Tourism Office, PADRA, and BAF Conduct Coral Transplantation and Rehabilitation in Saonek Village

The Raja Ampat Regency Government, through the Raja Ampat Tourism Office, in collaboration with the Professional Association Diver of Raja Ampat (PADRA) and marine stakeholders in Raja Ampat, held a Coral Transplantation and Rehabilitation activity.

The activity was followed by the removal of the Crown of Thorns Starfish (CoTS) at Saonek Village Beach, South Waigeo District, Raja Ampat, on Wednesday (30/03/2022).

During the event, PADRA Chairman Ruben Sauyai explained that the purpose of this activity was to provide education in the form of socialization and direct practice to the local community of Saonek Village, particularly the youth, who are starting to benefit from Raja Ampat’s tourism activities.

Ruben stated that this was done to apply one of the coral transplantation methods using a medium. This effort aims to help the coral organisms in Saonek waters to grow, and to ensure the preservation and beauty of the coral reefs.

"This transplantation method has been frequently done by us, but often the educational value is not well understood by the general public. Hopefully, this knowledge will spread and become an initiative for the community itself in the future to add and care for coral here," he said.

The event was officially opened by the Deputy Regent of Raja Ampat, Orideko I. Burdam, accompanied by several Forkopimda officials in Raja Ampat. In his speech, Orideko conveyed a similar sentiment as the PADRA Chairman.

On this occasion, the second-highest official in Raja Ampat appreciated the initiative carried out by PADRA, involving and educating the community about coral rehabilitation and transplantation in Saonek Village, South Waigeo District.

Personally, he hoped that PADRA would continue to collaborate with the Raja Ampat Regency Government, through the Tourism Office or other relevant agencies, so that similar activities could be conducted in other villages or locations in Raja Ampat.

"As I always say, Raja Ampat is like a young girl growing up. She is already beautiful, but we must add to her beauty. And she must also be preserved and cared for to remain graceful, charming, and attract the attention of anyone who sees her," said the Deputy Regent.

This activity, which was part of the Blue Abadi Fund (BAF) project, saw PADRA preparing 80 transplantation mediums and educational materials, which had been presented several days earlier.

The personnel involved in this event included the relevant OPDs from the Raja Ampat Regency Government, Kodim 1805/Raja Ampat, Polres Raja Ampat, PT Gag Nikel, Raja Ampat Regional General Hospital (RSUD), PLN Raja Ampat, Bank Papua Raja Ampat Branch, Bank Mandiri Raja Ampat Branch, Reef Check Indonesia Foundation (YRCI), Cakrawala Indonesia Conservation Foundation (YKCI), National Marine Conservation Area Office (BKKPN) Kupang Raja Ampat Unit, Coral Triangle Initiative (TERANGI), with a total of 70 participants. (A.M)