About Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat - the crown jewel of the Coral Triangle and the epicenter of global marine biodiversity. Stunning above and below the water, Raja Ampat is comprised of 1500 small, jungle covered, small islands, cayes and shoals, it’s abundant natural beauty casts its spell on all who see it.
 

Lying in the heart of the Coral Triangle, the Raja Ampat holds the prestigious title as the most marine bio-diverse place on earth. At its most recent count in 2011 the region of Raja Ampat was recognized to contain 1427 reef fishes, over 600 coral species (75% of the world’s coral species can be found here), not to mention the pelagic life that is abundant in the area.
Ecologically important, Raja Ampat’s coral reefs play a significant role in not only our understanding of tropical reef ecology, but the health of other reef systems worldwide.   To date our knowledge indicates that:

    • Raja Ampat is thought to host the highest marine biodiversity on the planet
    • Coral around Raja Ampat may be naturally more resilient to fluctuations in water temperatures providing scientist the opportunity to explore this rare phenomenon
    • Strong ocean currents sweep coral larvae from Raja Ampat across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, replenishing other distant reef ecosystems across the globe
    • Raja Ampat represents one of the Earth’s last strongholds for tropical reef megafauna such as Mantas, Sharks, Turtles, Bumphead Parrotfish and Napoleon wrasse.

To date the relative isolation and low human population in Raja Ampat has played a large part in keeping its reefs healthy, however the region’s rich coastal and marine resources have made it a target for economic development activities ranging from marine tourism through to fisheries.   This ever-increasing level of human interference, encroachment and unsustainable practices places Raja Ampat’s precious natural resources at risk. Given the area’s worldwide value and influence from an ecological and economical perspective, without question Raja Ampat and the broader Bird’s Head Seascape ranks as global priority for marine conservation.

It is our mission to protect and conserve the pristine nature and high marine biodiversity that exists within Raja Ampat. We hope that you can support us in all of our endeavours to achieve conservation in the region, through Science, Education and Awareness.