Cover The rugged coastline of Nusa Lembongan, one of three islands in the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area
The rugged coastline of Nusa Lembongan, one of three islands in the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area
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Rolex’s Perpetual Planet Initiative and Mission Blue join forces to support the conservation of Indonesia’s island paradise of Nusa Penida and preserve its vital marine ecosystem
When visiting the tropical paradise of Bali in Indonesia, many travellers often make a day trip by ferry to Nusa Penida, a nearby island, for its idyllic lagoons, hidden beaches and incredible marine life. Unbeknown to many of its visitors is the fact that the beauty and magic of Nusa Penida is only possible because of the dedicated individuals working to preserve and protect its biodiversity.
Nusa Penida is part of the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (MPA), established in 2014, and spanning 20,057 hectares around the Balinese islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Nestled in the Coral Triangle, a region celebrated for its unparalleled marine biodiversity, the Nusa Penida MPA is home to approximately 570 species of reef fish and nearly 300 species of coral—representing over 76 per cent of all known coral species. More than just a stunning destination, it is essential for both marine life and local communities, not only serving as a sanctuary for majestic creatures such as manta rays and ocean sunfish, but also providing livelihoods for its people—not least through the hundreds of thousands of visitors it draws each year.
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Above Coral Triangle Center team members Tabitha Rudang and Evi Nurul Ihsan use toothbrushes to clean algae off a structure previously planted within damaged or degraded coral reefs to aid restoration and regrowth
Coral Triangle Center team members Tabitha Rudang and Evi Nurul Ihsan use toothbrushes to clean algae off a structure previously planted within damaged or degraded coral reefs to aid restoration and regrowth
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The efforts to protect this unique environment have been significantly bolstered by the partnership between Rolex’s Perpetual Planet Initiative, which champions and supports individuals and institutions who are using science to understand and conceive solutions to today’s environmental challenges, and Mission Blue, an esteemed ocean conservation non‑profit founded by renowned marine biologist and Rolex Testimonee Sylvia Earle. This collaboration emphasises the critical importance of preserving vital marine ecosystems around the globe and together, Rolex and Mission Blue are working hard to identify and protect Hope Spots: areas deemed essential for ocean health.
The Nusa Penida MPA was recognised by Mission Blue as a Hope Spot in 2020, largely thanks to the efforts of marine ecologist Rili Djohani and Wira Sanjaya, and their dedication to balancing ecology, culture and economy in their approach to conservation. Through the Coral Triangle Center (CTC), a non‑profit organisation co‑founded by Djohani, they engage local communities in sustainable practices that benefit both people and the environment. This includes zoning the MPA into designated areas for tourism, port activities, seaweed farming, fishing, and honouring local cultural values.
Above Coral Triangle Center (CTC) team members Tabitha Rudang, Wira Sanjaya and Rili Djohani preparing equipment to survey the health of the reef in the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area
Coral Triangle Center (CTC) team members Tabitha Rudang, Wira Sanjaya and Rili Djohani preparing equipment to survey the health of the reef in the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area
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So far, one of the most impactful initiatives has been the revitalisation of traditional seaweed farming practices. By promoting sustainable methods that provide economic benefits while enhancing marine health, Djohani and her team have helped locals diversify their income streams without compromising their natural resources. This sustainable approach not only supports livelihoods, but also fosters a deeper connection between communities and their surrounding ecosystems.
Djohani and Sanjaya have also launched mangrove reforestation projects. They have planted more than 10,000 seedlings in recent efforts to restore these vital habitats, but beyond that, they have engaged the local communities by educating them about the ecological benefits of mangroves—such as their natural ability to protect coastlines from erosion and support biodiversity.
Djohani emphasises that successful conservation requires local populations to be integral participants in safeguarding efforts as much as they are beneficiaries of such endeavours. This inclusivity is central to her team’s conservation efforts in the area, and is evident in not just its mangrove reforestation efforts, but also its other ongoing initiatives. The team is, for example, engaging youth groups in a coral reef restoration project. The coral reefs surrounding Nusa Penida have been found to be particularly resilient to climate change—a quality that could provide valuable insights for global conservation strategies—and to help restore and enhance this resilience, more than 400 linked structures have been installed on the ocean floor to support coral growth. So far, more than 6,000 coral fragments have also been transplanted across damaged areas of the reef.
Above Seaweed farmer Ni Nyoman Seruni harvesting seaweed at the Satya Posana Nusa cultivation area on Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia
Seaweed farmer Ni Nyoman Seruni harvesting seaweed at the Satya Posana Nusa cultivation area on Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia
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This inclusive philosophy has led, too, to outreach activities and conservation training programmes designed to empower community members as guardians of their marine environment. Recognising that long‑term success in marine conservation relies on cultural engagement, Djohani and team have creatively integrated traditional Indonesian arts into outreach efforts. Inspired by wayang, or shadow puppetry, they created an ocean-themed performance with beautifully crafted puppets that address pressing issues such as marine pollution, engaging local communities—both adults and children—in meaningful discussions about environmental stewardship.
Rolex and Mission Blue are supporting Djohani and Sanjaya in spreading awareness of the Nusa Penida MPA while assisting the Indonesian government in its ambitious goal to protect 30 per cent of its waters—approximately 97.5 million hectares—by 2045. By sharing their successful methods with other conservationists, the Mission Blue Hope Spot Champions are helping to establish and strengthen MPAs throughout the Coral Triangle and beyond.
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Images: Rolex
Images: Pier Nirandara for Rolex
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Annabel Tan is the Editor of Watches and Jewellery at Tatler Singapore, where she covers all things luxury timepieces and fine jewellery across both print and digital platforms. She is also the Editor of Tatler GMT Singapore, a role that deepens her fascination with the ever-evolving world of watchmaking. Outside of work, she’s usually on the hunt for her next favourite watch that she can’t afford, planning her next beach getaway, or catching up on the latest Formula 1 race.
