Raja ampat

Realizing the great abundance of local natural resources and biological diversity in the islands of Raja Ampat, will encourage Indonesian government to propose to UNESCO the nomination of Raja Ampat as one of The World Heritage Site (World Heritage Site).

Moreover, in supporting the efforts to preserve and protect the originality and sustainability of biodiversity in the islands of Raja Ampat, Indonesia Government has decided, as per Ministerial Decree of Forestry No. II/1993 81/Kpts- Raja Ampat archipelago to make the islands of Raja Ampat as Marine Wildlife Reserve with an area of 60,000 hectares. Another important effort undertaken by the government, especially local government of Raja Ampat Regency is to empower local community economic development through ecotourism development and ecosystem-based environmental management. This covers the development of conservation programs for the protection of biodiversity, sustainable fisheries, maintaining the continuity of the potential for ecotourism, and sustainable business development alternatives for the residents of the area seascapes (seascape).

The development and ecosystem-based site management is expected to take part in protect the abundance of undersea and forest biodiversity Raja Ampat Archipelago from the threat of exploitation of natural resources harmful to the environment.

The responsibility for protecting the originality, sustainability and continuity of biodiversity life and the beautiful landscape rests not only on Raja Ampat Regency Government and the Central Government of Indonesia, but also the people staying and visiting the tourism resort in Raja Ampat archipelago. One of the simplest and most possible actions each tourist can do to participate in preserving the areas in Raja Ampat is not to litter carelessly and not disturb, interfere and take away any living being or other objects from Raja Ampat as a souvenir or for other purposes. Keep in mind that the Raja Ampat is a Wildlife Reserve protected by law of the Republic of Indonesia.

Raja Ampat is a clear evidence of Indonesia's natural resources. Let’s keep our active contribution to preserve the natural and cultural heritage from the ancestors of our nation and hand them to our successive generation. Not only in Raja Ampat, but wherever we are in the homeland of Indonesia. gorajaampat

Dive in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat casts a spell on all who visit – scientists, photographers, novice divers and crusty sea-salts alike. This group of majestic islands, located in the northwestern tip of Indonesia’s Papuan “Bird’s Head Seascape,” lies in the heart of the coral triangle, the most bio-diverse marine region on earth.

As stunningly beautiful above water as it is below, Raja Ampat (which literally translates as “The Four Kings”) has a startling diversity of habitats to explore. Each of these – from the stark wave-pounded slopes that drop away beneath the karst cliffs of Wayag and Uranie to the deep, nutrient-rich bays of Mayalibit, Kabui and Aljui to the “blue watermangrove” channels of Kofiau and Gam to the plankton-rich upwelling areas of Misool and the Dampier Strait – are home to unique assemblages of species that, when taken together, add to produce the most impressive species lists ever compiled for a coral reef system of this size. Marine tourism, as a sustainable alternative to overfishing, mining, and logging, has the potential to play a key role in the conservation of Raja Ampat’s spectacular underwater realm, while also creating real benefits for the local communities. This website was designed as part of a larger effort to support the growth of sustainable marine tourism in Raja Ampat and the conservation of these magical islands. Please explore this site to find information on breathtaking diving opportunities, travel logistics, Raja Ampat’s new tourism entrance fee (which directly supports conservation and community development), and the tremendous conservation effort taking place in Raja Ampat. www.diverajaampat.org