Raja Ampat - Indonesia

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.

Located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, the seas around Raja Ampat possibly hold the richest variety of species in the world.
The area’s massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resistant to threats like coral bleaching and disease —threats that now jeopardize the survival of corals around the world. Raja Ampat’s coral
Though human impacts here are less severe than elsewhere in Indonesia, Raja Ampat’s natural resources are endangered by over fishing and destructive fishing, turtle poaching, and unsustainable logging.

Survey Confirms Highest Marine Biodiversity on Earth
In 2002, The Nature Conservancy and its partners conducted a scientific survey of the Raja Ampat Islands to collect information on its marine ecosystems, mangroves, and forests. The survey brought Raja Ampat’s total number of confirmed corals to 537 species— an incredible 75% of all known coral species. In addition, 899 fish species were recorded, raising the known total for Raja Ampat to an amazing 1,074. On land, the survey found lush forests, rare plants, limestone outcroppings, and nesting beachesfor thousands of sea turtles, and the greater Bird’s Head Seascape (Dec 2010)
Biodiversity Features in Raja Ampat

1.       1,606 species of reef fish in the Bird’s Head Seascape
2.       397 species of reef fish in Raja Ampat
3.       35 species of endemic reef fish found only in the Birds Head Seascape
4.       603 species of hard coral recorded in the Bird’s Head Seascape
5.       75% of all known coral species in the world
6.       10 times the number of hard coral species found in the entire Caribbean
7.       57 species of Mantis Shrimp in the Birds Head Seascape
8.       13 species of Marine Mammals in the Bird’s Head Seascape
9.       5 species of endangered sea turtles in the Bird’s Head Seascape

Here some photos of Raja's ampat