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How you can help provide Safe Water in Indonesian villages

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Since the COVID19 lockdown, unemployment is wide spread in North Sulawesi where dive tourism is the main source of income. With many families living pay check to pay check, the local people are suffering extreme financial hardship.

Murex Dive Resorts have launched a “Safe Water Initiative” to ensure that their local villages have access to clean and safe drinking water throughout this period.

Safe Water in North Sulawesi

It is common in Indonesia that households have ‘gallon’ (19 liter) water bottles and dispensers in their homes. These bottles cost around ID75,000 per month for a small family which is a sizeable expense. As a sustainable and ongoing affordable solution, Murex’s Safe Water Initiative aims to roll out Nazava water filtration systems to local communities.

Why are the Filters Needed During COVID-19?

The major concern in North Sulawesi is that as finances become tighter for the local population (which they inevitably will continue to do so), people try to save money by using unfiltered water. In North Sulawesi, food is not the primary concern as people can fish and there are large amounts of fruits and vegetables grown locally but safe water is a different issue.

There is a lack of understanding about what water is safe and what is not, and people often do not boil water for long enough to kill all bacteria. If there is a cholera or typhoid outbreak then there is little defence against this – especially now at a time when medical services are stretched beyond their means.

Murex owners have privately funded 100 filter units but more are needed and they are reaching out to divers around the world to help. Many more units are needed to ensure that everyone in the local communities has ongoing access to fresh, safe drinking water. The filter systems can be used for up to two years before the filter needs changing which means that as the economy and situation here deteriorate, access to safe water will not.

Sarah Wormald, Head of Public Relations at Murex Dive Resorts comments:

We hope that divers who have visited the region before, and met the amazing locals will want to give back and make a donation to help. Safe drinking water is something we take for granted in developed countries but in North Sulawesi it’s an expense which many people just can’t afford now that they have no income due to COVID19. Murex has always looked for ways to support local communities when times are tough and COVID19 is no exception. Clean, safe water is paramount and the Navaza filters are a way to ensure this. The filter systems cost just 20 Euros each and that can mean the difference between health or sickness – or worse.

This is a link to a video from Social ImpaKt about the Nazava filter which explains more about how it works:

How You Can Help

If you are a diver and would like to support communities in Indonesia you can make donations by bank transfer to the following account, please state “Water Filter” or “Navaza” on your transfer. 100%  of donations go to purchase water filters. You may also email Murex directly for more information or to confirm you donation at: reservations@MurexDive.com

Bank: BANK CENTRAL ASIA (BCA)
Bank Address:
Kawasan Mega Mas Blok E No.8.
Jalan Pierre Tendean,
Manado
95113
Indonesia

Beneficiary / Account Name : Manado Underwater Explorations
Account No : 8295.9595.48
Account Currency: Euro
Swift Code : CENAIDJA

A Message From Murex Dive Resorts

 Thank you in advance to anyone who makes a donation, all donations are very greatly appreciated. May we also take this opportunity to wish you all well and we look forward to being able to welcome divers back to Murex Dive Resorts in the not too distant future.

If you have any questions regarding travel to North Sulawesi, diving in the Bunaken Marine Park and Bangka Island, or about our COVID flexible booking policy, please contact us on: reservations@murexdive.com or visit our website: www.MurexDive.com

Sarah Ann Wormald is a writer and PADI Master Instructor with a passion for underwater photography and conservation. Sarah is the author of “Diving in Indonesia” and “Diving in South East Asia” (Tuttle Publishing). With over 20 years of diving experience, Sarah has dived all over the Indonesian Archipelago and South East Asia. Find out more at www.MurexDive.com.

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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regulator

Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.

Excellent performance with the TR-80

Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.

regulator

Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulator

Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50

The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.

regulator

Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulatorregulator

The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

regulator

Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulatorregulator

Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

regulator

The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.

The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.

Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.

In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.

Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.

Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.

The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.

Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.

Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.

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