Sea Turtle Habitat in the Coastal and Small Islands Conservation Area of the Derawan Archipelago and Surrounding Waters
Did you know that along the coastal and marine landscapes of East Kalimantan, particularly in Berau Regency, lies an area not only breathtakingly beautiful but also of global significance? This region is part of the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape, home to extraordinary marine biodiversity and a vital guardian of the Coral Triangle's future.
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The story of this area began with a major decision to protect it. Through the Minister of Marine and Fisheries Decree No. 87 of 2016, the Coastal and Small Islands Conservation Area of the Derawan Archipelago and Surrounding Waters (KKP3K KDPS) was officially established, spanning more than 285,000 hectares. These waters are not only rich but also full of interconnected life.
Here, the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) finds one of its largest habitats in Indonesia. It returns from long ocean journeys to nest and continue its life cycle. Surveys conducted in the KKP3K KDPS reveal a recurring pattern along the coastline. Several beaches in this region are favored turtle nesting sites throughout the year, with peak nesting occurring between June and August.
However, the tale of turtles in these waters is not always smooth. In recent decades, their long journeys have faced increasing challenges. Curious about how the community works together to protect turtle habitats? Stay tuned for the next story here.
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