Turning Poachers into Protectors

In the Maputo National Park, they have implemented an extremely successful program involving the local community, training them to monitor and protect the turtles nesting on the coastline. By turning poachers into protectors and guides, they have made the turtles more valuable as a tourist attraction. Taking care of these animals creates employment and generates an income for locals, ensuring that the turtles are no longer sought after as a food source.

At present, we have two teams rotating on Ilha Do Fogo. They are responsible for ensuring the protection of nesting turtles on Ilha do Fogo, keeping an eye on the nests until the hatchlings emerge. They also keep the beach and reef free of plastic, and aim to educate the subsistence fishers about the plight of vulnerable marine life. These individuals have had no formal training (yet) as resources are limited.

This project will continue to identify locals from the Zambezia Province who show an aptitude for turtle and marine protection. These individuals will then be sent to Machangulo Game Reserve, where they will take part in an internship in partnership with the Maputo National Park, and will also receive training in turtle tagging and data recording with Centro Terra Viva.

This project will continue to identify locals from the Zambezia Province who show an aptitude for turtle and marine protection. These individuals will then be sent to Machangulo Game Reserve, where they will take part in an internship in partnership with the Maputo National Park, and will also receive training in turtle tagging and data recording with Centro Terra Viva.

In South Africa, we are part of the official network for turtle rescue coordination across the Cape, for the Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation.

To learn more about the turtle species we have in Mozambique, and the opportunity to see them first-hand, see our Saving Sea Turtles page.