|
The Juara Turtle Project
|
Research has shown that world population of sea turtles is declining at an abnormal rate and that sea turtles need protection against extinction. Sea turtle sanctuaries are a very active form of protection.
Little Planet has the privilege to witness and participate in the daily
operations of the Juara Turtle Project - a project that helps to protect an average of 10,000 sea turtle eggs each year.
Originally established as a five year conservation project by the Fisheries Department of the Malaysian government, the Juara Turtle Project has progressed significantly since 2005 under the direction
of Chairman John Amos and Director Charlie Fisher. The ultimate goal of the project is to support and increase the existing
turtle population of Tioman Island through direct action and
education.
Over the last three years, Charlie and his team have developed an independent site and significantly increased the scale of the Project with support from volunteers, private donations and visiting institutions, most notably, United World College South East Asia.
Making a difference
The Juara Turtle Project's primary activities are the promotion of conservation awareness and environmental sensitivity, as well as the active protection and relocation of turtle nests. Protected nests include both Green and Hawksbill species of sea-turtle, which are severely threatened by poaching and foreign predators and as a result are considered respectively 'Endangered' and 'Critically Endangered' by the World Wide Fund for Nature.
By organizing beach monitoring, nest relocation, protection and constant clean up initiatives, the Juara Turtle Project helps the turtle population to
overcome many of the problems that challenge their survival.
The Tioman Turtles
Tioman Island is home to four of the world's seven known species of sea turtles, including critically endangered species such as the
Hawksbill sea turtle. Working with The Juara Turtle Project provides an opportunity to gain conservation experience and knowledge about these remarkable species.
By actively supporting the turtle population and
promoting understanding and stewardship, The Juara Turtle Project
contributes to the health and stability of the area's incredibly diverse
marine environment.
|
