Regency of Tojo Unauna

Regency of Tojo Unauna is located in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. The new Regency of Tojo Unauna was declared in November 2003, and includes over 100km of mainland coast bordering the Gulf of Tomini, as well as the famous Togean Archipelago.

Three species of marine turtles are known to occur within the Regency's waters: the leatherback, the hawksbill, and green. Only the endangered green turtles are known to nest in the Regency. Green turtles, in particular, are targeted for both eggs and meat, the latter mainly for sale to Balinese communities who have relocated to the Regency area and still engage in turtle trade. In addition, several beaches previously used as nesting sites have been abandoned by marine turtles, mainly due to human disturbance from both tourism and local residents.

There is a dire need for more information on the marine turtle biology and accurate turtle population numbers in Central Sulawesi which can be incorporated into management and recovery plans. These studies will improve scientific knowledge including information on marine turtle harvest and trade. In light of the national and regional threats facing marine turtles and the lack of management and knowledge of the status for the species particularly in the Sulawesi region, the presence of a skilled researcher who has lived among the community is also needed. Given the low income of the people of the region, outside assistance will help create the awareness and provide the community with the skills and knowledge to conserve their turtle populations.

Marine turtle conservation work is crucial at this stage as all available information points to severe turtle population declines, which appear to have accelerated dramatically within the past 5–10 years.

Project Mission

The project aims to lay the foundation for turtle conservation in Tojo Unauna Regency through training in turtle monitoring and conservation practices at a relatively accessible turtle nesting site in the area.

Project Objectives

• Conduct baseline studies on marine turtles over one complete nesting season to identify site fidelity, migrations, nesting volume fluctuations and important developmental, foraging and nesting habitats.
• Conduct assessments of distribution and status of populations which will serve as primary building blocks of a draft conservation plan identifying population status and threats, and proposing recommendations for the protection of marine turtles and their habitats.

• Train school children in basic conservation measures, data collection and nest protection.
• Develop the technical capacity of the Fisheries Faculty, Universitas Alkhairat.
• Improve awareness among the general public and relevant stakeholders on marine turtle conservation.

• Provide basic equipment, training materials and protocols for data collection and turtle conservation.

Each of these objectives will be met through a list of specific activities, some of which overlap in their coverage.

Activities

• Baseline Research Studies
• Tagging Program
• Satellite Tracking
• Conservation Training
• Development of a Community Conservation Plan