The spectacular Misool region of the Raja Ampat Archipelago in Indonesia boasts incredible biodiversity in its waters and reefs. The region is home to endangered species such as the hawksbill sea turtle and giant manta rays. 

Our project in Fafanlap Village to help protect Misool’s waters is one of Seacology’s long-running and most successful projects. Working with our partners at the Misool foundation, in 2011 we provided the funds for a new kindergarten in exchange for the villagers creating and patrolling a 99,583-acre no-take marine preserve. Today, the kindergarten serves double the number of original students, and the marine reserve is one of only a few places in the world where fish counts are dramatically increasing.

A new short film produced by Seacology, The Underwater Treasures of Raja Ampat, tells the story of this successful conservation partnership from the perspective of a young boy who attends the school, and his uncle who works tirelessly to protect the surrounding sea.