by Cara, Gili Shark Conservation
When I chose the Gili Shark Conservation (GSC) programme, it was the commitment to women’s empowerment that pulled me in. I wanted to learn about marine conservation, yes, but I also wanted to see firsthand how community and conservation could come together to create real change, and be a part of that. After 6 weeks on Gili Air as a Conservation Divemaster Trainee (DMT), I can say this: the empowerment is real and it’s contagious.
From my very first morning, I could feel it. The cheerful “pagi!” (good morning) greetings that ripple through breakfast, the smiles, the laughter. It’s impossible not to feel welcome. The atmosphere at HQ quickly revealed itself as something special. Not just a conservation project, but a home, a support network and a place where women lift each other up every single day.
Both GSC and its partner organisation, Coral Catch, share a mission that goes far beyond protecting coral reefs and tracking sharks and turtles. Together, they’re creating opportunities for Indonesian women to become leaders in marine conservation — to dive, to teach and to inspire others.
One of the most heart-warming things I witnessed was the Coral Catch team teaching local women and children to swim. I saw them in the pool building confidence and joy with every kick, the first step before the students eventually head into the ocean. The mentors’ pride was clear and the smiles on the students’ faces said everything about what the opportunity meant.
That same energy runs through every part of this community. When 2 of the Indonesian students — our amazing “sharkies” — confidently presented workshops on coral diseases, applause filled the room. Their confidence inspired me, especially knowing how nerve-wracking public speaking can be. Maybe that’s the power of this place: people flourish when they’re surrounded by genuine support.
Some of the most unforgettable moments happened underwater, or in this case, just above it. I wasn’t able to dive during a potential coral spawning night but the team encouraged me to join anyway, knowing I didn’t want to miss a thing. Snorkelling on the surface, I watched the divers’ lights sweep across the reef below. For forty minutes, nothing happened… until suddenly everything did. Faint clouds rose from the coral as they spawned and the muffled squeals of excitement were impossible not to smile at. Even from above, it felt like witnessing a little piece of magic. Back on the boat, there was a real buzz as we headed home.
Celebration, in all its forms, is a daily ritual here. When a DMT gets a long-awaited “tick” on our task list, cheers erupt across HQ. When the sharkies complete a skill after watching us Divemaster Trainees demonstrate it, we exchange high fives that feel like shared victories. Every achievement, big or small, is shared and the joy is infectious.
Each week, everyone gathers for a family dinner prepared by the incredible HQ team. There’s laughter, games and some bold karaoke performances. The local HQ tokay gecko joins in too, offering background vocals that no one asked for but everyone secretly loves. This place truly feels like a second home.
What I’ve discovered is that empowerment here is circular. From mentors to students, from local women to international volunteers, and back again. And while much of the programme is proudly women-led, it’s supported by incredible allies too. From the HQ team to the crew at Blue Marlin dive shop and the other DMTs who cheer just as loudly for every success. It’s a living example of what happens when people lift each other up and protect the world they love together. I came to GSC to learn how to care for the ocean but what I’ve learned most is how a community of passionate women can change it, and each other, for the better.
In the end, it was the people who made this place unforgettable. A community that backs you, laughs with you and makes even the small moments feel important.
It’s an experience I’ll never forget and one I’ll cherish long after I leave the island.
