Protect the sea turtles of the middle of the world

Solidarity / Green / Humanitarian

About

The islands of São Tomé and Principe are at the crossing of Equator and Greenwich meridian, which makes them, in a way, the middle world islands.

Four of the seven species of sea turtles come to lay their eggs on these forgotten beaches of the Guinee's gulf, each year, from September to April.

In São Tomé, sea turtles are not only a part of the cultural, but also handcraft and culinary heritage. Their meat is very appreciated and their shells are used for jewellery and craft. Even if São Tomé and Principe has signed the international convention on trade of endangered species (CITES), no national law protecting this animal as of today. For many years, the NGO Marapa has been fighting for their protection, but the poaching, selling and consumption of turtle meat is not forbidden, which makes our mission an uneasy one.

Several organizations, such as European Union, French cooperation and others regional partners have funded direct protection of sea turtles in São Tomé : nightly monitoring of beaches, turtle marking, hatching supervision … However, the absence of legislation and political will have been major problems in our fundraising campaign this year.

In this situation, we don't give up, and actively work for the financial autonomization of the sea turtles protection program, through ecotourism and creation of partnerships with the private sector, for the 2012-2013 season.

For the 2011-2012 season, we had to finance our actions with our own funds, very limited, which did not permit an optimum protection. On seven coastal zones usually protected, only the one of Morro Peixe has beneficiated of a real protection, until today. Our ecoguards are unemployed, and those who continue their activity on this beach do it in a almost voluntary way.

Marine turtles are not protected any more in São Tomé, while the nesting season is in full swing ! The nesting peak on the beaches by turtles has been reached in january and the layings are going to continue until April. To finish the 2011-2012 season and ensure the protection of at least the beaches of this area of Morro Peixe, we are asking for your help within this Ulule project.

What are the funds for?

In Morro Peixe, a small fishermen community of the north of the island, Marapa has a small visitors reception center : the Casa Tatô, which shelters an ecomuseum and a incubation center for protecting turtle eggs against predation from dogs and poachers.

This center is managed by Mister Hipolito Lima, a former fisherman now dedicated to the protection of sea turtles, and a local fiugre known for his passion and motivation always renewed despite the difficulties.

The funds provided by your donations will allow the payment of Mister Hipolito's ecoguards team, the replacement of their equipment and the compilation by Marapa of the scientific data collected.

These funds will also permit to proceed to the annual maintenance of the incubation center and to renovate partially the Casa Tatô.

Lastly, we will stock up on marking rings.

About the project owner

Marapa is an non governmental organization, santomense, created in 1999. We are active in several projects related to marine environment protection and supporting artisanal fisheries. My name is Elisio Neto and I'm the coordinator of the marine turtle protection program in Marapa since 2003. I'm a marine biologist and my job is to accompany the ecoguards mission by providing them a technical and logistical support.

News

The Feb. 1, 2012, 8:20 a.m.

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Give, Get

This fundraising is finished

For €5 or more:

Le rapport de protection de fin de saison 2010-2011 et celui de la saison 2011-2012 dès la finalisation de sa rédaction.

For €10 or more:

Contrepartie précédente et un lot de 4 cartes postales éditées par le programme Kudu à São
Tomé

For €20 or more:

Contreparties précédentes et un porte-clé "tortue" fabriqué à São Tomé

For €40 or more:

Contreparties précédentes et un tee-shirt portant le logo de la Casa Tatô (taille L disponible seulement)

For €60 or more:

Contreparties précédentes et une brochure UNESCO sur la biodiversité et la protection des tortues marines, 30 pages

For €100 or more:

Contreparties précédentes et un livre de jeux et de coloriage sur les tortues marines pour les enfants, "Tous ensemble protégeons la tortue luth, merveille marine en voie de disparition !", 47 pages.

For €150 or more:

Contreparties précédentes et un livre "Sur la trace des tortues marines d'Afrique Centrale", Alexis Bille, 64 pages.

For €500 or more:

Contreparties précédentes et un tour de l'île de São Tomé en bateau organisé par l'ONG Marapa (voyage jusqu'à São Tomé non assuré !)