Some Times it Works

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     I have worked very hard to contribute and make a difference and every now and then my efforts pay off...  At least I think they do.....      Now this doesn't mean I am not also working at promoting my own agenda; I most definitely am doing just that but if my work succeeds then I am making a difference and that is what counts, in the scheme of things.  This current project, on Komodo, is one of those instances.
     I have now been back for several months and working on editing the program for its debut at the Boston Sea Rovers Symposium in March.  Since returning I have had two great things happen.  first, I recently conducted an interview with Dr. Rili Djohani, Country Director for The Nature Conservancy, and she informed me that there has been a 60% increase in reef building corals, the fish hatchery is moving ahead, successfully, and the Marine Tourist Board of Indonesia has also joined the effort help the region.  I am enthused by the conservancies  effort to help my project.  The second instance is that I have been able to secure the talents of renowned underwater film legend, Stan Waterman, to record voice overs of my script for the project.  Again, this adds to the credibility of the film and Mr Waterman's efforts will mean others in the dive industry will definitely take notice of what is going on in Komodo.  
     Indonesia and The Komodo Marine Park, in particular, are one of the most amazing places on earth and contrary to our current government's doctrine, very safe places to travel to.  Everyone we met on the trip went out of their way to assist us and the culture a traveler experiences in this wonderland is one that should never be missed.  Yes, there have been terrorist actions over the last few years but terrorism occurs everywhere.  Do we stop traveling to England because of the recent bus bombing or visiting Spain since the trains were destroyed, no we don't.. So why does our government scare us away from Indonesia??
     If the efforts to save the endangered regions of our planet are to succeed then countries, like Indonesia, need tourism as a means of generating income for the populous.  Alternate sources of income are, perhaps, the greatest deterrent to habitat destruction, over fishing and over development.  Divers aren't going to be bombed in Komodo!!  They will be treated to an experience of a lifetime which, if possible, should never be missed.
     For more information on the region and how to experience it you can go to www.tnc.org, www.kararu.com, www.alamresort.com and the web sites for the Indonesian tourist bureau and the Coral Triangle Center.  You can also google Indonesia Tourism and hundreds of web sites pop up.
     I also want to extol the mainland of Bali as another fabulous place to visit, especially for divers.  In the Amed and Tulamben Regions, in the North East of Bali, the diving is fabulous and the experience of visiting Bali is not to be missed.  The culture is so amazing, the scenery, outstanding and the cost is so low you can live like royalty for less than $100.00/day.  We stayed at the Anda Amed Resort for $55/night in a private mini villa with a full breakfast every morning.....  So give Indonesia a try.  Safe travels and diving,  Envirodiver