Case Study: Wakatobi's Cleaning Team

How one resort can make a world of difference to a plastic-free ocean.

- Karen Stearns

The world is waking up to the realisation that the oceans are not a dumping ground. And while some are calling for plastic bans and government regulations, a growing number of organisations and communities are confronting the issue head-on by organising waste reduction, recycling and cleanup projects at a local level. This is the case at Wakatobi Resort. More than two decades ago, Wakatobi’s founder, Lorenz Mäder, established a community-based conservation programme that provides proactive protection for some 20 kilometres of coral reef. This initiative has helped restore and maintain these reefs in near-pristine condition by eliminating destructive fishing practices, anchor damage and other human impacts. And these efforts don’t stop at the waterline. Lorenz and others at Wakatobi are committed not only to protecting the reefs, but to keeping waters, beaches and the islands free of trash and waste through sponsoring a variety of local campaigns and engaging hands-on projects.