From Komodo to the Savu Sea, IndonesiaMAY 7-21, 2020

Discover Our WorldPhoto: © Tommy Schultz

Discover Our World 2020 | Indonesia

Welcome to Indonesia, heart of the Coral Triangle, and home to three-fourths of the world’s

coral species. Beneath the surface, there is great abundance — but also great pressure, from human activity, demand for natural resources and a rapidly growing economy.

Together with our partners, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is working throughout Indonesia to

protect its vibrant oceans, its unparalleled oceanic wildlife and the unique cultural heritage of its coastal communities.

2 Photo: © Jeff Yonover

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A sprawling archipelago with stunning landscapes and oceans, Indonesia nevertheless faces some of the world’s greatest conservation challenges. But it also provides some of the greatest opportunities to test and grow new solutions that protect nature and support people. TNC is invested in the future of Indonesia, and with our partners we’re working on unique initiatives across the country. Here are some of our priority programs for marine health and sustainability.

Securing a More Abundant Future for Indonesian Fisheries As the world whets its appetite for more and more seafood, pressure is building on Indonesia to supply more fish, such as snapper and tuna, to meet the demand. But the nation’s fisheries have suffered from a lack of information on the species and sizes of fish being caught, with juvenile (pre-reproductive age) fish often overly targeted. Overall fishing pressure is exceeding sustainable levels, and effective fisheries management plans and detailed harvest strategies are lacking. These problems have enormous consequences for the stability of Indonesia’s fisheries and the prosperity of its people. And they are the focus of one of TNC’s boldest initiatives to achieve sustainable fisheries.Through the SNAPPER project (Supporting Nature and People – Partnership for Enduring Resources) we are working with government, industry and communities to find long-lasting solutions for the snapper fisheries in Indonesia. For example, TNC is helping to provide much-needed data on catch size and composition to better guide fisheries policy. We are working with domestic and international fishing companies to adjust fishing practices, and we are partnering with traders to avoid the purchasing of juvenile fish. By reducing demand for immature fish, we can boost spawning rates, strengthen ecosystems and help ensure long-term viability of this critical industry for Indonesia. TNC is engaging tuna fisheries in Indonesia with similar support for data collection, and helping decision-makers formulate the best possible harvest control rules.

A Decade of Conservation in the Lesser Sunda RegionIn July 2018, TNC celebrated its 10-year anniversary in the majestic Lesser Sunda, an array of islands and seas stretching over Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara and Southwest Maluku.TNC supports the government in perfecting a scientific design for a marine protected area network that connects 77 key areas in Lesser Sunda, potentially providing protection for 7.7 million hectares of more marine areas through tourism. The area also provides a source of livelihoods for 11 million locals living in the coastal villages. In addition, TNC helps in the conservation of the 3.35 million-hectare Savu Sea National Park and 229,000 hectares of marine areas that include nine newly-designated marine protected areas in West Nusa Tenggara.

Protecting the Bird’s Head SeascapeSituated in the western reaches of Indonesia’s West Papua Province, the Bird’s Head Seascape is a far-flung jewel of nature’s wealth. Known for its remarkable marine life — about three-quarters of the world’s coral species are found here — it’s home to abundant shallow reefs, dense mangrove forests, migrating whale sharks and fleets of giant manta rays. No other similarly sized area on Earth has the biodiversity of Bird’s Head. For the moment, human impact on the Bird’s Head Seascape’s fragile ecosystems is low compared with many parts of Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most populous country. But all that could change. Coastal development, illegal logging, destructive and illegal fishing, and other problems threaten the seascape’s reefs and mangroves — and the culturally rich, yet impoverished communities that depend on them for their food, livelihoods and traditions.Together with over 24 local and international stakeholders, TNC created the Bird’s Head Seascape Initiative, a working partnership designed to help protect the seascape while enabling indigenous communities to preserve their traditions and economic security. Since 2005, we’ve established 12 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and have protected over 36,000 km2 of marine ecosystems.

