Emperor Raja Laut was recently privileged to host a learning visit to Indonesia’s Lease and Banda Islands.
Our guests were the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) – an Indonesian non-governmental conservation organisation – and the aim of the trip was to introduce the rich marine biodiversity of the islands, as well as their unique cultural and socio-economic aspects, to CTC’s board members and partners.
From its beginning in 2010, when it was co-founded with just five employees by executive director Rili Djohani, CTC now has 37 staff members, trained more than 5,800 people and protected 387,000 hectares of critical habitat across the Coral Triangle region – considered the epicentre of marine biodiversity on the planet.
The organisation’s focus is on education about, and protection of, coral reefs and fisheries in the Coral Triangle, which includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste.
Since 2012 CTC has carried out ecological and socio-economic surveys, outreach programs, training, recycling plastics activities with partners and facilitated the establishment of marine protected areas with the local communities and government for the Lease Islands and in the Banda Islands.
Rili Djohani said: “Using liveaboard schooners like the Raja Laut are ideal to explore remote islands and dive on the spectacular coral reefs in Maluku in eastern Indonesia.”
Emperor Divers managing director Alex Bryant added: “We hold the work CTC do in very high regard and have great admiration for all they have achieved.
“At Emperor we are so pleased to be able to play a part in helping their cause and look forward to hosting their partners and board members again for another visit soon.”
You can join Emperor Raja Laut and Emperor Harmoni in the Banda Sea on our Alor & Banda Sea, Raja Ampat & Banda Islands and Banda Islands/Banda Sea itineraries to experience the adventures, culture and history of the famous Spice Islands.
Because these trips are very seasonal, the chance to get on them is limited to October and November or March and April. So take advantage of these special offers and book yourself a 12-night trip on our Banda Sea itinerary with 10% off the normal cost.
18-03-2023 Emperor Harmoni | Banda Sea | From: €5832
13-10-2023 Emperor Raja Laut | Banda Sea | From: €4320
27-10-2023 Emperor Raja Laut | Banda Sea | From: €4320
21-03-2024 Emperor Harmoni | Banda Sea | From: €5832
25-10-2024 Emperor Harmoni | Banda Sea | From: €5616
08-11-2024 Emperor Harmoni | Banda Sea | From: €5616
Discounts are available on a limited number of spaces only.
