News
Lembeh Foundation: Working with Lembeh Communities for Sustainable Solutions
Conservation, sustainability and community are three words which Lembeh Resort in North Sulawesi, Indonesia has always been passionate about. Over the years the resort has taken measures to reduce their plastic waste and become more environmentally sustainable in all of their operations but this has now been taken to another level by a team of Lembeh Resort staff who have founded the “Lembeh Foundation”.
The Lembeh Foundation is an independent registered Indonesian charitable organization which is working along side local communities on Lembeh Island to provide environmental and economically sustainable solutions to waste management. The core aims of the Lembeh Foundation are to reduce plastic waste, provide education and economic benefits while improving the health and sustainability of local communities.
Lembeh Foundation is currently focusing on two major projects; a trash bank and associated “Funplastic” pilot initiative, and the construction and creation of a green library learning center. Both of these projects are taking place in the village of Pintu Kota Kecil which is located on the west side of Lembeh Island. Pintu Kota Kecil has around 300 residents and in recent years had become overwhelmed by plastic waste with little or no education or solutions to relieving the problem.
The Trash Bank.
The “Bank Sampah” (trash bank) is already under construction using funds which have been donated to the Foundation. This pioneering scheme on Lembeh Island will provide villagers with a place to take their sorted and cleaned plastic waste in return for cash. Collected plastics will be shredded and compressed into blocks which will be used for a multitude of purposes including building blocks and molded items which can be sold. The Lembeh Foundation is already holding workshops in village communities to teach locals how to repurpose plastic waste into saleable items. The aim of the trash bank project is to not only reduce and re-use plastic waste but to provide an economic benefit to the community in doing so.
Early stages of the Green Library construction.
The Green Library is also under construction and with the second floor nearing completion it will shortly be receiving its first students. Pintu Kota Kecil does not have a village school and the Green Library, which is located adjacent to the village church, will be multi-functional and fulfil a much needed role in the community. Children will be able to attend and learn about the environment and importance of conservation through a variety of resources including books from the eco-education organization, Green-Books. Obtaining Green Library status has involved months of dedication from Helen Pananggung who has been spearheading the project. Helen, is passionate about educating future generations and creating awareness about the environment, wildlife and ecology of Lembeh Island.
The Green Library now.
Funding for the construction of the Green Library has been raised entirely through donations which Helen has been a huge part of raising. Helen co-ordinates the village Sunday School Choir to perform at barbecue evenings for the guests at Lembeh Resort. Guests are able to purchase memory sticks of the singing and all proceeds go to the Lembeh Foundation.
Green Guru Helen working with local children.
Helen has been holding twice monthly classes, activities and projects with the children of the village as part of the application process for becoming a Green Library. Over the last 4 months Helen and the village children have learnt about endemic wildlife species, plastic pollution and solutions such as upcycling and repurposing (which will be carried out in tandem with the Lembeh Foundation Trash Bank project).
Since the founding of the Lembeh Foundation, life in Pintu Kota Kecil village has changed beyond what could have ever been initially conceived. The village previously consumed vast amounts of single-use plastics from water bottles, plastic cups and straws, plastic bags and plastic wrapped produce. All Lembeh Foundation workshops have been used as demonstrations as to how these items can be eradicated by other, more sustainable and cost effective, options. When events are now held in the village there is no single use plastic to be seen – the local people have adapted to using large refillable water containers, re-usable plates and cutlery and the need for a drinking straw has seemingly disappeared.
Clean Up Day at Lembeh Resort.
The pilot schemes in Pintu Kota Kecil are just the beginning for the Lembeh Foundation, which also supports communities in two other Lembeh Island villages, Batu Riri and Pintu Kota Besar. In all three villages the Lembeh Foundation continues projects initiated over the years by Lembeh Resort, including the annual provision of school supplies and school uniforms to families which otherwise could not afford them.
Clean Up Day Volunteers.
While the Lembeh Foundation was founded by staff from Lembeh Resort, they were delighted to receive independent status from the Indonesian Government in 2018. As an independent charity, Lembeh Foundation hopes to incorporate other resorts in the Lembeh Strait who will work in tandem, with their own neighbouring villages.
Team Lembeh Foundation.
“The Lembeh Foundation is a blue print project which we hope can be rolled out beyond our local communities, to the rest of North Sulawesi and Indonesia”, Petra Schmiedl, Founding member of the Lembeh Foundation.
In the meantime, as the construction of the first trash bank and green library near completion, the people of Pintu Kota Kecil are looking forward to a cleaner, greener, healthier and more prosperous future.
Providing sustainable options for local communities.
If you would like to make a contribution to the Lembeh Foundation, donations can easily be made via credit card or transfer. Please contact info@lembehfoundation.org for a donation form and further information. Lembeh Foundation provides confirmation of all donations which may be used for tax purposes.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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