Wakatobi Featured in Book of the Year

Published February 20, 2021 in CONSERVATION, NEWS

We would like to congratulate two Wakatobi regulars who have transformed their time at the resort into an award-winning book of underwater photography. Wakatobi. Conservation. In depth by Wade and Robyn Hughes was named Underwater Photography Book of the Year by the British organization UPY, which also stages the annual Underwater Photographer of the Year competition.

"A superb photographic journey through Indonesia's Wakatobi National Park." Wade and Robyn Hughes

“A superb photographic journey through Indonesia’s Wakatobi National Park.”

The judges described this 200-page publication as “A superb photographic journey through Indonesia’s Wakatobi National Park. Diving here brings more than just short-term enjoyment for visitors. It makes a significant contribution to the well-being of local communities and helps ensure the long-term sustainable management of the globally important coral reefs within the Park’s boundaries. The book reveals the vision of the local communities and illustrates the success of their approach to economically sustainable conservation.”

“This book highlights not just our efforts with cameras and pen, but also the global importance and effectiveness of the economically sustainable local conservation programs that Wakatobi Resort has put in place.” ~Wade and Robyn Hughes

“This book really represents a team effort on behalf of ourselves and all the staff and dive guides at Wakatobi who have worked with us and provided generous support and friendship over the years,” says Robyn Hughes. “It’s also significant because it draws attention to the outstanding work that Wakatobi, the government, and the local communities have done to maintain the momentum of conservation of the Wakatobi National Park, despite Covid-19 cutting off the flow of international tourist revenues,” adds Wade. We think the recognition for the book highlights not just our efforts with cameras and pen, but also the global importance and effectiveness of the economically sustainable local conservation programs that Wakatobi has put in place.”

Wade and Robyn Hughes enjoying a sunset at Wakatobi.

Wade and Robyn Hughes enjoying a sunset at Wakatobi. Photo courtesy of the Hughes.

Wade Hughes is a Member of the Explorers Club, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and a multi-award-winning photographer. He has dived extensively around the world from the Arctic Circle and the Southern Ocean to the equatorial tropics. Robyn is an accomplished diver and award-winning photographer who began her international travels as a teenager. She took up writing and photography after a career in banking, and, with Wade, has since visited more than 50 countries.

To preview the book go to Blurb, select Preview, then click the full-screen icon.

Learn more about the Hughes and their photographic journeys at wadeandrobynhughes.com.

The Hughes Guest Reflections profile can be viewed on the Wakatobi website >here