Jul
3
Written by:
frank zindel
03.07.2010
For the original article in Portuguese, see
http://asemana.publ.cv/spip.php?article54050&ak=1
This Monday Turtle Foundation begins to mount camps on the beaches of Boa Vista. The aim is to monitor the main beaches where turtles nest. The turtles are threatened primarily by human hunting. For Semana Online, biologist Joana Hancock talks about the protection effort that Turtle Foundation is implementing to change the mentality of Cape Verdeans and to teach the local community about the dangers that the turtles, around since the time of the dinosaurs, continue to face and which threaten them with extinction.
For about four months there will be patrols on the beaches of the North, with the support of the military. These patrols will be assisted by beach camps on the southern beach of Curral Velho and Lacacão, and also on the northwest beach of Boa Esperanca. "These camps will be open to the general public and anyone can participate in this campaign, between July and October," the biologist explains. There will be activities for beach cleaning and environmental education sessions.
Besides the nest counts and beach protection, done this year again with the support of military, Turtle Foundation believes the success of this venture for the life of turtles can only be achieved if the entire community supports the protection of their ecological heritage. A task that has not been easy, as Joana Hancock, one of the representatives of this organization, tells us,. "Unfortunately, here people ask for something in return for providing this voluntary service, to protect their natural assets. And we have nothing to give in return, besides helping to ensure a future for sea turtles, bequeathing this great natural heritage of Cape Verde to the next generation. "
The foundation will work primarily with residents of the North. A volunteer training will start this Friday to teach the residents of Joao Galego and Fundo das Figueiras to take care of this great natural treasure of Cape Verde. Volunteers will also learn more about the environment, endangered creatures and the importance of biodiversity preservation.
According to Joana Hancock, Turtle Foundation will accept applications for volunteers from all over the country. "Any volunteer work has to be free. We open doors to receive applications from any person. We are unable to provide pay. But in the camps, where people can stay for a minimum period of one week, we offer three meals, “ says Joana.
"School in nature":
In addition to all this work to protect the species, the foundation this year has received funding for the project "School in nature". This is a series of camps, on the week-ends, for young people from Boa Vista that will take place during the months of July, August and September. The idea is that students learn about biodiversity, participate in patrols, and work directly with research teams on the beach.
It will be an unforgettable experience, says Joana Hancock, referring to the experience of watching nesting turtles, a rare spectacle of nature in the world, as you have the opportunity to learn even more about the environment, endangered creatures and the importance of turtle preservation. "They are very special moments, very beautiful. Cape Verde is the third most important place for nesting Loggerhead turtles. And to witness this manifestation of nature is a unique opportunity that no one should lose, "she stresses.
Registration of volunteers: www.turtle-foundation.org
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