Indonesia’s Coral Guardians: How The SEA People Protect Raja Ampat
In the heart of Indonesia’s Raja Ampat, one of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth, coral reefs face unprecedented threats from climate change and unsustainable development. Amid this environmental urgency, The SEA People (known locally as Orang Laut Papua) are leading the way in responsible, community-driven marine conservation.
This field-based NGO adopts a holistic approach to protecting and restoring coral reefs, combining hands-on restoration with community engagement, education, and long-term sustainability. Their flagship project, Yaf Keru, is an innovative reef restoration initiative that prioritizes transparency and measurable impact. Every square meter of reef stabilized or restored is recorded and monitored in real time, with an interactive map allowing supporters to track the progress of restoration efforts.
Beyond environmental restoration, The SEA People work closely with local communities to create sustainable livelihoods, offering training, employment, and opportunities to participate in reef conservation. Visitors to Raja Ampat can also take part in regenerative tourism, turning their travel into a positive contribution rather than an ecological burden.
By integrating ecological protection with cultural and community development, The SEA People exemplify how tourism and conservation can coexist. Their work ensures that the next generation will not only witness the vibrant underwater landscapes of Raja Ampat but also benefit from the social and economic empowerment of the communities who call these waters home.
Supporting The SEA People means contributing directly to the restoration, protection, and conservation of one of the last remaining coral strongholds on the planet, while championing a model of tourism that is truly sustainable and responsible.
For more information and to explore their impact in detail, visit The SEA People – Yaf Keru
