Expanding and Strengthening Green Fins Program in Komodo National Park

The Coral Triangle Center (CTC) recently completed a Green Fins assessment and outreach in Labuan Bajo, Komodo National Park, from March 30 to April 3, 2026. The assessment aimed to improve compliance with the Green Fins Code of Conduct and strengthen environmentally responsible diving practices among local dive operators.

As marine tourism continues to grow in Komodo National Park, so does the urgency of ensuring that dive operators adopt sustainable practices that minimize their environmental impact. Green Fins, an internationally recognized initiative, provides a structured Code of Conduct to guide diving and snorkeling businesses toward greater sustainability and to protect the coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

CTC assessors Marthen Welly and Wira Sanjaya led the week-long activity, conducting site visits to dive centers and resorts, joining regular diving operations, delivering awareness presentations for dive staff, and holding feedback sessions with dive center management. Six local dive operators took part in the assessment: Scuba Junkie Resort, Scuba Junkie Labuan Bajo, Mikumba, Neren, Uber Scuba, and Diving First.

Most of the participating dive centers showed improvement in implementing environmentally friendly practices aligned with the Green Fins Code of Conduct. One dive center demonstrated significant progress and advanced to silver level. Diving First, participating as a new member, achieved a bronze level rating, marking a solid start on its sustainability journey. All participating dive centers are also committed to implementing at least three key recommendations provided during the assessment.

Based on the official Green Fins certification system as of 2026, members are ranked as Bronze, Silver, or Gold based on their level of environmental compliance with the Green Fins Code of Conduct, with Gold being the highest level.

Moving forward, the CTC team will conduct follow-up monitoring and provide ongoing technical support to help operators work toward higher compliance levels. In addition, CTC aims to deepen engagement with new operators joining the Green Fins network and broaden its awareness programs to reach tourists and wider communities.

This assessment is part of CTC’s broader efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of marine tourism in Komodo National Park, supporting coral reef protection, improving tourism quality, and reinforcing Indonesia’s commitment to sustainable marine conservation.

Writers: Jaling Sim, Marthen Welly, Wira Sanjaya
Photos: Wira Sanjaya/CTC