Latest News and Events

Sea Turtle Conservation in Aceh Indonesia

Natura Education will be partnering with Indonesian organisation Yayasan Pulau Banyak to conduct community-based training and promote local environmental conservation programs.

Pulau Banyak is an archipelago off the coast of South East Aceh. Like Sumatra, Pulau Banyak also has a healthy array of habitats and wildlife consisting of mangroves, hill forests, freshwater swamp forests, lowland forests and coral reefs. Pulau Bangkaru is covered by dense, pristine forest with tree ferns, strangler fig trees and many epiphytes. The island harbours the nesting beach for 3 species of sea turtles but have also pristine forests and fresh water. Other animals inhabiting the island are crocodiles, a sub-specie of Hill myna, Mouse deer and many species of amphibians.

In partnership with Yayasan Pulau Banyak, Natura has developed a 10 point strategy for the improvement of local environment and the building the capacity of local teachers to promote environmentally sustainable principles. These points include:

1.    Solid waste management strategy

2.    “Guru for Teachers” environmental training program (including curriculum based programs for school students)

3.    Tour guide training and education

4.    Coral reef and seagrass mapping and assessment (feeding and breeding grounds mapping)

5.    Development of an environmental education centre:

6.    Further development of sea turtle research and conservation project:

7.    Sustainable Tourism Plan (incorporating future/potential tourism planning and management for Pulau Banyak islands and Marine Protected Areas)

8.    Planned Program for Biodiversity monitoring development (PPBio)

9.    Masters/PhD student research and education program

10.    Series of educational posters (flow on that will link biology, conservation and practical management)