Conservation Weekend at Oceans 5 Gili Air
Conservation Weekend at Oceans 5 Gili Air: A Dive Center Making a Difference
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, conservation is more than just a buzzword—it’s a deeply ingrained philosophy that shapes every aspect of the dive center’s operations. This weekend, the dive community and the local environment came together for a series of impactful conservation activities, organized by the dedicated team at Oceans 5. With a beach cleanup on Friday and a harbor reef cleanup led by divemaster candidates on Saturday, the weekend was a testament to Oceans 5’s unwavering commitment to marine protection and local community support.
Friday: Beach Cleanup in Front of Oceans 5
Friday afternoon saw a gathering of volunteers—locals, tourists, and divers—equipped with gloves, bags, and an inspiring determination to make a difference. The beach cleanup started in front of Oceans 5, where the team collected plastic bottles, wrappers, and other debris that had washed ashore. With the rainy season approaching, trash from rivers on Lombok often finds its way to Gili Air’s beaches. This creates an ongoing challenge for the island, but one that Oceans 5 tackles head-on with their weekly cleanups.
The efforts were both impactful and eye-opening. Over 40 kilograms of rubbish were collected in just a few hours, highlighting the importance of consistent action in addressing marine debris. Oceans 5’s beach cleanups aren’t just sporadic events; they’re part of a long-term strategy to protect Gili Air’s coastline and foster a sense of environmental responsibility among its community.
Why These Efforts Matter
Marine debris, particularly plastic, poses a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems. Turtles, a common sight around the Gili Islands, can mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, leading to ingestion that can block their digestive systems. For Oceans 5, these cleanups are not merely about aesthetics—they are life-saving initiatives. By keeping the beaches clean, the dive center is safeguarding the habitat of the marine species that make the Gili Islands a global diving hotspot.
Saturday: Harbor Reef Cleanup with Divemaster Candidates
On Saturday, conservation efforts moved underwater. As part of their divemaster course, a group of candidates organized a reef cleanup in the harbor of Gili Air under the guidance of Instructor Chika. The harbor, a bustling point for boats and tourists, is also a hotspot for marine debris, particularly discarded fishing nets, ropes, and plastics.
The cleanup was a hands-on learning experience for the divemaster candidates, who were not only trained in underwater debris removal techniques but also educated on the importance of conservation as part of their professional dive training. Working as a team, they removed entangled nets that posed a threat to corals and marine life, including small fish and invertebrates that often become trapped.
Integrating Conservation into the Divemaster Course
At Oceans 5, conservation isn’t just a one-off event; it’s a core component of dive training. The divemaster course incorporates multiple conservation workshops, including underwater cleanups and educational sessions on marine ecology. By involving candidates in activities like the reef cleanup, Oceans 5 ensures that future dive professionals understand the critical role they play in marine protection.
“We believe that every diver has a responsibility to protect the ocean,” says Chika, the instructor leading Saturday’s cleanup. “By making conservation a part of the divemaster course, we’re not just creating dive leaders; we’re creating ocean ambassadors.”
Conservation as a Core Philosophy
Unlike many dive centers that use conservation as a marketing tool, Oceans 5 invests in tangible, ongoing initiatives. These events are not sponsored by NGOs or external donors; they are self-funded projects that reflect Oceans 5’s commitment to giving back to the local community and protecting the environment.
From teaching environmentally conscious diving techniques, such as maintaining neutral buoyancy to avoid damaging corals, to hosting educational talks on marine conservation, Oceans 5 integrates its philosophy into all its operations. This approach ensures that every diver who visits the center leaves with a greater appreciation for marine ecosystems and the knowledge to protect them.
A Broader Impact on the Local Community
The conservation weekend also showcased Oceans 5’s dedication to supporting Gili Air’s local community. By involving villagers, staff, and tourists in cleanup activities, the dive center fosters a sense of collective responsibility. The events create opportunities for locals to participate in environmental protection while benefiting from a cleaner and healthier island environment.
For instance, Rama, a 23-year-old local entrepreneur, collects plastic bottles and metal cans from the rubbish gathered during these cleanups. He has turned this into a small business, recycling the materials on Lombok. Initiatives like this highlight the ripple effects of Oceans 5’s conservation philosophy, inspiring others to take action and contribute to a sustainable future.
Going Beyond Cleanups
While beach and reef cleanups are essential, Oceans 5’s conservation efforts go much further. The dive center is a proud partner of the University of Mataram, providing students with opportunities to conduct marine surveys around the Gili Islands. This partnership helps increase understanding of the local ecosystem while training future marine scientists.
Oceans 5 also offers PADI AWARE courses, such as Dive Against Debris and Shark Conservation specialties, which educate divers on the threats facing marine life and equip them with skills to make a difference.
A Model for Conservation Dive Centers
Oceans 5 Gili Air sets a benchmark for what a conservation-focused dive center can achieve. By funding their initiatives and embedding conservation into their training and daily operations, they demonstrate that marine protection is not an optional extra—it’s a necessity. Their efforts create a lasting impact, not just for the Gili Islands but for the global diving community as well.
Join the Movement
Conservation weekends like this one are a call to action for divers and non-divers alike. Whether it’s picking up a piece of trash, participating in a cleanup, or simply diving responsibly, everyone can play a part in protecting our oceans.
If you’re visiting the Gili Islands, consider joining one of Oceans 5’s weekly beach cleanups or taking part in their PADI AWARE programs. Not only will you make a difference, but you’ll also be part of a community that values and protects the marine environment.
Conclusion
This weekend’s activities at Oceans 5 Gili Air were a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared goal of protecting the ocean. From the beach cleanup on Friday to the harbor reef cleanup on Saturday, the dedication of Oceans 5 and its community made a tangible difference to Gili Air’s environment.
Conservation isn’t just an event or a slogan at Oceans 5—it’s a way of life. And as this weekend proved, it’s a way of life that has the power to inspire change and protect the beautiful marine ecosystems that we all cherish.