The project is working to protect and restore the population of these sea turtle species and will create a better understanding about these species amongst local communities in the region. The long-term goal is this project is to protect endangered sea turtles in partnership with the coastal communities. It aimed at increasing coastal communities’ capacities to protect endangered sea turtles and developing alternative sustainable livelihoods. The project will strengthen and expand the existing monitoring programs in the region. It will improve communities’ alternative livelihoods by contributing to small-scale community projects which are based on the needs of the communities.

The key objectives of this project:

1) The improvement of the quality and availability of awareness-raising and educational materials within coastal communities and schools in the region leads to a reduction in consumption of turtle meat and turtle eggs in the targeted communities;

2) Sea turtle nesting beaches are protected around the year and records collected show increase or stable marine turtle’s populations; and

3) The Local people benefits from community funds and materials provided as a contribution to small scale community development projects in the region.

The key expected results:

a) Increased understanding and awareness amongst communities about sea turtles and the fishery laws and regulations relating to sea turtles protection;

b) Awareness about marine turtle conservation amongst school children and community members is increased thanks to the enabling environment created by nature clubs associated to some schools;

c) Increased change in community perceptions and attitudes towards marine turtles;

d) Eighteen (18) community members are directly involved in the monitoring and patrolling of sea turtle nesting beaches; and

e) Small-scale community projects identified and implemented to serve as benefit for the local people support to the project.

The most important aspect which this project seeks to achieve is the participation of the fishermen community, poachers and hunters of sea turtles who now are serving as monitors/protectors, and promoting alternative sources of income for the wider community that are tied to conservation for the benefit of local people. We are certain this will help and ensure the project success as well as the organization’s purpose in the short, medium and long terms.