Dive With A Difference

A project on the Gili Islands in Indonesia offers dive tourists a chance to participate in studies that generate research data, encouraging a longer stay that's also more meaningful.

- Michelle Davidov

The Gili Shark Conservation project in Indonesia is an excellent example of a marine-conservation initiative and Project AWARE partner that is driving local policy change.

The conservation project is a small grassroots organisation based on Gili Air, just off Lombok. The project was founded in 2015 by Rose Huizenga, Lauren Sparks and Andreas Zwickel, three ocean lovers who found a shared a mission to promote shark conservation through education and research. The three each had a passion for sharks and marine life, and decided to help generate scientific research as the grounding to promote conservation efforts. Their work also increases knowledge about and the level of protection for the reefs.

Based out of the boutique hotel Villa Nangka, the project provides the base for participants from all over the globe to work on programmes that typically run between two and eight weeks. Volunteers pay to participate in a trip that combines PADI Open Water or an advanced dive course with citizen scientific research. That typically involves participating in research tracking shark and turtle populations, coral-reef health and status, and gathering data directly or through remote underwater video.