Nutrient pollution from emptying septic tank systems into the ocean is proving to have a negative effect on coral and marine life in the surrounding reefs, leading to excess algae growth on the coral bed – the “solution to pollution is no longer dilution.”
Thanks to permaculturalist Norm van’t Hoff, the RARCC and Papua Diving built a series of newly designed septic tanks and leach fields, making use of papaya trees, banana trees, and vetiver grass to soak up the nutrients.
We have been helping others to implement the same system in other areas of Raja Ampat.
