Dive Tourism off the Reefs of the Padaido Islands, Irian Jaya, Indonesia

by Rumsram Foundation

Partners:

Rumsram Foundation Hualopu Foundation IDRC Canadian University Service Organization (CUSO)

Current Accomplishments

Rumsram has been active in the field, working with the Padaido community. They have met with the villagers regarding revitalization of their marketing co-operative. A women's saving group has been strengthened through recruitment of new members. There is as a consequence now more money available in their saving account. The community has been informed about the eco-tourism project and the community people are enthusiastic in their support.

Activities related to fisheries involve introduction of environmentally appropriate fishing gear such as FADs and gillnets. Several groups of fishermen have been convinced to stop using bombs. Meetings have been held to consider the zonation of local waters for various uses.

The first boat the community had for transporting tourists was wrecked in the tidal wave (see Challenges below). Rumsram has built a larger new boat for use in the project. The upgrading of the existing tourist cottage in Dawi Island is underway. A well and bathroom have been added to the facility. Additional units are now under construction by community members, who are copying this existing facility. Rumsram has also been gathering baseline data for the monitoring of socio-economic indicators. The biological monitoring plan will be reviewed and revised in November.

The project book-keeper received training in financial management over a period of two weeks. Also, a series of meetings have been held to finalize management plans.

Successes and Challenges

"OK...So What?"

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