At Wakatobi, exceptional diving is paired with imperative pursuits: safeguarding the ocean and supporting the local communities that depend on it. Since 1996, the resort has self-funded its conservation efforts. However, these initiatives have an inherent limit—resort capacity can not expand endlessly while maintaining the unique Wakatobi experience. And so, a critical challenge remains: how can we continue scaling our efforts without expanding the resort itself?
That question sparked a new vision. What if Wakatobi’s conservation model could be expanded with support from like-minded companies? We discovered that the solution lies in a mutually beneficial partnership— companies gain valuable sustainability credentials, while Wakatobi expands its proven conservation model. Enter Reefonomics: a new company connecting corporations with tangible environmental and social impacts.
By partnering with Reefonomics, companies can directly fund marine protection while simultaneously driving positive socioeconomic impact at Wakatobi. Our initiatives include expanding reef patrols, creating new job opportunities, collecting marine ecosystem data, and strengthening reef lease agreements. In return, partners receive tangible evidence of these impacts through Reef Tokens. A Reef Token represents a 10-square-meter section of reef that is protected and monitored for a year. These tokens can be integrated into sustainability reports, investor communications, and ESG storytelling (Environmental, Social, and Governance) that help companies demonstrate measurable environmental and social benefits.
Methodologies for a Sustainable Cycle
Our conservation efforts, verified by rigorous monitoring, ensure reef health and marine biodiversity. This also means that the more reefs we protect, the more jobs we can create. This eco-centric business model rooted in conservation and collaboration creates a sustainable cycle that benefits both the planet and local communities through long-term income.
Under the guidance of our resident marine biologist, Julia Mellers, the Wakatobi dive team uses three key methodologies to track reef health. If you’re curious about what these methodologies entail, here’s a brief overview:
One method utilizes AI-driven photo surveys, where the dive team captures photographs of the reef and uses an artificial intelligence program to analyze the presence of biodiverse species. Acoustic monitoring is another key approach, where fish vocalizations and group spawning sounds are indicators of a thriving ecosystem; the more varied and frequent the reef’s natural soundscape, the healthier it is. Finally, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling allows the dive team to monitor coral species without disturbing the reef. By extracting genetic material from seawater, they can track coral diversity and identify rare or sensitive species, which are two strong indicators of ecosystem richness.
For a more thorough explanation on these scientific processes, look at our previous article with our resident Marine Biologist here.
Taking Action
The success of Reefonomics is not only seen by its measurable outcomes but also in the growing involvement of Wakatobi’s dive team. Novie Bahri, a dive instructor at Wakatobi, began assisting Julia with the development of Reefonomics in the past year.
“It’s nice to do something different from my usual routine, like guiding guests or teaching,” Novie shares. “By helping Julia, I’ve learned new things—like how she collects data by taking underwater photos or gathering water column samples.”
Now, Novie and other members of Wakatobi’s dive team have become a vital part of Reefonomics’ research efforts.
“I’m not sure what my official title is… maybe ‘research assistant!” Novie says enthusiastically. “I help with whatever Julia needs—collecting water samples, taking pictures, and entering the collected data using the artificial intelligence program.”
Novie’s passion for the ocean goes beyond diving; it’s rooted in her earlier work with a marine-focused non-profit in Bali. That experience helps fuel her enthusiasm for what Reefonomics represents.
“It’s always interesting to learn how marine biologists use data from the ocean. It’s important to have specific information about reef conditions so we can take action—even small steps, like being careful not to damage the reef while diving and never leaving trash in the ocean.”
A Testimony of Hope
Reefonomics is proving that marine conservation can lead to prosperity. By partnering with Reefonomics, organizations can not only safeguard vital ecosystems but also offer long-term benefits to local communities. The success of Wakatobi’s reef patrol is a testimony of hope—Today, the patrol team consists of over 100 former fishermen who have seen firsthand that dive tourism yields greater long-term value than fishing ever could.
Aiming to double the size of our protected marine area to 40 kilometers by the end of 2025, the expansion of reef protection has only just begun. This ambition is powered by Reefonomics, a shining example of what’s possible when purpose and partnership unite to create change not only for today, but for generations to come.
For partnership enquiries, please email: julia@reefonomics.com
For trip enquiries to Wakatobi, please email: office@wakatobi.com or fill out our trip enquiry form here
Reefonomics homepage : https://reefonomics.com
Wakatobi Resort homepage: www.wakatobi.com
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