[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lora||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”10px||-10px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
**A quick opening note\u2026 we know that not everyone likes to read long posts, but we invite you to both watch the video and read to the very end, because the final closing paragraph (which is not about a trip to France at all!) is equally as important and significant as the trip to France itself.\u00a0 Thankyou, and enjoy\u2026 \ud83d\ude42 **<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong> <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/s4NQW8bq6Iw” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lora||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”10px||-10px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The past 3 weeks have gone by in a blur.. with first-time international flights, new food, new faces, new people, new places\u2026 and so many genuine \u201conce-in-a-lifetime\u201d experiences. We didn\u2019t post anything as we were too busy ‘doing’, but now that we\u2019re back, here\u2019s apost-jetlag look back at the unforgettable moments and connections that made this journey so special!<\/strong><\/p>\n Just a few days ago, Cory and Tresye (and Arno and Lynn) returned from a transformative experience in the South of France, where they were selected to represent the Foundation and Yaf Keru at the Small Islands Organisation (SMILO) Annual Meetup.\u00a0 Held in the beautiful Frioul Islands and the vibrant city of Marseille, this event brought together over 130 participants from more than 40 islands and 25 countries, united in their dedication and commitment to the sustainable development and conservation of small islands.<\/p>\n For us, it was not only an opportunity to share the story of Yaf Keru (our community-based reef restoration program), the local traditional practice of \u2018sasi\u2019 as method of protecting natural resources, and our use of solar power and electrical boat engines, but also to connect, learn, and expand our vision for protecting coral reef and island ecosystems.<\/p>\n We were honored to be selected to participate and present at this international gathering; representing the world\u2019s most biodiverse marine region, we shared the core principles of Yaf Keru, highlighting how community-led reef restoration can uplift ecosystems and livelihoods simultaneously.\u00a0 This was an incredible chance to demonstrate that small island communities, like those in Raja Ampat, are essential contributors to global environmental health, and we were proud to showcase how Yaf Keru\u2019s model of conservation is making a tangible difference to both people and place.<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the most inspiring aspects of this event was Cory\u2019s journey and presentation. Cory, from the village of Yenbekwan in Raja Ampat, was selected to deliver a full presentation – in English!!<\/em> – to an international audience, an impressive milestone for someone who, just six months ago, would not have imagined doing such a thing! \u00a0This trip was also significant in other ways \u2013 it was her first time traveling outside of Indonesia and an incredible opportunity to showcase her skills and knowledge, share Yaf Keru\u2019s story, and the story of her island and the traditional community practice of sasi, on a global stage. Cory\u2019s growth over the past few months is a testament to our commitment to capacity building within local communities, giving individuals the skills and confidence to be leaders in conservation. Cory\u2019s presentation was not only well-received but sparked such enthusiasm and questions from the audience that the allocated time wasn\u2019t enough, leading to many follow-up conversations in the days that followed. It was a remarkable achievement and also a source of pride and inspiration for all of us (including Cory herself.. who we swear was 3 inches taller afterwards!).<\/p>\n During our time in Marseille, our team was also able to enjoy an especially meaningful time with the team at Plan\u00e8te Mer, our long time friends and dedicated partners in marine conservation. \u00a0After years of support and collaboration with this amazing team, to \u2013 finally! \u2013 be in a room together was an extra special moment, and allowed us to discuss first hand insights on coral restoration methods, scientific monitoring in Raja Ampat, and the financial challenges of sustaining large-scale conservation programs. The chance to meet face-to-face with the Plan\u00e8te Mer team and deepen our shared commitment to Yaf Keru underscored the strength of our partnership and the importance of collaboration in conservation.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/em><\/strong>This trip wasn\u2019t just about presentations, workshops and meetings; it was about building connections, sharing knowledge, and working together for a sustainable future. We were all inspired to learn from other organisations and small island communities addressing similar challenges, and proud to see the interest and influence that Yaf Keru and traditional management inspired.\u00a0 The openness, support, and collaborative spirit of all those we met with was a reminder that although all islands and marine spaces re unique, our missions intersect; we are all part of a global community striving to protect and sustain the world\u2019s invaluable marine ecosystems. