In
an attempt to put an end to the customary practice of
sea turtle depredation by the regional population it is
important to reach out to the new generation and elevate
the consciousness of the children who are the future care
givers of this endangered species.
During
the year 2002, approximately 950 children of diverse educational
and social backgrounds were invited to the Turtle Sanctuary
and given a tour. The talks included general information
about the sea turtle as well as the process and manner
in which we can protect this ancient creature.
Encouraging
the children to make contact with this organism endangered
of extinction, they were each invited to release a brand
new baby turtle. This type of educational work with the
local population is with out a doubt very important in
bringing about a higher sense of awareness and respect
of nature as well as the values of environmental protection
and conservation.
Three
work shops were also hosted by the sanctuary consisting
of approximately 5 hours each involving primary, high
school and college level students.
These
outreach efforts being are made in the attempt to install
a more deeply rooted conscience within our society about
the sea turtle. Education is vital to the conservation
process as the local inhabitants begin to share in the
responsibility for the care and protection of this vanishing
treasure.
It
was our honor to participate in the radio program “ECO
NATURALEZA” with the theme; “The behavior
of the sea turtle population during the year 2002.”
It
was also an honor to participate in the XVI ENCUENTRO
DE LA NINEZ DE LA ZONA SUR DE SINALOA COSERVACION DE LA
TORTUGA MARINA, and hosting the conference; WHAT IS A
TURTLE SANCTUARY? HOW, WHEN AND WHERE DO THEY FUNCTION,
held at the Auditorio de Acuario Mazatlan.
In the year 2000, Estrella Del Mar began to coordinate
the operation and established THE CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION
PROGRAM OF MARINE TURTLES in a permanent manner.
The operation of this program becomes possible thanks to the support of the Stone Island Development Company who is in charge of providing such as human resources and necessary materials for the suitable handling of the program.
We have to emphasize that the Program of Protection and Conservation of Marine Turtles Estrella del Mar counts on the support of the Secretary of Public Security in the State of Sinaloa, since the 2001 Season, who from that year consecutively has sent a brigade of the Preventive State Police, with specialized equipment to support the labors of protection and conservation of this species, achieving with its intervention in reducing considerably the depredation of this organism in part of the locals (theft of eggs and turtles).
