Ruby - Barefoot Conservation - Indonesia Summer 2024
Just over two weeks ago, my time at Barefoot Conservation came to an end…
Over the past 5 weeks, I have learned so much about so many things. Firstly, I went from not knowing a thing about diving to comfortably (most times 🥴) carrying out surveys underwater. This then opened a gateway to see the world through a different lens. Barefoot provided me with a skill I will take with me in the future.
From that point onwards, I did nothing but learn about the marine life and world in the waters of Raja Ampat. Barefoot Conservation gave me the opportunity to contribute to the work they do, to take part in their data collection - they taught us and trusted us through the whole process, turning random people from all over the world with different backgrounds into confident, hardworking data collectors with a newfound passion for life underwater. And I could not be more grateful to have participated in this journey.
Finally, Barefoot conservation would not be functioning without a resilient, hospitable, amazing staff behind it all. It’s crazy how people who see new faces almost weekly are able to maintain such an incredible atmosphere, making everyone feel valued for their stay. I am ever so grateful for all the staff at Barefoot Conservation. They are living their dream, while saving the planet and sharing their dream with the waves of volunteers looking to do the same. Thank you.
As I wrote this on my way home, I was holding back tears - happy tears - just thinking about my experience there. I am so sad to have left, but to me that feeling is the best one to leave with. I was at Barefoot Conservation for 5 weeks… and I can safely say it was not enough.
Over the past 5 weeks, I have learned so much about so many things. Firstly, I went from not knowing a thing about diving to comfortably (most times 🥴) carrying out surveys underwater. This then opened a gateway to see the world through a different lens. Barefoot provided me with a skill I will take with me in the future.
From that point onwards, I did nothing but learn about the marine life and world in the waters of Raja Ampat. Barefoot Conservation gave me the opportunity to contribute to the work they do, to take part in their data collection - they taught us and trusted us through the whole process, turning random people from all over the world with different backgrounds into confident, hardworking data collectors with a newfound passion for life underwater. And I could not be more grateful to have participated in this journey.
Finally, Barefoot conservation would not be functioning without a resilient, hospitable, amazing staff behind it all. It’s crazy how people who see new faces almost weekly are able to maintain such an incredible atmosphere, making everyone feel valued for their stay. I am ever so grateful for all the staff at Barefoot Conservation. They are living their dream, while saving the planet and sharing their dream with the waves of volunteers looking to do the same. Thank you.
As I wrote this on my way home, I was holding back tears - happy tears - just thinking about my experience there. I am so sad to have left, but to me that feeling is the best one to leave with. I was at Barefoot Conservation for 5 weeks… and I can safely say it was not enough.
