Misool Foundation
Misool Foundation is the charitable arm of Misool Resort, an eco-resort often visited on tours with Snorkel Venture. In 2005, the foundation leased 100,000 acres of sea from the local community in South Raja Ampat. At the heart of this area was an island that, at the time, was home to a shark finning camp, contributing to the highly destructive international shark fining trade.
Misool Resort was built on the island, replacing the shark finning industry and creating sustainable job opportunities for local communities. Constructed entirely from reclaimed wood using eco-friendly practices, the resort now funds the foundation, which works to protect the marine ecosystem of Raja Ampat.
The foundation takes a holistic approach to conservation, integrating environmental, social, and educational initiatives into its programs.
One of Misool Foundation’s huge achievements is the creation of a 300,000 acre marine reserve with a strict no take policy, patrolled by local rangers. Since the establishment of the marine reserve, nature has had time to bounce back. Biodiversity and abundance surveys conducted in the area have found a biomass increase of 248% from 2007 to 2021, including a 190% increase of sharks.
