving, guiding and safety skills, guest communication, and how to work as a professional dive guide in a professional dive centre setting. These skills enable the selected individuals to have sustainable livelihood within a marine environment. The previous year's apprentices then go on to complete Rescue Diver training at the resort, and then go on to become senior dive guides

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Other Projects

Yaf Keru Our Coral Garden

yaf-keru-our-coral-gardenRaja Ampat is one of the last strongholds on Earth where coral reef systems still thrive. This archipelago shelters an incredible abundance of life, and forms what is currently thought to be the most biodiverse marine system on the planet. These stunning reefs provide a rich and sustainable food source to local communities in small…

Yaf Keru Our Coral Garden

Yaf Keru Our Coral GardenRaja Ampat is one of the last strongholds on Earth where coral reef systems still thrive. This archipelago shelters an incredible abundance of life, and forms what is currently thought to be the most biodiverse marine system on the planet. These stunning reefs provide a rich and sustainable food source to…

Papuan Dive School

Papuan Dive School Tourism is growing fast in Raja Ampat, so is the need for local dive guides. More and more tourism operators are looking to employ Papuans to encourage the local economy but so far, only few people have the appropriate dive training. Since the creation of Papua Explorers, the Eco-resort and its foundation…

Eyes On The Reef

Eyes on the Reef – Megafauna MonitoringOur location on the southern coast of Gam Island sees us situated in the heart of a Marine Protected Area, and an area also designated as a shark sanctuary. The establishment of these zones has been so far very successful in protecting the area, and aiding the recovery of…

Manta Sandy Ranger Station

Manta Sandy Ranger StationManta Sandy is a well-known cleaning station in the Dampier Strait region. Known for its regular sightings of mantas during the season, it has become a ‘must see’ dive site for all operators, and a location suitable for scientists and film-makers to observe these stunning creatures. However, this high and ever increasing…

Sea Centre 4 Kids

SEA Centre 4 Kids Kids are the future; we are only borrowing their heritage. Papua Explorers Foundation SEA Centre supports the kids of Papua, in particular our neighbouring village Yenwapnour, through education and awareness. Our goal is to create an environmental awareness as well as supporting those left behind academically. Every Sunday, the kids join…