RAJA AMPAT
in partnership with Molobin Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
The programme, developed and delivered in collaboration with local NGO Molobin Raja Ampat (MORA), trains local women with dive and conservation skills to monitor the local coral reef ecosystem in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Conducting gender data research on barriers for ocean access for local women, this pilot programme will help to form Empower Ocean’s development framework which aims to build out the programme in other communities across the India-Pacific.
Raja Ampat
World-renowned dive destination, Raja Ampat, is one of the last frontiers for pristine coral reef ecosystems. This remote archipelago in West-Papua is also home to Indonesia's largest population of manta rays, and the small island of Arborek is a critical ecosystem frequented by both species of manta. Driven largely by a lack of opportunities for women and traditional gender roles, local women are not typically involved in ocean-based conservation, recreation or tourism industries - and many have never seen a manta ray, despite living within 100m of several cleaning stations.
“The women here can learn if they have opportunity. They can learn if they have a chance. We just need to give that opportunity to women.”
GITHA ANATHASIA | PROGRAMME LEAD