Smarter Aquaculture, Stronger Oceans Indonesia is the world’s second-largest aquaculture producer, employing over 3 million people. A chief aquaculture export is seaweed, which is used as an ubiquitous thickening ingredient for a wide range of consumer products, from packaged food to cosmetics. Seaweed farmers, however, are some of Indonesia’s poorest people. They have endured boom-and-bust production cycles that encourage unsustainable practices to maximize yield, such as removing coral reefs and seagrass beds and using toxic fertilizers that harm sea turtles and other vulnerable marine wildlife. Asia Pacific is the heart of TNC’s global aquaculture program. In Indonesia, we recognize that reforms in seaweed production must benefit farmers if we are to succeed in collectively protecting nature. And when done right, seaweed farming is a highly efficient form of aquaculture, requiring only sunlight, saltwater and ocean nutrients to thrive. That’s why we are working directly with farming communities to show them how changes in growing practices and farm siting can not only improve yield, increase profit and reduce poverty, but also mitigate and prevent damage to some of the world’s most extraordinary coastal marine ecosystems.

For more information, visit nature.org/indonesia

TNC in Indonesia

Epic diving. Kaleidoscopic corals. Verdant and remote island landscapes. Few places on Earth can match the natural beauty and unbridled adventure that Indonesia offers.

Join us aboard one of the region’s finest liveaboard ships that will visit spectacular destinations on a custom itinerary. Focusing on coral reefs, trip excursions will feature unparalleled diving opportunities, as well as snorkeling, sea kayaking, fishing (where permitted) and tranquil beach excursions — all in comfort and style. Your Indonesian adventure awaits.

TNC invites you to join us for a 15-day journey to discover the wonders of Indonesia.

Photo: © Kevin Arnold

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WHAT YOU’LL SEE

In order to guarantee an amazing, comfortable, safe and enjoyable experience, there will not be a pre-set itinerary. The itinerary for every single ocean expedition is special and one-of-a-kind based on the particular wishes and skills levels of the guests. The Cruise Director and the Captain will choose the destinations considering weather and ocean conditions at the time of the trip and recent experiences at particular sites. Detailed information on the destinations and ports of departure and disembarkation will be provided.

A maximum of four dives per day are offered on board: three day dives and a night dive, except on the first and last days and when cruising.

You will be accompanied by TNC staff and scientists to provide scientific understanding and explanation of our conservation work.

Possible DestinationsKOMODOSituated in the straits between Sumba and Flores, Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site comprising the islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller ones. Because of their unique geology, these islands have developed equally unique wildlife. With Komodo dragons on land and coral reefs buzzing with life below the water’s surface, you will find an array of dive sites and hiking trails to suit every level of experience.

BEACHES OF SUMBAWAOutside the boundaries of Komodo National Park lie secret beaches and untouched paradise. In sheltered bays, you’ll visit pristine crescents of white sand stretching for hundreds of meters adjacent to crystal-clear, sapphire water. There will be beach hopping, kayaking, swimming in the shallow reefs, and at night, stargazing as the Milky Way illuminates the sky.

COASTAL FISHING COMMUNITIESThroughout the trip, we will visit coastal communities who make a living from the sea, and with whom TNC has been working to improve sustainability. For example, in Sape (East Sumbawa), we will meet with fishers who participate in the TNC program to get better data on catch composition and fishing grounds. In Larantuka (East Flores), we will visit a fishing harbor where tuna fishers land their catch. Over the course of the trip, we will meet with fishers at sea, learn more about their life, have a look at their catch and perhaps buy some fresh fish for dinner.

EAST OF FLORESRecognized as one of Asia’s Top 10 dive destinations, the archipelago east of Flores is one of the best areas to explore on a liveaboard dive adventure. Here, you’ll experience an endless horizon punctuated by rugged volcano peaks, ancient animist villages and dive sites ranging from macro/muck diving to those that offer a possible glimpse of the world’s largest mammal, the blue whale.

