what we do
Find out more about our work
What we do
Our overall objective is to protect biodiversity and endangered species in the Banda Sea and to maintain the untouched beauty of the precious coral reef habitats. We also educate the island population in sustainable management of resources and environment-friendly disposal of waste to reduce human-induced pressure on the coastal habitats.
Therefore, we collect donations and raise funds in Europe. These funds are used to support selected projects all highly promising in making a move towards protection of coral reefs, sharks, marine mammals and other sensitive biota. Three of our active members are living and working at the Banda Islands, in fields ranging from marine research, diving instruction and eco-lodging to photography. Being personally representative is first priority to us as it is the best way to assure that donations directly go to the projects they were destined for.
... and what else
Another aim is to sensitize tourists to be aware of their host countries’ nature and population. Therefore, we teach sensitive diving, basics in marine ecology and offer tourists and local and international students to be part of current research projects in the field of marine ecology.
PROTECTION
We help to protect biodiversity and endangered species in the Banda Sea
EDUCATION
We educate the island population in sustainable management of resources and environment-friendly disposal of waste
AWARENESS
We help to sensitize tourists to be aware of their host countries’ nature and population
RESEARCH
We offer tourists and local and international students to be part of current research projects in the field of marine ecology
The philosophy of BandaSEA e.V. is to create a mutual and sustainable co-existence between humans and the marine environment
Banda Islands
Where we work
The Banda Islands is an archipelago of 11 islands located in the central Maluku region, East Indonesia. A population of 22 000 inhabit the islands, living mainly from fishing and from the export of nutmeg, cinnamon and tropical almonds. Surrounding waters belong to the more than 5000 m deep Banda Sea and are home to 64 % of the worldwide known coral species, more than 500 reef fish species, among them the rare Mandarin fish and Napoleon wrasse, various molluscs, crustaceans and also large pelagic species including tunas, jacks, hammerhead and thresher sharks, mobula and eagle rays.
The two central and highest-populated islands, Banda Neira and Banda Besar, are located within the national marine park “Taman Wisata Perairan Laut Banda (TWP Laut Banda)” which was established in 1977, comprises 2500 ha, and mainly serves recreational purposes.
About our projects
All our projects are based at the Banda islands where we can make sure that the donations are used responsibly. We work closely together with local associations and local communities to guarantee that our work will carry fruits. In the last years, we were engaged in a) communicating the concept of a marine protected area network to local stakeholders, b) stopping the trade with Napoleon wrasses and shark fins, c) establishing a rubbish pickup system in 10 communities and d) educating children about rubbish disposal and environment.
SEA Ventures Trust
SEA Ventures Trust is a foundation (Yayasan) registered in Indonesia. It was founded as the non-profit equivalent to SEA Ventures and is the Indonesian partner foundation to Banda Sea e.V. The aim of SEA Ventures Trust is to facilitate environmental education for children and young adults living on remote islands in Indonesia in order to create the opportunity of living a self-determined and sustainable life.