The Bird’s Head Seascape is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. It is home to over 600 corals and more than 1,600 species of coral reef fish. The Seascape also provides habitats for several globally threatened marine species, including sea turtles, manta rays, numerous shark species and dolphins.

The Seascape is home to more than just the animal and plant life that reside there; it is also an economic driver and food source for the villagers of West Papua, 43 percent of whom live below the poverty line. When we began our Seascape initiative in 2005, we knew we needed to find ways to protect the rare biodiversity of the ecosystem that would sustain local fisheries, boost the prosperity of area businesses and workers and empower the community.