Sea Turtle Conservation
Indonesia marine waters is blessing with six species of sea turtle from seven still exist in the world. A six sea turtle species in Indonesia are green turtle (chelonia mydas), hawksbill turtle (eretmochelys imbricata), olive ridley (lepidochelys olivacea), leatherback turtles (dermochelys coriacea), loggerhead sea turtle (caretta caretta), and flatback sea turtles (natator depressus). The declined of sea turtle population generally caused by land conversion in the coastal areas as well as the changes lifestyle of peoples that encourage hunting of sea turtles whose is endangered.
All species listed on International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Lists. In Indonesia, all types of turtles are protected under Government Regulation (PP) no. 7/1999 on the Preservation of Plant and Animal Species, which means turtle trade alive, dead or body parts are prohibited. According to Law No.5 / 1990 on the Conservation of Biological Resources and Ecosystems, trade actors (sellers and buyers) of protected animals such as turtles may be subject to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of Rp100 million. Utilization of protected species is only allowed for the research, science and rescue of the animal species concerned.
Nusa Dua beach is known as a sea turtle nesting habitat of Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and Green turtle (Chelonia mydas). However, due to the decline population of Green turtle, only Olive ridley now reported still be found on beaches for nesting. Since 2010, Nusa Dua Reef Foundation, together with Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation, hotels, and Pokmaswas Yasa Segara Bengiat, a community surveillance group, committed to protect the sea turtle nesting habitat along Nusa Dua beach and save sea turtle eggs nest during nesting season around April to October. Meanwhile, in effort to raise awareness among public people, the turtle release conducted by involving local communities, tourists, and staff hotels. In 2016, we listed 33 sea turtle eggs nests from about 4 kilometers along the beach of Nusa Dua.
