This story is the second part of a series. The first article can be found here.
Sea turtles are highly sensitive to human activities. Even small disturbances can cause them to fail in nesting. Therefore, protecting nesting beaches must involve the communities who live and are active in these areas.
Amid the many challenges in protecting sea turtles, hope continues to grow through real actions in the field. Together with partners and local communities, we continue to strengthen conservation efforts through habitat and sea turtle population monitoring activities in the Berau region, including KKP3K KDPS.
Read: Towards the Geopark Status of Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat
The effort to protect sea turtles in Berau is not solely driven by researchers; it also draws strength from the community’s collective efforts. Through technical guidance designed with a citizen science approach, we create opportunities for communities to be directly involved in conservation efforts. They not only listen but also learn about sea turtle biology and ecology, identify different species, understand their life cycles, and gain insight into the threats they face in the ocean and along the coast. From simple learning spaces, this knowledge gradually grows into collective awareness. Beyond that, the learning continues directly in the field.
Under the open sky and along the beach, participants learn to read turtle tracks in the sand, record nests, and recognize subtle signs of life that often go unnoticed.
It is fascinating to talk with them about what they do during this training. For them, it is more than just a skill. Their involvement fosters a sense of ownership, responsibility, and hope that coastal communities can become the front line in protecting sea turtles and the marine ecosystems they depend on.
Exciting, isn’t it? So, what about technological breakthroughs that can be employed to monitor sea turtle habitats and populations? Continue reading the story here.
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