Indonesia's Coral Triangle: The Upcoming 2010 Marine Culture Festival Located in

Indonesia welcomes everyone in the upcoming "2010 Raja Ampat Marine Culture Festival". It is scheduled to take place form May 2nd 2010 up to May 9th 2010 and promises the bounty of culture, adventure, and nature all together.[1]

The Raja Ampat, or “Four Kings,” archipelago encompasses more than 9.8 million acres of land and sea off the northwestern tip of Indonesia’s West Papua Province. Located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, the seas around Raja Ampat possibly hold the richest variety of species in the world. The area’s massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resistant to threats like coral bleaching and disease —threats that now jeopardize the survival of corals around the world.

Raja Ampat’s total number of confirmed corals to 537 species— an incredible 75% of all known coral species. In addition, 899 fish species were recorded, raising the known total for Raja Ampat to an amazing 1,074. On land, the survey found lush forests, rare plants, limestone outcroppings, and nesting beachesfor thousands of sea turtles (TNC, 2002).

At "2010 Raja Ampat Marine Culture Festival", a number of programs during the 7-day festival are showcased [1]:

All about culture: the exhibition, cultural (marine culture in Waisai ) and art performances,

Competitions like Underwater Photo Competition, Dragon Boat Competition, Ketinting Boat Competition, Underwater Orientation Competition, also Volley and Soccer Beach exhibitions.

One prime attraction is parade of traditional conveyance which was used by the native people of Raja Ampat to sail accross the ocean at the prior times. It's a really true cultural immersion!

Source:
[1] Indonesia Travel: "2010 Raja Ampat Marine Culture Festival", http://www.indonesia.travel/en/news/view/118/2010-raja-ampat-marine-culture-festival