<div>Hi my name is Sofia Tedestam, originally from Sweden but permanently living in Indonesia. I am a professional diver and dive operations manager since 2009. After two years of <strong>voluntary work in marine conservation project management,</strong> I arrived in<strong> Labuan Bajo in 2015</strong> to seek employment as a recreational scuba instructor.
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<div>This town is the gateway to <strong>Komodo National Park</strong>, which is highly regarded among experienced divers for its strong currents, healthy reefs and diverse marine life. However, upon landing a job I soon came to realize I could no longer enjoy and economically support myself from this area, whilst seeing <strong>the growing threats and degradation</strong> to what I was teaching others to love. So when I unexpectedly was offered the chance to start a branch of an international <strong>NGO</strong> focusing on <strong>activating the community to reduce the solid waste problem,</strong> I jumped on the opportunity.<strong> </strong>
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<div>Over five years<strong> I built up a team</strong> which did <strong>large-scale weekly cleanups, education, awareness and implementing sustainable solutions </strong>to the area. Our team had a <strong>huge success</strong> and our chapter became a <strong>role model for other national branches</strong>. The hay day of our project came to an end during Covid when much of the team moved on to new areas and ventures, and for a few years my focus was on building a family and home here on Flores.
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<div>The <strong>urge to do something ‘to give back’</strong> never ceased for me, and in fact this feeling kept growing. Through my work as a <strong>Dive Operations Manager</strong>, I was able to run and get involved <strong>in many conservation ventures.</strong> The idea of creating a <strong>long-term conservation project</strong> had been brewing for some time when<strong> I met Abi</strong> from Sulawesi through overlapping communal and environmental activities. <strong>He has a high energy, positivism and a strong background in conservation NGO </strong>management. He had recently finished a conservation project in the area of Golomori and was looking for what to do next.
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<div>We were joined by several of our friends that share a <strong>passion for protecting the marine world and the name Konservasi Tacik Indonesia was chosen</strong>. The Meaning of <strong>“Tacik” in the local language is "The Sea."</strong> For the people living in the coastal villages here,<strong> Tacik is their identity, history and livelihood.</strong>
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<div>The Tacik team members are<strong> professional scuba divers, dive managers and fishermen,</strong> providing us with the <strong>specialized skills and practical knowledge</strong> essential for supporting <strong>underwater conservation activities</strong>. Some of us are from Golomori, giving us<strong> strong ties with the local community and authorities.</strong> Most of us have<strong> experience managing community and conservation projects in West Manggarai,</strong> we therefore have a<strong> good understanding of the situation on the ground, </strong>diverse insights and <strong>proven strategies for effective grass root conservation.</strong>
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<div>This strong local foundation enhances our ability to collaborate and build trust within the region.
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<div><strong>Project Location</strong>
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<div>The coast of <strong>Golomori </strong>with its rolling green hills, multi colored beaches and rich <strong>mangroves</strong> is a breathtaking and humbling sight. Colorful corals are hidden under rapid currents, caused by tidal water squeezing through the narrow channel that separates Golomori from the famous <strong>Komodo National Park</strong> archipelago.
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<div><strong>Komodo National Park</strong>, a <strong>UNESCO World heritage site since 1980</strong>, is attracting visitors from all over the world to experience the Komodo dragon in its unique habitat, and to snorkel and scuba dive in its exciting marine interior.
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<div>It lies in the heart of the <strong>Coral Triangle;</strong> an area which has the <strong>highest marine biodiversity in the world</strong> with over<strong> 1000 species of fish, 260 species of reef building corals</strong> and many <strong>endangered marine mega fauna </strong>animals such as mantas, sharks, dolphins, dugongs and turtles.
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<div><strong>The Challenge</strong>
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<div>Until recently the <strong>Golomori area</strong> was hard to access, but a <strong>new road</strong> is now connecting it to the tourism town <strong>Labuan Bajo</strong> and its new international airport. It has been recognized by authorities that <strong>Komodo National Park is about to reach its maximal capacity limit</strong> (Labuan Bajo Impact Assessment 2018), and for this reason destinations outside the park are explored and developed.
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<div>The Central government has declared the areas to become a <strong>“Super Premium Destination”</strong>, with a <strong>new tourism center in Golomori.</strong> As a consequence <strong>investors are</strong> starting to develop the area with <strong>large resorts, and a fishing depot </strong>is underway in a nearby village. it is important to<strong> include the local community</strong> in this process and to <strong>raise awareness and skills </strong>on how to further develop this area with a <strong>strong focus on sustainability.</strong>
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<div><strong>The Solution</strong>
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<div>Our vision is of a <strong>conservation-conscious community protecting marine ecosystems</strong> and<strong> supporting sustainable livelihoods in West Manggarai.</strong> Our initial focus is the <strong>coastal communities of Lenteng in Golomori,</strong> two interconnected neighboring villages with a total of <strong>156 families</strong>. We believe that when<strong> local people are empowered, </strong>they become the <strong>most effective guardians of the sea. </strong>Our goal supports <strong>UN’s Sustainable Development Goal #14 “Life Below Water”</strong> and has two main sections;
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<div><strong>1. Community Empowerment</strong>
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<div>We will <strong>build a diverse and empowered group of locals</strong> who can champion <strong>sustainable practices</strong> and inspire <strong>lasting change</strong> within their communities. Our <strong>regular community events include :</strong>
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<li><strong>Eco-tourism solutions</strong>
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<li><strong>Environmental education</strong>
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<li><strong>Sustainable living and role modeling</strong>
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<li>Snorkeling/diving with marine life ID and human impact observation
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<li>Documentary nights with discussions
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<li>Scuba Diving courses
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<li>Marine habitats surveying and analyzing methods
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<li>Various habitat restoration techniques
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<li>Beach cleanup with brand audit
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<li>English lessons
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<div>Our approach to this initiative is deliberately <strong>holistic and inclusive.</strong> We are committed to ensuring that those who are often <strong>under-represented,</strong> such as <strong>women and young people, </strong>are <strong>actively encouraged and supported </strong>to participate in the programs.
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<div><strong>2. Real Conservation</strong>
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<div>We will do <strong>real conservation work</strong> that has a <strong>positive impact on the four habitats; </strong>coral, mangrove, sea grass and human settlement.
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<div>The<strong> internationally recognized Reef Check method</strong> will be used to <strong>monitor the health of coral reefs</strong> in the region.
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<div>By <strong>trialing different coral-growing methods,</strong> we will find the <strong>most effective way to restore coral reefs</strong> in our area. <strong>Mangrove and sea grass rehabilitation</strong> are on the cards for the future of the program too.
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<div>The <strong>findings and data collected </strong>in the conservation program will allow us to <strong>support local authorities and communities</strong> in developing <strong>evidence-based best practices and policy making,</strong> whilst simultaneously finding <strong>sustainable solutions </strong>that can lead to the much needed change.
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<div><strong>Call to Action</strong>
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<div>Our program <strong>duration is 5 years</strong> and we are now in the process of becoming a<strong> Legal Foundation (Local Yayasan)</strong>. We have the spirit, knowledge and contact network to make this project successful. However <strong>we started with zero budget and need assistance from those that are in position to aid. </strong>The first year will be the crucial time to get us off the ground. Even a small donation goes a long way in Indonesia.
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<div><strong>The total budget for year one investments and running costs can be seen in the attached photo.</strong> If you cannot donate, <strong>please share our story</strong> to help us reach those who can.
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<div><strong>Terima Kasih!</strong>
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Empower Indonesian Communities to Protect Marine Resources

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