Malacca First Location In Malaysia For Hawksbill Turtle-Based Ecotourism

WWF 20 Oct 11;

Padang Kemunting, October 20th, 2011 – The fate of hawksbill turtles in the state of Malacca will receive a boost with the launch of a pilot project on ecotourism aimed at increasing conservation efforts for this critically endangered species. Dubbed “Hawksbill Melaka” Ecotourism, (Ekopelancongan “Hawskbill Melaka”) the maiden project, a first for the country, was launched tonight at Ismah Beach Resort, Padang Kemunting, Malacca.

The launch was officiated by Rural and Agricultural Development State Committee Chairman, Datuk Perumal A/L Raju to kick start the partnership between Ismah Beach Resort with the Department of Fisheries Malacca and WWF-Malaysia aimed at responsible and sustainable turtle-based ecotourism in Malacca. “Through this partnership, Ismah Beach Resort will implement best practices and proper guidelines to ensure minimal stress/disturbance to turtles from tourism activities,” said Tuan Haji Ismail bin Haji Othman, Director of Ismah Beach Resort

“Hawksbills are a unique natural heritage to Malacca which can draw in tourists. Seeing that tourism is one of the main economic drivers for the state, hawksbill turtles have the potential to further enhance Malacca’s attraction as an ecotourism destination,” said Rosmawati Ghazali, Director of State Fisheries.

“We are confident that the implementation of low-impact ecotourism if done with adequate monitoring and control will be an effective strategy to drive protection of the species. It will also serve as an important asset to generate revenue. It is hoped that this commendable effort can be replicated by other tour operators in Padang Kemunting in the near future.”

The “Hawskbill Melaka” Ecotourism programme consists of a holistic educational activity designed for the whole family while minimising disturbance to turtles and their habitats. Proper protocols and trained guides and interpreters will be in place to ensure the sustainability of the programme.

According to Executive Director/CEO of WWF-Malaysia, Dato’ Dr. Dionysius Sharma, turtles are creatures that are very sensitive to light, noise and movement. Hence, uncontrolled mass tourism without restrictions is not a suitable option for turtle populations and habitats.

“It is hoped that this partnership and programme will be a start to sustainable turtle ecotourism along the Padang Kemunting beach. For this to happen, cooperation from all, including resort operators and the tourism industry, is needed to use proper guidelines and adopt changes to create a dark and secluded environment for nesting turtles along the Padang Kemunting belt.”

When practised diligently and consistently, low-impact turtle ecotourism will satisfy the heightened expectations of the tourists and be an effective conservation tool. It is an intervention that has helped turtle conservation in many parts of the world.

Meanwhile, the nearby Padang Kemunting Turtle Conservation and Information Centre will continue its important role in educating the public on the hawksbill turtles.

The “Hawskbill Melaka” Ecotourism programme will be implemented in 2012 and will be fully executed starting in 2013.

Malacca is an important refuge for the Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in West Malaysia. It is home to the largest population of nesting Hawksbill turtles with average annual nestings of 400.

Prime nesting beaches in the state are Pulau Upeh, Kem Terendak, Padang Kemunting, Tanjung Bidara, Balik Batu, Pasir Gembur, Tanjung Dahan, Tanjung Serai and Meriam Patah which contribute to approximately 80% of recorded nestings in the state.