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THE PROJECT
Raja Ampat, Indonesia harbors the singular most biodiverse marine ecosystem on Earth, and it is one of the world’s greatest ocean conservation success stories. Building on centuries of traditional conservation practiced by the communities of Raja Ampat, Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, and other NGOs have worked with local and government leaders for more than a decade to catalyze the creation and wise management of seven large Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the region. But the work is far from done, and it seems that the sheer success of conservation in Raja Ampat is creating more challenges. Conservation has resulted in great increases in the fish populations in the protected areas. This wealth is an irresistible draw for criminal fishermen who sneak past the patrol boats, bringing destructive practices back to region: fish bombs, shark finning, and long-lining. We wanted to contribute to the next act in the fight for protection of Raja Ampat. The Guardians of Raja Ampat Film and Concert Tour – the culmination of over 3 years of work – harnessed the voices of the community, connected the people of Raja Ampat to their own story, engaged key government officials, and ignited a new fire of commitment to conservation. We worked with the tireless team of The Kalabia, a 100-foot floating classroom, to to haul the 3000lbs of gear and setup the outdoor theater for each show. It was back-breaking work, but when the film ended, and Edo Kondologit – Papua’s most famous singer, who donated his time to headline the tour – sang his last notes of the night, something magic happened: Christians and Muslims, men and women, elders and children all spoke as one, calling for even greater protection of Raja Ampat’s waters. In all, more than 10,000 people – ¼ of the region’s population – participated in this unprecedented film and concert tour through the remote communities of Raja Ampat. When we speak of “The Guardians of Raja Ampat,” we mean all the organizations, government leaders, communities, and incredible individuals that devote their lives and resources to the protection of this global treasure. Raja Ampat remains one of the world's healthiest marine ecosystems because of them. Please join us in support of the guardians of Raja Ampat. "The Guardians of Raja Ampat film and tour have been declared a smashing success in highlighting the wisdom and courage of the people and leaders of Raja Ampat in setting aside nearly half of their reefs in MPAs and vigorously defending these reserves." –Mark Erdmann, Conservation International |
The Tour
The Film
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OUR PARTNERS
Ocean Theater and The Guardians of Raja Ampat are the products of partnerships with Conservation International, The Kalabia Foundation, and Vulcan Philanthropy, with valuable support from Wolcott Henry and the Henry Foundation, the Walton Family Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, The Safina Center, the Blue Sphere Foundation, Misool Baseftin Foundation, The Pew Fellows in Marine Conservation, The Ocean Preservation Society, The Ocean Foundation, and others.
Ocean Theater and The Guardians of Raja Ampat are the products of partnerships with Conservation International, The Kalabia Foundation, and Vulcan Philanthropy, with valuable support from Wolcott Henry and the Henry Foundation, the Walton Family Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, The Safina Center, the Blue Sphere Foundation, Misool Baseftin Foundation, The Pew Fellows in Marine Conservation, The Ocean Preservation Society, The Ocean Foundation, and others.