Be Aware

ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE WEST SUMBAWA ….

Five of the seven known species of sea turtle can be found in the waters off West Sumbawa. The animals perform important ecosystem services, such as regulating seagrass growth, but globally all seven species of sea turtle are listed as threatened, and some critically endangered.

Poaching of sea turtle eggs is the main driver of the crisis — in some countries, around 90% of turtle nests are destroyed for the illegal wildlife trade. In much of West Sumbawa, turtle eggs are entrenched in both the culture and the economy.

The day after meeting district chief Musyafirin, the head of the district fisheries department, Amin Sudiono, drove two hours south to Sekongkang, a ward on the southwest coast of the island popular with experienced surfers.

The purpose of the trip was to begin the delicate fieldwork of changing behavior in a community where turtle eggs are an important source of income..

What's the Good News?

More tourists are expected in West Sumbawa and this will rescue the need for locals to hunt for the eggs. Police watch the beaches day and night.

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