A few words about us....
Barefoot Conservation is a small UK based not-for-profit organisation that takes a fresh look at marine conservation and community awareness.
We work with local Indonesian owned & run project partners in Indonesia, PT Ayo Raja Ampat and Yayasan Jejak Kaki Konservasi, to run all the operations, logistics, science research, marine conservation and community programs at the basecamps/project sites our volunteers attend.
PT Ayo Raja Ampat has been successfully operating the diving and accommodation for our volunteers over the last 7+ years, with extremely experienced and professional staff (both Indonesian and Western), all vetted by Barefoot Conservation UK.
Our local Yayasan project partner Yayasan Jejak Kaki Konservasi (Yayasan meaning 'foundation' in bahasa Indonesian language), was founded in 2018, with the Chief of Arborek village (where the project site is located) Bapak Daud Mambrasar, being the Head of this Yayasan/Foundation.
The focus of Yayasan Jejak Kaki Konservasi is grass roots conservation and community action. Our aim through our local project partners is to engage, educate and empower the local community to make sustainable conservation a way of life, not just a project.
We feel this holistic approach to conservation will give us and our volunteers a greater depth of experience and understanding. Through community projects run by the Yayasan, we gain vital insights into the needs and values of the community and how marine conservation efforts can be integrated to benefit local people.
Yayasan Jejak Kaki Konservasi's conservation strategy is to help the local community build their resilience to climate change, globalization, and the economic and ecological choices the region will inevitably face.
A major part of the scientific work through the Yayasan, is the marine research program. This monitors and assesses the impact of climate change, over-fishing, health of the marine eco-system, as well as pollution of the marine environment and the people whose livelihoods depend on it. The information gathered by volunteers is given to the Indonesian Marine Biologists, and stays in Indonesia, where it will be used by the local government, local stakeholders, the community and other NGO's to implement measures to prevent and mitigate ecosystem degradation.
What sets us apart from similar non-profit dive volunteer organisations (other than the stunning pristine untouched paradise location!) is that volunteers see exactly where their contribution to the community is going. The part of your expedition fee that doesn’t cover diving, food, accommodation, transport, fuel and local staff wages etc.. provided by PT Ayo Raja Ampat, is spent on community projects.
For example, this money may go towards school renovations at the local primary school on the island. Or your money combined with others may buy new school books or medicines which are vital for education and health in the communities. You will then help distributing these in the schools/villages and be able to stay in touch with the children you have helped educate. Monies will go towards wages for Indonesian science staff and Indonesian English teachers, or supporting young Indonesian University students from UNIPA (University of Papua) to come study and do their thesis research with the Yayasan. Some will go to support projects set up by the local community, or provide donations to the village.
Some of the money will go toward wider community based projects involving waste management: like installing biodigester septic tanks with reed bed systems for the local community & homestays toilets on the island, thus reducing levels of bad nutrients in the ocean, or education on recycling (Ocean Warrior Project) or working with local rubbish banks.
The community projects work to alleviate poverty and create entrepreneurial solutions to ensure conservation is a viable and attractive economic alternative to old practices such as shark finning and/or dynamite fishing. By raising awareness of, and helping implement, strong ecotourism and sustainable fisheries management, it is possible to ensure that the community and visitors benefit from the remarkable marine resources for generations to come.
The on site Indonesian Marine Biologists, and Teachers are employed through PT Ayo Raja Ampat & Yayasan Jejak Kaki Konservasi, and work along side any overseas staff, as this is vital in exchanging knowledge, and communicating the importance of conservation in Indonesia and protecting the environment, to the local communities.
Under the Yayasan's Indonesian Universities Scholarship Programme, Indonesia's future marine biologists, English & Eco Tourism students are invited from Universities like UNIPA (University of Papua) to study & carry out their research, on the project for free. This provides a wonderful opportunity for synergy between international volunteers and Indonesian students, sharing ideas, knowledge and building a cohesive environmental ethic for the future.
Make a difference. See a difference. Be the difference.