In the latest installment of her ongoing world tour, Heather Wilkinson of Striding Out finds out how social enterprises are fulfilling much needed conservation projects in Indonesia.

A major theme currently in Indonesia is about environmental conversation - educating local people to conserve and protect their natural environment and tackling the waste issues that currently prevail across the area.

Based on my experience of travelling the islands and mingling with locals so far, there is still a lot to do. Litter is everywhere and many local residents are just chucking it into the sea or on the street even when there are bins next to them. However, there are some social enterprises which are just beginning to scratch the surface and help locals go green to protect their own future.

Whilst in Bali, I came across bombasticplastix.com, a social business, co-run by an Indonesian and American, recycling old plastic carrier bags into accessories. They currently export across Indonesia and to the USA. I bought a great new laptop case. From reading their blog it seems the company tried to expand last year, but need further investment to do so effectively, if you are interested give them a yell.

Also in Bali I came across Green School and Green Camp both of which are run by two Americans. The aim of these organisations is to help young people to become green leaders. The Green School is giving its students a relevant, holistic and green education in one of the most amazing environments on the planet. Its mission is to educate, provide individuals with a heightened sense of self, and create an emotional connection to the Earth. The school puts the health and awareness of the individual at the heart of its program, and takes the stance that the Earth doesn't change unless we change, and that we don't change unless 'I' change. They are currently looking for teachers and outdoor activity workers to inspire, educate and support the development of young people.

To the north I found Reef Seen, a dive resort and turtle conservation project is managed by an English couple, who are continuing the legacy of the Australian founder who made it his mission to educate locals about the protecting turtles and the local reef. He took it upon himself to start buying turtle eggs from fishermen, who would otherwise sell them as a food delicacy.

He helped to set-up a local conservation charity for the area and now fishermen receive a higher wage if they sell their eggs to the hatchery, which is   helping to save the local turtle population. Tourists can pay to visit the turtle hatchery and release the baby turtles, which helps to fund the costs. It was a great feeling to release a baby turtle.

Another such example is the Misool Eco-Resort and Conservation Centre (a registered UK charity), in Papua. It was  pioneered by a British man, who has engaged co-workers and shareholders from a group of European's and Indonesian locals. Misool Eco Resort is strongly committed to a policy of environmental responsibility. MER has reached an agreement to create a No-Take Zone in which all fishing, shark finning, harvesting of turtle eggs and shellfish are strictly prohibited. It is  also employing and educating the locals, encouraging research and monitoring of their local environment, and building infrastructure in a sustainable way.

Finally, whilst sitting in Lounge Bar in Flores, I came across a relatively new local social enterprise called PlasticMan.   A few of the locals and some international settlers have taken it upon themselves to tackle the plastic waste problem on the island of Flores and start to educate the locals about environmental conservation as the island becomes the next tourism destination hotspot in Indonesia.

They are training local high school students to protect and clean their local environment and they have identified buyers for their waste plastic. They are currently looking for volunteer divers and others to assist them with their campaign so if you're interested let them know.

The opportunity to make an impact in Indonesia is massive and it's evident how many European and US residents are pioneering green initiatives here working closely with the locals to educate and make a change in their local communities. If you think you can help or support their causes then please do get in touch.