The Banda Archipelago in Maluku Province, remote eastern Indonesia, is one of the world’s hidden gems of marine biodiversity. Every year, for a few precious months, this area becomes a magnet for divers, ocean lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts who come to witness spectacular marine life, from schooling hammerhead sharks and pygmy blue whales to tiger sharks and kaleidoscopic coral reefs.
But despite the influx of thousands of international visitors, the positive impact left on local communities and the environment remains minimal.
This is about to change.
In a groundbreaking effort to turn tourism into a force for good, local communities—together with EcoNusa, Bank Sampah, and the ocean conservation platform Ocean Eye—are launching the Banda Sea Regenerative Tourism Challenge 2025.
“Together with the Banda local authorities, we call on all visiting tourists and liveaboard vessels to act responsibly—by participating in citizen science and contributing micro-donations through the Ocean Eye platform. Marine animal sightings based micropayments will directly support local efforts to tackle plastic waste pollution that harms marine life,” said Bustar Maitar, founder of EcoNusa.
Data collected through this initiative will also be used to assess the area’s potential for future nature credit-based finance, laying the groundwork for long-term conservation funding.
Meanwhile, Bank Sampah and EcoNusa are leading on-the-ground initiatives. With Bank Sampah focusing on advancing Banda’s waste management system and EcoNusa installing eco-moorings across locally managed islands, the initiative aims to reduce marine pollution and anchor damage. Together, they are not only improving infrastructure but also educating liveaboards and coastal communities to become stewards of coral reef conservation, setting a new standard for sustainable tourism in Eastern Indonesia.
“A plastic waste processing machine is urgently needed to tackle the growing waste problem across the islands. With the recent donation from Ocean Eye, we’ve begun piloting a small-scale project in one district to build a more efficient waste management system. Every donation, especially those generated through tourist animal sightings. It helps us scale this effort and move closer to a cleaner, more sustainable Banda,” said Maga from Bank Sampah.
Ocean Eye is now onboarding liveaboard vessels operating in the Banda Sea. Over the coming months, participating crews will receive dedicated training to prepare them for an active role in this growing regenerative tourism movement—joining their guests in protecting and restoring the marine environment.
“We will publicly recognise all participating vessels and share donation outcomes transparently,” said Aramita Livia Ardis of Ocean Eye. “At the end of the 2025 season, we’ll celebrate the most impactful contributing liveaboard vessel by naming the official Banda Sea Regeneration Hero—a symbol of what responsible tourism can achieve.”