How to Support Marine Conservation—Even Without Diving

Supporting Marine Conservation
Would you like to contribute to conservation, but don’t have time to join a course? Or maybe diving and snorkeling are just not your thing?
The good news is: you can still make a real difference.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, conservation is not just a project—it is part of everything we do.
A Dive Center Built on Conservation
Since 2010, Oceans 5 Gili Air has been actively involved in marine conservation around the Gili Islands. Over the years, the dive center has built a strong reputation not only for high-quality diving but also for its long-term commitment to protecting the marine environment.
Oceans 5 organizes regular beach and reef clean-ups, supports conservation initiatives, and collaborates with organizations such as BKKPN Kupang and several Indonesian universities.
In 2021, Oceans 5 became the first foreign-owned company in Indonesia to receive a conservation license. This milestone reflects years of dedication and continuous effort in protecting the local ecosystem.
The conservation budget has grown significantly over time, supported in large part by the personal contributions of the owner, Sander Buis, who strongly believes in giving back to the environment.
Why Oceans 5 Does Not Accept Donations
Unlike many organizations, Oceans 5 does not accept donations or grants.
The reason is simple: conservation and research should remain independent and unbiased. Research outcomes should never be influenced by where the funding comes from—even if the results are not what people expect.
This philosophy ensures that all projects remain transparent, honest, and focused purely on environmental impact.
How You Can Help
Supporting conservation at Oceans 5 is surprisingly simple:
- Stay at Oceans 5 Gili Air
- Dive with Oceans 5 Gili Air
That’s it.
By choosing Oceans 5, you are directly supporting ongoing conservation initiatives without the need for additional donations.
Weekly Beach Clean-Ups
Every Friday, Oceans 5 organizes a free beach clean-up in front of the dive center. Volunteers are welcome to join, and as a small thank you, participants receive a free drink afterward.
These clean-ups have been running since 2010 and continue to make a real impact.
Just recently, 72 kilograms of rubbish were collected in a single session.
Supporting Indonesian University Students

Oceans 5 is committed to supporting the next generation of marine scientists.
Each year, 24 Indonesian university students are given the opportunity to conduct marine research around the Gili Islands. Every semester, 12 students join a 4-month research program.
Oceans 5 provides:
- Dive equipment
- Boat support
- Dive guides
- Lunch and transport
- WiFi and working facilities
Students are free to choose their own research topics and collect data independently—without any influence from Oceans 5.
Local Community and Environmental Projects
Beyond diving, Oceans 5 is involved in several local initiatives that improve both environmental and community well-being:
- Building a drainage system in the harbor to prevent stagnant water and reduce the risk of dengue fever
- Supporting Rama, a local recycler, by helping separate and collect plastic bottles and cans for recycling
- Creating a Conservation Exhibition Center to showcase ongoing environmental efforts on Gili Air
More Than Just a Dive Shop
Oceans 5 Gili Air is not a typical dive center.
It is a place where conservation comes first. The focus is not on awards or recognition, but on creating real, measurable impact for the environment and the local community.
Every decision is guided by one principle: protecting the ocean for future generations.
Be Part of the Change
You don’t need to dive.
You don’t need to donate.
You don’t need experience.
All you need to do is choose Oceans 5.
By staying or diving with us, you become part of something bigger—a long-term commitment to protecting the Gili Islands and their marine life.
It’s that simple.