As some of the least explored in the entire Indonesian archipelago, the islands east of Flores and Komodo offer unforgettable dive sites with virtiual solitude. And the liveaboard ship offers the ultimate platform for getting the most out of your time here. You’ll wake up in a new destination every morning. Spend the day diving, visiting villages, sea kayaking or just taking in each new panorama from the comfort of our upper lounge before sunset drinks and dinner under the stars.

KomodoEast of Flores

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ACCOMMODATIONS

Photo: © Tommy Schultz

BOATThe boat is a 40m (LOA), traditionally built Buginese schooner and has set new standards in Indonesian liveaboard luxury. Custom-designed to accommodate up to 16 guests in spacious comfort over three decks, she is perfect for both diving and relaxation. She is fitted to the highest standards with the best available gear:

• Four double and four twin state rooms• En-suite bathrooms with warm water showers• Air-conditioned state rooms, lounge and dining area• Large sundeck and shaded outside lounging areas• Spacious dive deck• State-of-the-art galley serving mouth-watering buffets and a selection of

fine wines• Dive and snorkel equipment for hire, including Nitrox

The rooms, main dining room and deck areas are all wonderfully arranged. The four double and four twin state rooms are finished to a high standard and come with king size beds in the doubles and large single beds in the twins. The en-suite bathrooms have powerful hot-and-cold water showers, hot-and-cold water wash basins, full-sized bathroom and hairdryer. The main lounge and inside dining areas are fully air-conditioned, but all windows can be fully opened to let the breeze through, which is usually the nicest experience. Two double cabins are situated on the upper deck, commanding panoramic views from the windows.

A shaded lounging area aft on the upper deck, as well as shaded lounge beds in front of the wheelhouse, are great areas for sunsets and cocktails.

The spacious dive deck, multiple compressors, fully equipped dive shops, comfortable speed boats and first-rate dive guides promise you a world-class diving experience. Six double sea kayaks are available for further adventures.

DININGWith many years of culinary expertise, the chef will prepare delicious cuisine daily. Buffets are the main menu of the day to provide a wider choice and suit the majority of taste buds, including vegetarians. The chef will incorporate as much fresh local produce as possible, including fresh seafood.

The bar has a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Water, tea and freshly brewed coffee from our espresso machine are included. Wait staff are happy to help advise you on the full drinks menu. All drinks will be tallied, and you will receive the bill at the end of your trip.

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RATES AND TERMS

Photo: © Jeff Yonover

Estimated trip cost: $6,429 per person, based on double occupancy. Each cabin accommodates two people. The cost per cabin is $12,858 for single occupancy. Trip cost is based on a maximum of 14 participants in shared accommodations. Final trip costs will be based on actual number of participants. We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule any tour departure that does not meet its minimum enrollment. Guests must arrange their own round-trip flights to and from Bali International Airport, Ngurah Rai, Denpasar (DPS). Your full-service journey in Indonesia includes the following:

• Liveaboard accommodations, based on double occupancy• All meals and snacks, coffee, tea and drinking water during the expedition• Qualified dive master, full dive tanks, weights and weight belts• Transfers to/from the port of the boat departure• English-speaking cruise director• Two TNC staff• Access fees

Trip cost does not include:• International travel or domestic airfare• Passport and visa fees• Medical, evacuation and travel insurance• Diving gear rental, courses (nitrox, advanced, photo, video)• Soft drinks, beer, wine or spirits• Excess baggage charges• Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, etc.• Optional gratuities to your guides and drivers

Notes: All guests who are planning to dive are required to carry valid diver insurance such as provided by DAN.Guests will need to pay on board expenses (drinks, gear rental, etc.) in cash (US Dollar, Euro, Australian Dollar or Rupiah) or with credit card (Visa or Mastercard) at the end of the trip. About the Itinerary:TNC will make every reasonable effort to operate the expedition as advertised, but alterations will more than likely occur, mainly due to weather, or to take full advantage of wildlife encounters or cultural events. We will discuss our planned itinerary daily with our local expert guides and will always choose the best available option.

Join Us.For more information on TNC’s journey to Indonesia,

please contact Marianne Shaw at marianne.shaw@tnc.org

Photo: © Ethan Daniels