Belitung Strengthens Protection and Conservation of Turtles

Tanjung Pandan (ANTARA) - The Belitung Regency Government in Bangka Belitung Province is strengthening the protection and conservation of turtles in the area, as these animals are an important part of the marine ecosystem that must be preserved.

“We are reinforcing efforts to conserve and protect turtles as protected wildlife in coastal areas and small islands,” said the Secretary of Belitung Regency, Marzuki, in Tanjungpandan on Thursday.

According to him, these conservation and protection efforts for turtles also support the revalidation process of the UNESCO Global Geopark Belitung status.

He stated that the local government had previously conducted socialisation regarding turtle management strategies in collaboration with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) of Indonesia.

Marzuki emphasised that as protected animals, turtles hold significant value not only ecologically but also as part of the biodiversity wealth that supports the universal value of the Geopark area.

Therefore, he continued, good turtle management is one of the important indicators in demonstrating seriousness in managing the area sustainably.

“The revalidation of the UNESCO Global Geopark Belitung is not merely about geological heritage, but includes a commitment to preserving biodiversity, including turtles,” he said.

“We very much hope for collective awareness and concrete actions from the entire community in safeguarding the turtle population,” he added.

He called on the entire community in the area to jointly protect and conserve turtles to prevent their extinction.

The community’s role is significant in helping to maintain environmental sustainability, including turtles. Turtles are part of biodiversity and play an important role in the marine food chain.

If the turtle population experiences a drastic decline, this can cause broader ecosystem disruptions and affect many other species.