Project Details
Protecting 1500 km2 of Ocean in Sumbawa Indonesia for 5 years
Focus Area
Environmental Conservation
Location
Saleh Bay, Sumbawa, Indonesia
Beneficiaries
Conservation International : Coastal communities of Sumbawa and endangered whale shark populations
Safavi's Role
Partner-funded initiative through Asia Coatings Enterprises, Pte. Ltd.
Key Impact
1,500 km² of marine habitat protected over 5 years, supporting sustainable tourism, species tracking, and policy reform
Project Overview
Safavi Philanthropic Initiative is proud to support Conservation International’s work in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa, Indonesia—one of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems. Through a five-year commitment, this initiative protects 1,500 square kilometers of critical ocean habitat while improving marine policy, monitoring endangered whale sharks, and promoting sustainable tourism. The goal: to secure long-term ecological and economic stability for the region.
Beneficiary Profile
This initiative directly benefits local communities surrounding Saleh Bay, who rely on marine resources for their livelihood. It also protects the endangered whale shark (Rhincodon typus), a keystone species and ecotourism draw. Saleh Bay is home to a resident population of whale sharks, many of which remain in the area for extended periods, allowing for long-term study and conservation action.
Safavi's Role
Safavi provides funding and strategic partnership to Conservation International’s Elasmobranch Program. Our support enables:
Ongoing marine monitoring and satellite tagging of whale sharks
Community outreach and conservation education
Engagement with government at local and national levels to advance policy
Sustainable tourism programs to drive economic incentives for marine protection
Monitor migration and movement patterns with the help of Mowi the whale shark.
Media
Project Gallery
Photo Credit: Protecting 1500 km2 of Ocean in Sumbawa Indonesia for 5 years
Impact Achieved
1,500 km² of ocean in Saleh Bay protected and actively managed
Multiple whale sharks satellite-tagged, enabling unprecedented behavioral insights
Enhanced local capacity for marine stewardship and eco-tourism
Integration of conservation policy into provincial and national frameworks
Real-time public engagement through the Whale Shark Tracker, fostering global awareness
Example: One tagged whale shark, “Bruce,” remained in Saleh Bay for 2.5 years and reached depths of 625 meters before vanishing, offering critical data on migratory and diving behavior.
Purpose & Signifigance
Saleh Bay is both biologically rich and ecologically vulnerable. Whale sharks and local communities alike face threats from overfishing, climate change, and unsustainable tourism. By protecting this habitat and building sustainable economic alternatives, Safavi is not only safeguarding biodiversity but also reinforcing the idea that environmental health is inseparable from human well-being. This initiative embodies our commitment to thoughtful, place-based conservation with lasting impact.
Future Outlook
This initiative has been an incredible success and is slated to be ongoing through 2028. Over the coming years, Safavi will continue to monitor:
Deeper scientific research on whale shark behavior and habitat use
Expansion of sustainable tourism infrastructure
Further policy advocacy and community capacity-building
Enhanced monitoring and evaluation to measure long-term outcomes
