Sea turtle conservation in São Tomé and Príncipe: policies, practices, and insights from a community‐based initiative
2024
Ferreira, Rogério | Prazeres, Inocêncio A. dos
Unifying research and conservation objectives with the needs of local populations demands a profound understanding of the field. This perspective provides a brief policy and social-cultural context for the conservation of endangered sea turtles in S & atilde;o Tom & eacute; and Pr & iacute;ncipe, Central Africa. It is illustrated by initiatives implemented from the 90s to the 2000s and complemented by a community-based intervention on Pr & iacute;ncipe Island (2010-2014). The intervention focused on awareness-raising, economic-alternatives, capacity-building, and surveillances to deter poaching, collect scientific data, and increase outreach. It contributed to reduce sea turtle exploitation, train local conservationists, and increase awareness to economic alternatives. Securing stakeholders' support is vital for success, and endeavors like this provide a cost-effective approach, aligning biodiversity conservation strategies with local values and aspirations. Overall, this perspective underscores that failure to collaborate with those involved in wildlife subsistence livelihoods often results in delays and setbacks in reducing exploitation, while modest investments in local stewardship can efficiently improve ecosystems and human well-being. This perspective provides a policy and social-cultural context for sea turtle conservation in S & atilde;o Tom & eacute; and Pr & iacute;ncipe and it is illustrated by a community-based initiative on the smaller island of Pr & iacute;ncipe. To achieve progress, it is not enough to legislate, effective enforcement, raising awareness, and demonstrating the economic benefits of nonconsumptive use of sea turtles to local communities and authorities are also essential. Overall, it is shown here how local stewardship can inform conservation science and practice, promote social justice, and efficiently improve both ecosystems and human well-being.
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