Sea turtle conservation is still in the early stages in SW Cameroon. This project supports basic data collection and identification of local threats to sea turtles along the coast of the South West Province. Beach surveys and monitoring, community education and development, including development of ecotourism, are some of the initiatives currently pursued.

Project Needs

Marine turtle species recorded on the beaches include the Olive ridley and Hawksbill sea turtles. Locally, sea turtles and their eggs are considered as sources of food and income. Like other turtles, sea turtles lay eggs and they come ashore at night time for this purpose. Local villagers collect the eggs in the nesting season but also catch sea turtles when they get a chance, especially during their fishing expeditions.

Indirect serious threats include commercial fishing, marine and coastal pollution from oil exploitation,  and littering. Shells and other products are sold as souvenirs or for medicinal purposes.

This project needs to establish baseline data for the sea turtles as the species and population trends are still largely unknown.

Objectives of this project

• To conserve the marine turtle species and their nesting beaches in the coastal areas of South West Cameroon through education, active protection and reducing poverty among the indigenous communities.
  
• To support poverty reduction initiatives including the development of alternative income generating projects such as eco-tourism and sustainable community-based management of natural resources. 

Activities

• Surveys of turtle nesting sites and development of a long term monitoring programme.
• Train local fieldworkers in the conservation and management of sea turtle nesting sites.
• Create awareness in and educate coastal communities, in particular collectors of turtles eggs, about sustainable management of natural resources through film showings, educational materials and posters, as well as beach adoption and clean-up activities
• Provide environmental education to Primary Schools and involve teachers and children in conservation activities. 

Beneficiaries