Human Activities Impact on the Planet
The scientific community agrees that coral reefs are the most biodiverse marine eco systems. The famed Coral Triangle represents the most bio diverse coral reef system on the planet, the epicentre being in Raja Ampat. Corals that produce reef structures are home to thousands of species; many are yet to be discovered. This underwater network of history and life is at risk, not only from immediate threats, but also from hazards from all parts of the world. Species across the globe, and in fact the entire planet, are at risk these days, due to a variety of consecutive pollutants.
It is difficult and painful to imagine these marine ecosystems completely eradicated during our lifetime. It is unfortunately all too easy for us to put the idea on the back burner, after diving in such healthy and vibrant dive sites. It is much too easy for us to turn our backs on something we don’t actually see falling apart with our own eyes. But it is this lack of being proactive in the present that will make us just complicit in the decline of such ecosystems in the future.
Guests are shocked when they come to Raja Ampat and find plastic bottles on nearby beaches, or when they see Indonesian people throwing rubbish out to the ocean. It is a somewhat surprising to see such careless and ignorant behaviour, but it is not just these actions that we need to worry about.
Just because we don’t see polluting actions at home, doesn’t mean that even the most advanced nations aren’t responsible. What about nuclear waste disposals, internet home delivery orders, houses that are air conditioned 24 hours a day, outsized automobiles, driving instead of walking, drying laundry with machines instead of the sun… etc etc…? So what are we really doing to help the environment, and which of these comforts are we willing to sacrifice before it’s too late?
With this in mind, we have taken a few measures to limit the impact of our activities in Gam Island; we would like to share these with you so you know why we are a proud Eco Resort in Raja Ampat. Hopefully you can also embrace some of this measures to limit the impact of your everyday activities on the island
Now is your turn to become an Ecotourist
The scientific community agrees that coral reefs are the most biodiverse marine eco systems. The famed Coral Triangle represents the most bio diverse coral reef system on the planet, the epicentre being in Raja Ampat. Corals that produce reef structures are home to thousands of species; many are yet to be discovered. This underwater network of history and life is at risk, not only from immediate threats, but also from hazards from all parts of the world. Species across the globe, and in fact the entire planet, are at risk these days, due to a variety of consecutive pollutants.
It is difficult and painful to imagine these marine ecosystems completely eradicated during our lifetime. It is unfortunately all too easy for us to put the idea on the back burner, after diving in such healthy and vibrant dive sites. It is much too easy for us to turn our backs on something we don’t actually see falling apart with our own eyes. But it is this lack of being proactive in the present that will make us just complicit in the decline of such ecosystems in the future.
Guests are shocked when they come to Raja Ampat and find plastic bottles on nearby beaches, or when they see Indonesian people throwing rubbish out to the ocean. It is a somewhat surprising to see such careless and ignorant behaviour, but it is not just these actions that we need to worry about.
Just because we don’t see polluting actions at home, doesn’t mean that even the most advanced nations aren’t responsible. What about nuclear waste disposals, internet home delivery orders, houses that are air conditioned 24 hours a day, outsized automobiles, driving instead of walking, drying laundry with machines instead of the sun… etc etc…? So what are we really doing to help the environment, and which of these comforts are we willing to sacrifice before it’s too late?
What can I do to Become an eco tourist
Please make a commitment to be a more conscious of your impact as a traveller. Here are some ways you can help!
Global tourism is booming. In 2018, according to the UNWTO, 1.4 billion people travelled abroad, and this is set to grow to 1.8 billion by 2030. The positive impacts are clear — travel and tourism can drive economies, create jobs and provide enriching experiences and cultural exchange. Tourism is one of the world’s biggest industry, estimated to be worth around US$4 trillion. Many countries are reliant on tourism, 1 out of every 5 jobs created was in the travel and tourism sector.
Managing tourism in a sustainable manner, and for the benefit of all, is more critical than ever. What can you do? Here are a few examples on how you can become a conscious traveller and help us!
– Don’t drink bottled water and plastics in general, try to re-fill your bottle when possible.
– Be careful with the sunscreen products you buy, many have chemicals that harm the marine environment and are clearly not eco-friendly
– Avoid mass-tourism destinations, and choose smaller scale tourism. This way, you are spreading the wealth.
– Visit operators which help support both economic and social growth within the community and help empower women (for example). This way you can participate in an authentic cultural experience knowing that your money is helping those who need it the most.
– Look for initiatives relating to energy conservation, water conservation, recycling and waste reduction, bathroom amenities, cleaning products and more.
– Buying artisan products from local sellers especially home-made instead of from shopping malls. This also helps preserve their cultural heritage. This includes souvenirs so avoid buying anything made from endangered species or hard woods.
– Eating in local restaurants and buy food from street vendors instead of international chain restaurants. This way it supports the local businesses.
– Minimise your footprint by being mindful of the local environment. Use public transport such as buses or walk or cycle.
– Be careful what you bring to remote locations, and most important: what you leave. Batteries are left in the room, but what do we do with them?? An empty bottle of wine? Also, make a note where you put your litter and the packaging which you buy. Recycle when you can.
– Cruise ships, liveaboard diving boats can be damaging for the economy and the environment, with some using their own tours so that the locals don’t gain from this mass tourism which takes over their islands
– Make your travels wisely:Travelling in off-season also supports the local community in the normally quieter months, and eases the strain on local infrastructure during high season.
Do not forget that staying at Biodiversity you contribute with all our community and environmental programs. We really thank you so much!
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COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY
Please see how your visit is helping our efforts of spreading the benefits of tourism to the local area.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Responsibly addressing the physical pressures from tourism in rich biodiversity but fragile environments.
BIODIVERSITY KEY PROJECTS
University scholarships for Yenbeser Village youths, library and health programs are among our most proud efforts so far.
