ProFauna Supports Sea Turtle Conservation Program at Airkuning, Jembrana, Bali

After previously supporting sea turtle conservation program at Kuta and Perancak beaches, Bali, now ProFauna also supports the people of Airkuning, Jembrana regency, Bali, in running their sea turtle conservation program. In mid-2013, the people there has formed a group called "Segara Urip" which is led by I Gede Sudita . ProFauna willingly supports this group because they have a high motivation and commitment to conserve sea turtles around their neighborhood along Jembrana coast, according to the rules of conservation and animal welfare.

Segara Urip agrees with ProFauna that sea turtle hatchlings (baby sea turtles) must be released to the ocean as soon as they hatch from the eggs. So, there will be no hatchlings kept for a long time for the sake of business. They also promise that in their place, there will be no illegal trade of eggs or hatchlings. I Gede Sudita said, "We established this program as a manifestation of our awareness towards the conservation of sea turtles, not of commercial interest.  I hope that our future descendants could still watch sea turtles nest in the beaches of Jembrana."

Bayu Sandi, ProFauna's campaign officer, added, "ProFauna is strongly against the practice of keeping hatchlings for a long time for the sake of business and tourism. They must be released as soon as possible. With the emerging community groups in Bali that care about the conservation of sea turtles, this is a good sign. It has been an honor for ProFauna to be able to work with Segara Urip to protect sea turtles in Jembrana." 

Airkuning beach is a habitat for several sea turtles species like the Olive Ridley turtle and the Leatherback turtle. In July 2013, the local people reported a sighting of a Leatherback turtle to nest in Airkuning beach. Unfortunately, the eggs were stolen by local "eggs hunters".

This conservation program is expected to subdue the rate of illegal egg trades. Moreover, the establishment of Segara Urip is fully supported by the village and cultural authority, as well as the religious leaders. Gede Sudita said that he is optimistic with all the supports from the community, government, and ProFauna they could contribute more and better to sea turtle conservation in Jembrana. 

For more information, please contact:

• Bayu Sandi

  (Campaign Officer, ProFauna Indonesia)
  Email: bali@profauna.net