The first funds from Ocean Eye have been used to support a socialisation event, the first step to strengthen the waste management project in the village of Nusantara.
Thanks to the incredible support from our very first Ocean Eye tourists in the Banda Sea in 2024, we’ve just funded the local waste management project in Banda Neira—powered by marine animal sighting contributions!
The Banda Islands, tucked away in the Maluku province of Indonesia, are remote, enigmatic, and a magnet for travellers for a few months each. From September to November, the surrounding waters burst with marine life from schooling hammerhead sharks to elusive pygmy blue whales, offering unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime encounters for divers and ocean enthusiasts alike.
Despite the growing popularity of diving tourism, little of its economic value remains on the islands, home to around 20,000 residents who rely primarily on agriculture and fishing for their livelihoods. While modern consumer goods have reached the Banda Islands, essential infrastructure has not kept pace. The absence of centralised waste collection and recycling systems, as well as a lack of awareness about the harmfulness of plastic waste, has led to a mounting waste crisis. One that, together with harmful fishing practices, poses a serious threat to the very marine ecosystems that attract visitors in the first place.
Ocean Eye funds supported local stakeholders and EcoNusa, to launch the socialisation of the Bimbingan Teknis (Bimtek) Nusantara Project to help turn this crisis. The initiative brought together 30 local participants, including women, youth, and village leaders, to learn practical ways to reduce and manage waste at the community level.
Led by the local waste bank and the University of Banda Naira, the training introduced the concept of bank sampah, a community-based waste bank that not only promotes recycling but also empowers residents to see waste as a resource. Participants learned how to sort waste from home, operate simple waste-press machines, and build systems to turn recyclable materials into economic value.
While the project revealed key challenges, such as limited infrastructure and the need for ongoing education, it also marked a new beginning. The enthusiasm shown by the community and the strong collaboration between EcoNusa, local government, and academia reflect a growing movement towards a cleaner, more resilient Banda.
This is just the beginning. While the funds raised through Ocean Eye so far have made an incredible start, they’re not yet enough to cover all the essential tools needed for effective waste management in Banda Neira. That’s why Ocean Eye is reaching out to the liveaboard vessels exploring the Banda Sea this season—inviting them to join the movement and encourage their guests to make micro-donations through our platform. Every contribution helps us get closer to providing a vital waste-processing machine, ensuring that this inspiring community initiative can keep driving real, lasting change in Banda Neira—and, in time, across the entire archipelago.