Yet the success of these endeavors is largely dependent upon responsible behaviour from individual tourists and tourism operators within the Marine Park. Most who visit Raja Ampat are seeking to experience the region’s coral reefs, and the abundance of marine life these reefs support. Therefore, it is important for every individual to recognize that their presence, as an individual and as part of a wider industry, has influence and impact upon the very same reefs.
It is our hope that every individual visiting Raja Ampat makes an effort to ensure their personal impact upon the region is minimized, so as to directly support a sustainable tourism industry, assist in the protection of local reefs and help provide long term security for the local communities whose livelihoods depend upon a continued state of reef health.
When visiting Raja Ampat, please be mindful of the way in which you interact with the destination and environment. In addition to adhering to all Marine Park Rules and Regulations, and Codes of Conduct, please follow these general guidelines:
See Culture & Heritage and Local Communities for more detailed information about local communities and local culture
This is one of the most important environmental impacts that an individual can have direct control over. Currently there no waste management facility on the islands, and limited waste management and recycling in the local capital city of Waisai. In the absense of such a facility, waste management often involves burning or landfill. Therefore, the most immediate and simple solution to a waste management issue is to reduce creation of waste, in particular plastic waste.
The following small tasks can help limit an individuals contribution to waste and pollution in the region.
The islands in Raja Ampat are not connected to a water main supply and rely upon rainwater and boiling non-potable groundwater (limited) for use . And like anywhere on earth, water is an undeniably precious resource, that is necessary to support local communities as well as a thriving tourism industry in Raja Ampat. Follow the below guidelines to minimise your impact with respect to waste water and chemical pollution.
When diving snorkeling or in the water in Raja Ampat, you are in an extremely sensitive marine environment; and in the face of global climate change and localized threats such as COTS or pollution, it is important that any further negative impact is limited.
One the greatest positive influences on the state of the environment in Raja Ampat’s Marine Protected Areas can, and should, be the tourists themselves. If tourists behave responsibly and also expect responsible and sustainable practice from tourism operators, Raja Ampat’s vibrant and abundant reefs can continue to provide important biological, socio-cultural and economic services in the region, including food livelihoods and enjoyment for thousands of people, both now and into the future.