In September 2024, the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) successfully conducted Green Fins assessments for six dive operators in Komodo National Park. This initiative marks an important milestone in promoting sustainable diving practices and marine conservation in the region, reinforcing the commitment of Indonesia’s diving industry to environmental protection.

The assessments took place between September 23 and 27, involving dive operators such as Azul Komodo, Wunderpus Liveaboard, Blue Marlin Dive Komodo, Dragon Dive Komodo, Dive Komodo, and Sea Creatures Diving. These operators showed significant improvements in their environmental practices compared to previous evaluations, adhering to key principles of the Green Fins Code of Conduct. This includes minimizing waste, reducing the use of plastic, and following responsible diving guidelines to ensure minimal impact on coral reefs and marine life.

Since 2018, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the Reef World Foundation (RWF), CTC has been the national coordinator for Green Fins in Indonesia. The main responsibilities are to assess and train the dive and snorkel operators to be active Green Fins members. As Green Fins members, dive-operators are required to implement environment friendly codes of conduct. Thus, since December 2023, CTC has been qualified to train and certify individuals within the country, further building capacity for this initiative to continue its expansion in Indonesia.

Throughout the assessments, CTC evaluated the dive operators’ overall operations, focusing on adherence to the environmentally friendly guidelines set by Green Fins. This includes actions such as avoiding the use of toxic chemicals like oil and sunscreen that could pollute the ocean, ensuring proper waste disposal on boats, and prohibiting the sale or display of corals and marine life. Additionally, the operators demonstrated a commitment to reducing reef damage by using mooring buoys instead of anchors and promoting a strict ‘no-touch’ policy during diving and snorkeling activities.

The assessment process included discussions with dive center managers, where feedback and action points were shared to further enhance their sustainable practices. These efforts align with the Green Fins mission to protect coral reefs by encouraging responsible marine tourism.

Developed by The Reef-World Foundation in partnership with the UN Environment Programme, the Green Fins initiative provides a global framework for dive operators to integrate environmental sustainability into their operations. Currently, Green Fins Indonesia boasts 21 Certified Members and 13 Digital Members from Bali, Komodo, Gili Trawangan, Maluku, Manado, Raja Ampat and others areas in Indonesia, with four operators holding Gold Membership status due to their exemplary efforts in minimizing environmental impacts. Among the gold members are All 4 Diving Indonesia, Abyss Ocean World, Ceningan Divers, and Easy Divers Bali.

This latest round of assessments is part of CTC’s ongoing effort to advance sustainable diving practices. Earlier in May 2024, CTC hosted a webinar titled “Green Fins for a Sustainable Diving Industry and Resilient Marine Environment in Indonesia,” which featured speakers from The Reef-World Foundation and CTC. The event highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism and provided updates on the Green Fins initiative, focusing on new guidelines and the benefits of membership.

The dive operators in Komodo are now better equipped to lead the way in promoting sustainable tourism and protecting Indonesia’s fragile marine ecosystems. Through their alignment with the Green Fins Code of Conduct, these operators are playing a crucial role in ensuring the long-term conservation of Komodo’s rich marine biodiversity.

Writers: Asia Salsabilla, Marthen Welly, Eureka Amadea
Photos: Eureka Amadea/CTC