West Sumbawa Regency supports coastal community education to conserve turtles

The Government of West Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province, is supporting the education of coastal residents in conserving and protecting the turtle ecosystem in the area. “This conservation activity is part of efforts to increase public awareness of turtle preservation and coastal ecosystem protection,” said West Sumbawa Deputy Regent Hj Hanipah during a visit to the conservation site at Mawil Beach, West Sumbawa, on Wednesday. She said Mawil Beach has significant ecological value for turtle conservation. Of the seven turtle species in the world, five are recorded as active in West Sumbawa waters: the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), and loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). “This annual activity aims to increase awareness and participation from various parties in preserving turtles and the coastal ecosystem,” she said. She noted that the existence of this conservation area is also reinforced through West Sumbawa Regency Regional Regulation Number 11 of 2020 concerning the Regional Spatial Plan. Deputy Regent Hanipah expressed appreciation to environmental activists and the community who have actively maintained the turtle habitat at Mawil Beach. According to her, saving turtles is a shared responsibility that requires ongoing attention and commitment. “Out of thousands of eggs that hatch, only a small fraction of hatchlings survive to adulthood,” she said. Therefore, all parties must not allow this invaluable habitat to be damaged, and through this activity the West Sumbawa Regency Government affirms its commitment to supporting turtle conservation efforts and coastal ecosystem protection.