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Petualangan di Perancais | Adventures in the South of France… For Co-Founder Arno, this visit also provided a rare opportunity to spend time with family and friends, reconnecting with loved ones and reinforcing the bonds that support and sustain the mission of The SEA People.<\/p>\n The experiences and connections we gained during this trip have further strengthened our vision and commitment. As we continue our work in Raja Ampat, we are deeply grateful for the invaluable support of SMILO, Plan\u00e8te Mer, and all those who believe in our mission, and us personally. \u00a0Together, we\u2019re striving to build a future where small islands and local communities are celebrated as leaders in marine conservation, and where people can thrive in true harmony with their natural environment.<\/p>\n We\u2019d like to personally thank the following people; \u2026.you made our trip the success that it was, and we could not have done it without you!!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lora||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”30px||-10px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/theseapeople.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Field-Team.jpeg” title_text=”Field Team” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”40px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lora||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”-26px||-10px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Roy, Piet, Yosina and Luis <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lora||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”20px||-10px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To finish, we want to recognize and extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible members of our team who stayed at home in Raja Ampat. While we were in France, Piet, Yosina, Roy, and Luis independently managed the daily operations of Yaf Keru and our conservation vessel the Galaxea\u2014a significant and proud moment for our foundation. For the first time, they oversaw every detail, from the logistics of our reef restoration activities to managing the vessel\u2019s upkeep and schedules, all while ensuring that the work we\u2019ve built together continued smoothly and effectively.<\/p>\n This milestone reflects not only their dedication and hard work but also the success of our commitment to capacity building and our vision of cultivating local leaders in conservation. Piet, Yosina, Roy, and Luis have shown that conservation leadership isn\u2019t just about skill; it\u2019s about the heart, resilience, and commitment they bring to Raja Ampat every day.<\/p>\n Thank you, Piet, Yosina, Roy, and Luis, for your exceptional work, reliability, and teamwork during this time.<\/strong> Your efforts are a reminder of why we do what we do, and we\u2019re deeply grateful to each of you for carrying Yaf Keru\u2019s mission forward with such dedication. This achievement speaks volumes about the future of Yaf Keru and our goal to build a foundation of strong, local conservation leaders.\u00a0 Injo Nober.<\/em><\/strong> <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" **A quick opening note\u2026 we know that not everyone likes to read long posts, but we invite you to both watch the video and read to the very end, because the final closing paragraph (which is not about a trip to France at all!) is equally as important and significant as the trip to France […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":14557,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"1080","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[54,52,51,44,15,43,53,41,40],"class_list":["post-14555","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-conservation-leadership","tag-coral","tag-coral-reef","tag-local-community","tag-raja-ampat","tag-raja-ampat-conservation","tag-reef-restoration","tag-the-sea-people","tag-yaf-keru"],"yoast_head":"\n
<\/em><\/strong>This trip was also an incredible cultural experience for Cory and Tresye, an opportunity to explore the rich history, culture and landscapes of France. From sampling French cuisine (where it was determined some French cheese tastes like durian), taking scenic train rides and the \u2018metro\u2019 (an underground train), to visiting natural history museums, hiking around islands so different from their own, and hearing a new language while exploring the busy streets, markets, and shops of Marseille, Valbonne, and the French Riviera\u2014every moment offered fresh experiences.\u00a0 This trip brought many firsts, including the experience of a colder climate\u2014an adventure all its own as Cory and Tresye navigated the coldest temperatures they\u2019d ever felt (down to just 8 degrees at night!)!<\/p>\n
– Silvain, Domitille, Martha and the entire team at SMILO for pulling together this amazing conference.
– Laurent DeBas (Founder and Director of Planet Mer) for his warm welcome, genuine friendship, hospitality, \u00a0mentorship, motivation and inspiration, along with the wider Planet Mer team
– The Brival Family; for welcoming Cory and Tresye into their lives and homes, and being amazing hosts, tour guides and friends.. and for making Cory and Tresye feel at home, whilst being so far from home.<\/p>\nA final word…<\/b><\/em><\/h2>\n