Promoting Sea Turtle Protection in Kalimarau Airport, Berau, East Borneo
A team from the Ministry of Marine Affairs & Fisheries and PROFAUNA Borneo promoted sea turtle protection in shops located in Kalimarau Airport, Berau, East Borneo. The program was run during April 2016 as a persuasive effort towards souvenir vendors in the airport so that they do not sell sea turtle shell-based souvenirs.
Previously, there were a number of shops selling such souvenirs, made from the Hawksbill Sea Turtle's shell. This illicit practice should be eradicated as sea turtle and its body parts are protected by law.
Protection upon all sea turtle species has also been extended by the Mayor's Decree no. 246 of 2016 concerning the establishment of Marine Conservation Forum of Berau. The decree mentions that inter-institution coordination is expected in order to maintain good supervision and assistance regarding marine conservation, including of the sea turtle.
We are delighted to see the growing participation of the government, particularly in Berau, in the protection efforts of sea turtle and its habitat," said Bayu Sandi, the coordinator of PROFAUNA Borneo.
The forum comprises of military force, the police, government officials, and NGO. PROFAUNA, as a member of this forum, holds the responsibility to conduct monitoring and education for the community.