By: Nisa Syahidah (Sunda Banda Seascape Communication & Campaign Assistant, WWF-Indonesia)

This year, the implementation of the East Alor-Flores Expedition again coincided with the Earth Hour celebration. Starting to sail since last Thursday (23/3) using the Floating Ranger Station (FRS) Menami ship, this Earth Hour switch off moment coincides with the third day of the expedition team sailing the Pantar Strait Aquatic Nature Reserve (SAP) and the surrounding sea to monitor the health of the coral reef ecosystem. [Read also: "Earth Hour" in the Darkness of East Flores].

At sea, it's easy to lose track of the day. It's no different on a boat, whether it's Monday or Saturday. Especially with a dive routine that is so all-consuming. Starting the morning with gymnastics and ending it with the recapitulation of research data.

But we remember the dates, including March 25, 2017. Because in the morning, FRS Menami sailed towards the southern region of Alor and entered the Sawu Sea. These waters are known for the ferocity of their waves. That night - when the ship anchored not far from the village of Mademang and the sea waves were strong enough to make Menami sway - we turned off some of the ship's lights that were not in use, as a form of participation in the annual global movement to save energy for one hour.

This is not the first time the FRS Menami lights have been intentionally turned off to celebrate Earth Hour. Back in 2014, while conducting its first marine expedition in the waters of Alor and East Flores, the team also did something 'similar but not the same'. Back then the team only lit a few candles during the blackout, while this year we painted the dark with light, or light painting as it's called, using the glow of a mobile phone screen to form a series of words.

"You make the reef picture!"

"I want to make a big fish with eyes!"

It was not easy to create the perfect "60+ Earth Hour #XPDCALORFLOTIM" with the addition of small fish; big fish; and benthic ornaments, using light. Our photographer, Irwan, was busy putting his camera in six-second mode to capture the work. In the dark on the deck of the ship, he repeatedly took pictures until all personnel could produce the desired work. In the end, we laughed in satisfaction as Irwan no longer asked us to make the piece.

We all understand that Earth Hour is not just about turning off the lights for one hour for the sake of the earth. Earth Hour is a symbol of the green lifestyle that we are desperately trying to practice on this boat. Starting from saving the use of electricity to limiting the use of fresh water which is very limited in the middle of the ocean.

Hopefully, through this simple action, energy-saving efforts on board this ship will stick and become a daily habit, both until the expedition is over and when the team returns to their respective locations.

Salam #IniAksiku from #XPDCALORFLOTIM Team!