sea the future

Programa Tatô is helping the community work with their natural heritage in a sustainable way by providing economic diversification to those who were dependent on the turtle trade – from turtle hunters to people involved in the sale of the products. They are facilitating good practice ecotourism movement and preparing the community to engage with it by training park rangers on how to interact with the tourists and the sea turtles appropriately. Using ecotourism as a source of revenue will also help work towards the project’s financial independence.

The establishment of baseline information and long-term data collection is crucial to not only measure a project’s impact but to track changes in species health status. Monitoring activities involve but are not limited to: collecting data on arrival time, location, reproductive success and size of females on the beach. In order to better implement strategies to protect a species, especially those which are endangered, we must go beyond monitoring its status and learn more about its behavior. The program is using satellite tagging to understand sea turtle movement ecology and behavior of nesting and foraging populations.

Those who were dependent on the turtle trade need the development of alternative livelihoods if they are to embrace this cultural shift. Women who participated in the turtle trade are being taught how to generate income in more sustainable ways such as the production of handicraft and other products to supply the local market.

The monitoring and protection of beaches prioritizes the employment of former poachers as a form of socioeconomic conversion of existing skills. The project also ensures their views and traditional knowledge are integrated to project activities.  Due to poaching and domestic animals digging up turtle nests, when possible, nests are relocated and protected in nesting facilities by the beach monitors. By prioritizing inclusion of local agents and students in conservation training, Programa Tatô is helping nationals lead the conservation efforts of the country independently.

By promoting environmental awareness in schools and in human-turtle conflict areas, Programa Tatô facilitates the shift in the perception of value of ocean animals and above all strengthens proximity and trust between local communities and members of the team. Awareness raising, education and communication activities are studied in detail. Imagination and creativity are used as they produce multiple street theaters and radio shows, compose music and host cooking contests. The list goes on. Programa Tatô has become very present in the heart of the communities.

Programa Tatô had a big part to play in the legal protection status of turtles in 2014. Currently, the project leaders are involved in the establishment of the first marine protected area of São Tomé e Principe. Furthermore, the local authorities have been involved in multiple awareness events hosted by Programa Tatô, having provided training to over 70 agents, helping agents understand the importance of the work they do and to keep them emotionally involved in the mission at hand.