Young Indonesians give sea turtles a helping handーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
The waters around Indonesia are home to six of seven endangered species of sea turtle who are losing coastal areas where they can lay their eggs. Now, a group of young people are taking action to protect the turtles and the environment. NHK World’s Eric Permana has the story. Hassria Hassri studies aquaculture including marine conservation at university. She was born and raised on the island of Sulawasi. She says that plastic waste with bricking blocks and the development of embankments and residential areas are changing the sandy beaches on the island. The sea turtles have lost half the area where they usually lay their eggs. For the past 3 years, Hashri and her friends have been cleaning up the beaches to protect the sea turtles and their nesting sites. By taking care of this beach and taking care of the animals here, we are also looking after our hometown. [Music] Part of their work is caring for sea turtle eggs. From around March, when the nesting season begins until the end of July, they patrol the coast almost daily at midnight and at 5:00 a.m. Before the sun rises, they search for eggs that have been laid in the sand. This is because daytime temperatures have a negative effect on the eggs, and predators such as lizards and crabs come out in the day. In the morning, one member returns with some eggs. The eggs are buried in the hatchery the group meet. They are watched over for about 2 months and the temperature of the sand is carefully monitored. On this day, eggs the group secured earlier are hatching, and healthy baby turtles emerge from the sand. So far, they have helped about 3,000 baby turtles. Hria is also working to get children to understand the importance of conservation. Trash in the water disturbs the process of sea turtles laying eggs. Today she is showing the children some newly hatched baby turtles. In the evening they release the newborns into the sea together. Baby turtles are very important. I want to join big sister Hassria when I grow up. I’m happy. I want the baby turtles to come back when they mature. In the future, all people, including children and teenagers, will care for the sea turtles and protect the environment, especially in our hometown. Hopefully, the turtles will be conserved and can also be enjoyed by our children and grandchildren in the future. Hria and her friends hope their efforts will be carried on by the community so the vulnerable sea turtles will be protected long into the future. at perman and its keyword Sulavasi Island.
The waters around Indonesia are home to many sea turtles. But they are losing areas along the coast where they can lay their eggs. Now a group of young people are taking action to protect the turtles and the environment. #asia #asiapacific #indonesia #environment #children #education #bangkok
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