News
How you can help provide Safe Water in Indonesian villages
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
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
-
- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
-
- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
-
- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
-
- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
-
- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
Cozy and warm in cold water.
It’s drysuit season all year round. With the new RS series premium drysuits from DYNAMICNORD, divers are perfectly equipped for all cold waters.
The sophisticated cut of the RS drysuits allows complete freedom of movement, providing maximum comfort. The high-quality 350 g/m² ripstop material with double ripstop zones on the elbows, knees, and crotch protect ensures extreme robustness as well as long life.
The suit’s features leave nothing to be desired: A high-quality TiZip zipper, easily adjustable inlet and outlet valves, upgradeable with electrically heated underwear, HP bottleneck cuffs made of high-strength latex on the wrists, a 3mm neoprene neck cuff for maximum comfort, a 7mm hood with air outlet and 3mm boots made of double-sided, cross-layered neoprene with ankle straps and fin strap stoppers and a protective but very flexible sole.
Noteworthy is the Molle fastening system, which can be used in a variable and compatible manner. This way, the two detachable leg pockets can be attached easily, safely and comfortably.
Alterations of boots to a different shoe size or adjustments to neck or wrist cuffs are done free of charge at the own DYNAMICNORD service centre in Germany in only a couple of days.
The matching Dynaskins made with high-quality Polartec® technology are available in various designs. As an undersuit under the drysuit, as a single suit in warm waters or as a two-piece suit. Polartec® technology’s main features are neutral buoyancy, breathablilty and quick-drying.
Dynaskins are made largely from recycled plastic bottles.
The drysuit RS-351 for men and RS-352 for women are now available at your DYNAMICNORD dealer and in the online store.
Colors men and women: Black-Blue and Black-Burgundy
Sizes men: XS-4XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, MLS, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS, 3XLS, 4XLS
Sizes Women: XS-XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, LS, XLS
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
-
Blogs3 months agoGozo: An Underwater Treasure Trove in the Heart of the Mediterranean
-
News2 weeks agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs2 months agoNovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News1 month agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
News3 months agoTreasures, Shipwrecks and the Dawn of Red Sea Diving by Howard Rosenstein available now
-
Marine Life & Conservation2 months agoBook Review: Sharkpedia
-
Gear News1 month agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News4 weeks agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream