Conservation success at Wakatobi

Staying at Wakatobi Dive Resort in southeastern Sulawesi, Indonesia doesn't just give visitors an exceptional experience - it also helps support the area and its inhabitants.

Income generated from those lucky enough to visit the resort supports Wakatobi's Collaborative Reef Protection Programme, which delivers sustainable income to the local communities, while at the same time protecting the coral reefs from non-sustainable and destructive fishing methods.

The Collaborative Reef Conservation Programme - now entering its third decade - protects more than 20km of coral reefs, and helps generate income for 17 communities around the resort. After years working with local fishermen and village elders on the benefits of reef resource management, and honouring a no-fishing sanctuary, the corals and fish population are healthy and thriving.

Through the programme, Wakatobi also provides electricity and other support directly to the communities, both in the form of lease fees (which limit fishing on and damage to the reefs), and employment of local villagers on the resort.

Prior to the programme, locals were largely dependent on working with foreign, illegal fishing boats to make a living. This kind of fishing still exists - although it's limited by Wakatobi's patrols - in boats owned and crewed by people with no regard for the damage and pressure on marine life. They don't pay taxes, they damage the environment and upset the marine balance, with no advantage for locals.

Wakatobi understood from the start that for locals to live sustainably and happily, they needed an alternative source of income. They believe that the best and most sustainable alternative is to create employment and education opportunities through responsible conservation-linked tourism. 

And the results speak for themselves.

For more on Wakatobi and their innovative Collaborative Reef Programme, visit wakatobi.com