Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is the crown jewel of the Coral Triangle and the epicenter of global marine biodiversity. A stunning landscape of islands and lagoons stretches over an area of 40,000 km². Raja Ampat holds the prestigious title of having the highest marine biodiversity on earth. No matter where you jump into the water, the contrast to other places becomes clearly visible after just a few minutes. The diversity of fish and coral species amazes researchers and divers worldwide. Together with the impressive limestone formations, white sandy beaches and islands dotted with coconut palms, Raja Ampat is rightly called "the last paradise on earth."
But this paradise also has its dark sides: marine pollution, a lack of education and health care, and the rise of mass tourism pose major challenges for the region.
Raja Ampat belongs to the Indonesian province Southwest Papua. Although West Papua is rich in resources, it has the highest poverty rate and one of the lowest human development indices in the world. Despite government investments in education, healthcare and infrastructure, the situation remains problematic. Many schools and hospitals have been built and the number of teachers has increased, but everyday life in the schools paints a different picture.
Teacher absenteeism, inadequately trained teachers and degrading punishments are widespread. It is not unusual for teachers to be absent for months without fear of consequences. This makes it almost impossible for students to pass the national exams in an ordinary way. The illiteracy rate in West Papua is over 30%, and the functional illiteracy rate is even over 80%. Scholarships and good schools are usually only available to children from wealthy families.
Child Aid Papua is committed to education, environmental protection and healthcare. Our Senior High School is the only school in West Papua that offers a degree in marine and ecotourism. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience through internships and environmental education and prepares students for the job market or university. The Junior High School is the only bilingual school in West Papua that offers lessons in both the mother tongue and English.
Education – a Deceptive Illusion
Raja Ampat is not only famous for its wonderful nature, but also for its fascinating culture, which is often overlooked.
Through a long history of migration and ethnic mixing, the archipelago has given rise to a variety of unique tribes. Although these tribes are similar in appearance and genetics, their languages and some of their customs are quite different.
Raja Ampat – a true cultural treasure!
Culture – from tribes and languages to spirits and ghosts
The Raja Ampat archipelago is one of the world's greatest natural wonders and is home to a fascinating variety of wildlife. The tropical reefs, which form the most biodiverse marine ecosystem in the world, are teeming with life. Most of the islands are covered in pristine jungle and their isolation has allowed many of this rainforest's animals to evolve in unique ways.
Nature – A global hotspot of biodiversity
Many mysteries of the archipelago's ancient history are still not fully understood, but here's what we do know:
While in Europe the Neanderthals were still roaming the frozen wastelands of the Ice Age, the Melanesians had already reached Raja Ampat. But this is only the beginning of a story of constant migration and an increasingly complex mix of cultures.
A fascinating journey through a colorful past!
History – The captivating story of the people of Raja Ampat
For more information about the region and culture, please visit the homepage of a good friend of Child Aid Papua.
The archipelago extends over more than 40,000 km², lies above the equator and includes over a thousand islands.
These islands are located on the northern edge of the Australian tectonic plate, separating the Pacific from the Indian Ocean. They are composed mainly of limestone, formed by constant erosion, creating one of the most picturesque landscapes in the world.
The surreal landscape is simply breathtaking!