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Rescue Effort Saves Entangled 400-lb Leatherback Sea Turtle

A leatherback sea turtle, the largest sea turtle species in the world, was disentangled late last week and is swimming freely after three local organizations worked together to assist the animal in Cape Cod Bay. On Thursday, July 18, New England Aquarium Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life scientists and members of the Aquarium’s Animal Health team and Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation team responded to help the turtle, entangled in fishing gear, along with trained responders from the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) and the Barnstable Harbormaster. Read more…

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The FREE Weekly Conservation Post and Jobs List

Signing up for the free Weekly Newsletter & Jobs List will get you a round-up of upcoming events, webinars, meetings, reports, funding opportunities, photos of the week, and recent postings to the jobs list.

To sign up for our free subscription, please Click Here,  or email us Here. 

Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.

If you are interested in contributing or getting involved, email us Here. 

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Located within the Lesser Sunda Islands, the Komodo National Park, Indonesia, is the jewel in the crown of Labuan Bajo, Flores. Fly into the Komodo Airport which offers direct flights connecting various Indonesian cities, including Jakarta and Denpasar, to Labuan Bajo. Or opt for an adventurous boat ride from Bali or Lombok to reach Labuan Bajo. Labuan Bajo is the gateway to the fascinating Komodo National Park, but beyond this magical place, there are 7 more hidden gems that you can’t afford to miss.

Wae Rebo

A challenging but scenic hike through a dense forest takes you to Wae Rebo, a remote ancient village of the Manggarai tribe. Nestled among lush rolling hills and perched 1,200 meters above sea level, this quaint village features traditional 5-tiered, cone-shaped thatched huts.

Attend the warm welcoming ceremony in the largest hut, amble around the village, and watch the locals harvesting coffee beans. Enjoy the night sky, dine with the locals, and sleep in one of the huts. Wake up early to watch the breathtaking sunrise in dramatic settings.

Rangko Cave

Take a relaxing dip in the salty turquoise pool of Rangko Cave, one of Flores’ best-kept secrets.

At noon, watch the sunlight put on a show as it enters the cave’s mouth, illuminating the majestic stalagmites and stalactites surrounding the magical pool.

Cunca Rami Waterfall

Love getting up close to nature? Trek the trail to the pristine Cunca Rami Waterfall that winds through the beautiful Mbeliling forest offering scenic sights of small villages and agricultural lands.

Be awed by the streams of water dancing down the verdant rocks.  Jump into the cool, clear pool for a refreshing swim or have a little picnic amidst the soothing scenery.

Kelimutu Crater

Located in the Kelimutu National Park, Mount Kelimutu is famous for the tri-coloured lakes sitting inside its crater.

Separated by thin ridges of rock, the Kelimutu lakes keep changing their colours, a unique phenomenon that attracts numerous visitors. Trek to the top of Mount Kelimutu to catch the surreal view of the sun rising over the vividly coloured lakes.

Batu Bolong

Witness the rare whitetip reef shark and large turtles at Batu Bolong, a world-class dive site in Komodo that has excellent visibility and excellent coral.

Capture amazing Instagrammable moments as you swim under the water surrounded by colourful corals and a huge volume of exotic fish, including trevallies, tunas, wrasses, rays, and clownfish. Be wary of the strong current that’s suitable for experienced divers.

Cancar Spider Web Field

Discover the spider web rice fields, known locally as the lingko fields, at Cancar village. Rice is cultivated on segments of communal land divided by a unique Manggaraian sharing system which makes the field resemble a spider’s web.

Climb up one of the surrounding hills to enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the delightfully shaped wet rice fields.

Blue Stone Beach

Feast your eyes on the unusual turquoise, bluish stones lying on the black volcanic sand of Blue Stone Beach, Flores. Experience the tranquillity of the electric blue seawater, take some great photos, and enjoy some fresh seafood.

With East Nusa Tenggara topping the list of the Best Value Destinations in the World for the year 2020, you’ll be compelled to go beyond Labuan Bajo and Komodo Island in the pursuit of new experiences. So explore these 7 stunning spectacles around Flores and quench your wanderlust. 

For more information click here. 

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Flores Island, an Indonesian treasure, boasts the sacred Penti rituals in Wae Rebo village, a vibrant testament to the island’s rich heritage and intrinsic connection to nature. Every November, the Manggarai people converge to celebrate Penti, a dynamic thanksgiving ritual honouring the year’s bountiful harvest and seeking blessings for the forthcoming agricultural season.

Penti is a multi-sensory experience, alive with the rhythmic pulse of traditional percussion, hypnotic chanting, and the mesmerizing Caci dance, a martial art form unique to the Manggarai region. The rituals unfold over a day and night, commencing with offerings at the revered Rumah Gendang (main house) and culminating in the ethereal Sanda chants that resonate through the village until dawn.

Beyond celebration, Penti reaffirms the villagers’ cultural identity and a way of life inextricably linked to the natural world. Each ritual carries profound symbolism, from purification ceremonies to the rhythmic whip duels of the Caci dance, offering visitors a unique window into a living tradition.

Wae Rebo, bounded by lush mountains, is famous for its iconic cone-shaped houses called Mbaru Niang. These architectural wonders showcase the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Manggarai people.
Reaching Wae Rebo is an adventure in itself. Begin in Labuan Bajo, accessible via direct flights from Jakarta, followed by a scenic drive and a moderate hike.

Witnessing the Penti rituals is a rare privilege and an opportunity for profound cultural immersion. The warmth of the villagers, captivating rituals, and awe-inspiring natural surroundings will leave an indelible mark on your memory.

While Penti is a captivating highlight, Flores offers more to explore, from the ethereal landscapes of Kelimutu’s lakes to the vibrant marine biodiversity of Komodo National Park. By attending the Penti rituals, you can immerse yourself in a living tradition, connect with the welcoming Manggarai people, and experience the true essence of this enchanting island.

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