THE DRAGON'S TERRITORY FOUNDATION

''HIC SUNT DRACONES - HERE BE DRAGONS''

During the expedition, John encountered many human-related threats to the beautiful and unique ecosystem of the East Nusa Tenggara. From the mindless killing of wildlife, to the harmful religious stories and most of all, chemical and plastic pollution. Reckless human activity is slowly suffocating this unique environment, and before we know it, we will lose it all. But how do we protect The Dragon's Territory?

It all comes down to two factors: the lack of education and the lack of eco-friendly resources.

THE ORIGINS

The origins of the Foundations began at the actual expedition. After witnessing the environmental issues first-hand, John began to construct a plan on how to protect this archipelago. He assessed all observed environmental issues, their destruction span and intensity, the reason behind them, and the solution.

The most effective solution was education. Hence, as written in the book, John and his trusted friend and companion Aldinho, who acted as an interpreter, began to travel across the largest and most inhabited island, Flores, bringing education to the villages. Many isolated villages, far from civilisation, don't have access to any media devices or educational material, and so the mesmerisation took place as John started showing photographs and video footage of wildlife around the world. Next, the destruction and extinction were shown to showcase how incredibly important it is to protect our environment.

This short education tour made a great impact on the local Manggarai people, and suddenly, there was no way back. The idea of using The Dragon's Territory as a pilot device for the Foundation was born, and now The Dragon's Territory Foundation is here to protect the lost world of the Komodo Islands.

* Warning, below are images some viewers might find disturbing.

MINDLESS KILLING OF WILDLIFE

In Chapter VI. The Mystery of Headless Snakes, John investigates the strange phenomenon of a high number of dead snakes with missing heads. After an ongoing examination and assessment of the affected species, their density, location, and the weapons used, John, with his trusted friend and companion Aldinho, solved this mystery.
The snakes were killed by people out of hatred, more than fear. This hatred originated from a religious background combined with an ancient mythology.

The killing was not discriminatory and targeted every species on the islands, even the most harmless, small tree snakes.

CHEMICAL POLLUTION

In the bonus Chapter, The Message, John describes his experience upon his arrival at Labuan Bajo on Flores Island, where he encounters the town's drains, which line the streets with a deadly cocktail of sewage, chemicals and oil. An extremely toxic and pungent substance of greyish, blackish and greenish colour, consisting of chemicals, rubbish, and dead rodents. This web of drains was all leading into one outlet - the sea.

Upon further examination, John realised that all available washing detergents and other cleaning products were all bottom-of-the-shelf, chemical-based, toxic products. The absolute lack of any sustainable, plant-based products means that the public has no other option than to keep polluting the environment.

PLASTIC POLLUTION

In Chapter XVI. Voyage and the Giants of the Deep, but enlarged in the bonus Chapter, The Message, John describes his unforgettable experience of an underwater encounter with the majestic Manta rays. This touching, grandiose experience was, however, spoiled by the ever-present plastic pollution floating in the water.
Plastic bottles, labels, straws and everything else are suffocating the natural beauty and the very environment we depend upon.

At some stretches of the coast, the plastic pollution is so severe that, as far as the eye can see, it is impossible to see the actual sand on the beaches.

Once again, the lack of education and resources makes it impossible to stop this pollution.

SO WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

The Dragon's Territory Foundation is laying down the planned structure of
CLEAN - RESTORE - PROTECT

By working with the local communities, environmental NGOs, educational institutions, and the Indonesian government, our work will:

• implement sustainable operations,

• make the Manggarai people the ambassadors and leaders in the Indonesian sustainable future and conservation,

• clean-up, restore and protect the archipelago and its unique environment.

EDUCATION

Local teams of educators will be travelling throughout the islands and educating the public on environmental awareness

CLEAN UP

Implementing rubbish collection programs to clean the archipelago of plastic pollution

SUSTAINABILITY IMPLEMENTATION

By the implementation of sustainable products & services, we will give the public the advantage of sustainable living and a pioneering example within Indonesia

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

Our team makes frequent trips to East Nusa Tenggara for the purpose of monitoring the environment and the wildlife. Our research and surveys will eventually show the species recovery and strengthening of eco-tourism

HIC SUNT DRACONES - HERE BE DRAGONS

Hic Sunt Dracones - Here Be Dragons, is not only our slogan but also our Vision.

The mighty Komodo dragon is the undisputed King of East Nusa Tenggara, but even the king is helpless against the destructive force of humans.
The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is classified as ENDANGERED with declining populations on the IUCN Red List. And it is not only the mighty king who is in peril of forever disappearing into the tales in books and fairy lore, but the entire ecosystem of East Nusa Tenggara.

'Hic Sunt Dracones - Here Be Dragons,' was scrolled on the maps by intrepid, pioneering explorers who briefly experienced the lost world of the Komodo Islands and warned their fellow sailors and explorers of the dangers lurking on these volcanic islands. Carrying the book's legacy, The Dragon's Territory Foundation turns Hic Sunt Dracones - Here Be Dragons, the words of fear into the words of HOPE.

* The Dragon's Territory Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation under The Urgent Priority Management Program. Learn more about the UPM Program through the link below;

THE URGENT PRIORITY

MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

SAVING THE PLANET TOGETHER

''The dusk is falling, and the light is fading, and so is the last moment of this adventure. All those creatures and places will forever remain in my memories and hold a special place in my heart. And who knows, with a bit of luck, one day I shall return. And when I do, I hope that the mystery of this lost world will be as untamed and as wild as it's been since the dawn of time. But for now, I say goodbye of mine to the dragon's territory.''

- John Ryan, Chapter XXI. Goodbye of Mine, The Dragon's Territory