Scubasigns Foundation

Speedboat for Ahe

scubasigns — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:24:33 +0000

Diving from the traditional perahus (dug out canoe with outriggers) has its charm, but cruising in it does have some risk and takes a lot of time. Divers at the Ahe Resort can now benefit from the ‘luxury’ of a refurbished speedboat. Thanks to our sponsors who made this possible. The traveltime to the whalesharks is now reduced with 50%!

Ahe region sharks will feature in National Geographic

scubasigns — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 21:58:18 +0000

Great publicity for the Ahe region……but with a slight note :

Michael Aw the photographer, despite being aware of the whale shark project in place, visited the whale sharks fully on it’s own thus not involving any of the local papuans working on the whale shark project. After his visit he started selling his own trips – again without involving the project – and even proclaimed to start up his own project…? Several questions from our end where not answered so we don’t have a great feeling from this self proclaimed marine life saver.

Despite that.. we are obviously delighted to see even more publicity coming up for the region, but truly hope that all people that want to visit will do so in a sustainable manner and one that is beneficial to the local community! The only way we currently now of to do so is to book via Papua Eco Tourism or via the Ahe dive resort!

for the article announcement check out

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/10/whale-sharks/holland-text

New Ahe video from Antonio Part I

scubasigns — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 11:41:44 +0000

long and cool video of Ahe / don’t forget to wacht part II as well! – makes us want to go back pronto!

Wanted… someone for the coolest job in the world.

scubasigns — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:50:41 +0000

I just received an sms from arne on ahe. he is looking for a dive instructor who would be interested to contribute to our project by training some of the diveguides to the level of divemaster.

You need to speak Bahasa Indonesia (the guys/girls have limited knowledge of english) or bring someone who can translate for you. Ideally you can come asap and be able to stay in Papua for two months.

The deal :
…Travelling to Ahe at your own cost. Housing, food, weekly trip to the whale sharks and unlimited diving is what we can give in return.

Interested? please let me know by e-mail

Dave

A very cool video of the trip Rich made to ahe

scubasigns — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:45:15 +0000

WWF video on ahe area

scubasigns — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 18:17:24 +0000

WWF now involved in teluk cendrawasih whale shark project

scubasigns — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:05:42 +0000

We are delighted to see that WWF now also gets involved in the whale shark project. Congratulations to our boys of Papua Eco Tourism out there who are doing there best to protect the whale sharks and to set up income from eco tourism.

Please have a look at the full article here on the WWF website

check out this cool video from some AHE visitors

scubasigns — Sun, 29 May 2011 16:25:51 +0000

Cool new video from some AHE visitors

German whale shark friends

scubasigns — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 21:14:49 +0000

This weekend on the BOOT fair in Dusseldorf we where surprised with a cheque of 2000 euro to be used for the work of the Scubasigns Foundation.

The cheque was presented by Marcus Roth (Maro Visions), Uwe Kiehl (UK-Germany) and Maik Solf (aquaventure tauchreisen). They raised the money for the cheque by selling an absolutely fabulous calender with whale shark pictures they made during their visit to Ahe.

Thanks again guys and we will put the money to good use!

… The sale of the calender continues! please click here

Ahe ahoy…

scubasigns — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 21:40:20 +0000

The last year and a half Mike and I had the pleasure to assist Papua Eco Tourism in their efforts to create a dive resort in one of the most unique locations in the world. The news of the resident whale sharks travelled around the world fast and we were delighted to see the first dive tourists venturing into this remote and undeveloped area. Diving adventure pur sang. The experience for us has been a unique one and has changed our lives in many ways. We would like to thank everyone who helped us to make this possible and the young Papuans from the Harlem Islands in particular.

Ahe now sets the next step in its development. Papua Eco Tourism strives for more autonomy and we feel we have done all we can do to give them a good start. The seed of income through eco tourism has been planted, facilities where created, the area was mapped. Most importantly awareness has been created locally that taking care of your environment creates an interesting economic perspective. Despite that we will nog longer be operationally involved we look forward to assist Papua Eco Tourism with advice whenever necessary.

Our advice to anyone considering visiting Ahe.. This could be the experience of a lifetime, but be prepared for the unexpected. The development of Ahe is in an early stage and you will not see the normal level of safety, service, organisation planning etc.. that you might be used to at a well developed resort.

If you are not ‘fussy’ .. don’t hesitate, The experience with the whale sharks is out of this world! For bookings and all other direct contact with ahe dive resort please contact Mr. Arne Pijnakker at ahepapua@gmail.com