Scuba Diver Australasia + Ocean Planet
KURABESI EXPLORER
The Kurabesi Explorer operates under the management of PT Kurabesi Nusantara Indonesia, a social enterprise for sustainable tourism that was created, and is owned, by Indonesians and is operated by local crew. The liveaboard supports local culture and environmental conservation activities in the areas where it operates such as Raja Ampat and the Bird’s Head Seascape in West Papua.
As far as possible, the liveaboard uses local products to support the economy and works closely with Bentara Papua Foundation, a local establishment that initiates social development programmes. One such collaborative initiative is the introduction of Papuan wild boar meat to other cities. The idea was based on the observation that wild boar is one of the biggest predators of turtle eggs in Jamusbamedi – the longest coast in West Papua, which is known for being a sanctuary for turtles, including the rare and protected leatherback turtle. The Kurabesi works with the local community to catch wild boar while training them as natural forest rangers. The meat is sold to other cities, including Jakarta, becoming an alternative source of livelihood for the locals.
The Kurabesi has adopted a host of sustainable practices aboard. To reduce their plastic waste, plastic water bottles and plastic straws are not provided. Instead, each guest is provided with a water tumbler that can be refilled from the mineral water station. Plastic straws have been replaced with bamboo straws, and waste accumulated on-board is processed properly upon reaching land. To save on energy consumption and reduce pollution, the liveaboard shuts down its engines for up to four hours on certain mornings or evenings. Guests are encouraged to go to less visited areas and travel in small groups to minimise direct environmental impact, and are introduced to conservation activities such as reef health monitoring.