A Gili’s programme to protect and rehabilitate local
turtle species has resulted in an increase in turtle numbers
around the islands and brought the community together in their
shared quest to conserve their turtle population.
Lombok and the Gili’s are home to a number of turtle
species, including Green, Leatherback, Olive Riddle and Hawksbill
turtles. It’s a fantastic feeling to be snorkelling
or diving off the islands and to encounter these majestic
creatures in their natural habitat. Awkward and ungainly on
land, in the water sea turtles display a grace that is awesome
to behold. Now the local communities on the islands are banding
together to make sure these wonderful creatures continue to
delight future generations of visitors to their shores.
One such group is the Yayasan Masyarakat Peduli Satwa Laut,
or the Gili Trawangan Turtle Conservation Programme, as it’s
locally known. Last month the Association celebrated the success
of the programme with a full day celebration, during which
185 healthy turtles were released back into the ocean.
The Association is headed by local businessman, Pak Zainnudin,
who is also currently Village Chief of Gili Trawangan and
owns Dino’s Restaurant on the island. Pak Zainnudin
started rescuing turtles around four years ago when he saw
the need to do something to protect the region’s dwindling
turtle population. Three of the world’s endangered turtle
species – the Green Turtle, the Hawksbill Turtle and
the Leatherback Turtle - make their homes on these beautiful
tropical islands east of Bali. All are faced with the danger
of extinction from a variety of sources, including pollution,
natural predators, destruction of coral reefs, and the most
dangerous predator of all: man.
Pak Zainnudin initially began the rescue effort by buying
the turtle eggs being collected by local people for consumption
and sale at the local markets. Unlike neighbouring Bali, where
turtle meat has been consumed for centuries, and plays a part
in Hindu religious ceremonies, the local people on Lombok
do not traditionally eat turtle meat. The turtle eggs, however,
are another matter and have been collected as a food source
here for many generations.
The rescued eggs were originally buried in the sand on the
beachfront; which eventually proved to be too hot for the
eggs, and resulted in a high mortality rate. The surviving
hatchlings were then kept in makeshift ponds, which had to
be regularly filled with fresh sea water to keep the young
turtles alive and healthy. In the past the hatchlings often
died because of injury, or viral and bacterial infections
from amoebae which thrive in the warm water.
Around three years ago, residents on Gili T became aware of
Pak Zainnudin’s efforts, and rallied to support his
project. Now with the help of the local businesses on the
island, rehabilitation techniques have been modified to produce
the maximum survival rates. The turtle eggs have been relocated
to a specially designed “hatchling farm” away
from the beachfront, which has resulted in a higher survival
rate. Around two years ago new water tanks were built to provide
a safe and protected home for the hatchlings to grow.
Many businesses on Gili Trawangan, such as The Beach House,
Blue Marlin Dive, Villa Ombak and Manta Dive (to name a few),
are supporting the programme with monthly donations to help
with food and upkeep costs. The Beach House in particular
has been a strong sponsor of the programme for the past three
years, and provided the new pumping equipment to keep the
water in top condition when the tanks were constructed. They
have also provided food, nutritional supplements and specialised
medicines for the turtles.
On 19 August 2007, Gili T celebrated the most successful Turtle
Release to date with a full day ceremony starting at 10.30
am on the beachfront outside Dino’s Restaurant. Children
from the local schools dressed in colourful native costumes
and provided entertainment with traditional dance performances.
The Governor’s wife and the Bupati of NTB attended,
together with other important local government dignitaries.
Local business people involved in sponsoring the programme
were also invited to witness the successful results of their
support.
A crowd of delighted tourists lined the beachfront to see
the release of around 185 healthy turtles back into the ocean.
It was an awe inspiring moment for all present. At first the
young turtles seemed hesitant, moving awkwardly across the
sand, before natural instinct took over and they moved towards
the ocean. Then with a leap, the new generation of turtles
entered the sea and swam to freedom in the clear blue waters.
Next time you see one of the large, peaceful creatures gliding
alongside you in the ocean, it just might be one of the Gili
community’s special projects!
