The Story of the Filipino: From Ridge to Reef

Summary

This video highlights a sea turtle conservation project in La Union, Philippines. Carlos Tamayo, the director of operations for Project Korma, discusses how the initiative combats poaching through education and sustainable livelihood programs for local fishermen. The project has successfully turned former poachers into protectors of sea turtles, creating a model for eco-tourism and sustainable tourism. The conservation efforts include protecting sea turtle nests, running rescue and rehabilitation programs, and promoting awareness about the importance of preserving ecosystems. The project emphasizes the need for collective responsibility to protect sea turtles and their habitats.

Takeaways

• 🐢 Turtle mentality emphasizes helping each other, similar to how sea turtles assist each other in emerging from their nests.
• 🌊 Project Korma is a sea turtle conservation initiative based in La Union, which also promotes eco-tourism.
• 🚫 Poaching of sea turtles and their eggs was once prevalent in the region, but the project has worked to eliminate it through education and alternative livelihoods for local communities.
• 👷‍♂️ Former poachers have been transformed into protectors of the sea turtles, receiving financial incentives for their conservation efforts.
• 🐢 Sea turtles are a keystone species that help maintain ecosystem balance, especially by controlling jellyfish populations.
• 🏖 The La Union coastline serves as both a nesting and foraging area for sea turtles, making it an important region for conservation.
• 🐣 Sea turtle eggs are transferred to a protected hatchery to ensure proper incubation and prevent exposure to water and other hazards.
• 📊 Climate change is impacting sea turtle populations, with rising temperatures leading to more female hatchlings due to temperature-dependent sex determination.
• 🦸‍♂️ The community-driven conservation model in La Union engages local fishers, homeowners, and resorts in protecting sea turtles, demonstrating a sustainable tourism approach.
• 🌱 Project Korma also includes a forest reforestation initiative, showing the connection between coastal and forest ecosystems in overall environmental protection.

Q & A

What is the primary mission of Project Korma?

Project Korma's primary mission is sea turtle conservation, particularly focused on protecting nesting and foraging areas in La Union. They aim to reduce poaching and promote sustainable eco-tourism.

How does Project Korma combat sea turtle poaching?

Project Korma combats poaching by educating local fisherfolk and providing them with alternative livelihoods. They created a program that offers higher incentives for reporting sea turtle eggs, turning former poachers into protectors of sea turtles.

Why are sea turtles considered a keystone species?

Sea turtles are considered a keystone species because they help maintain the balance of their ecosystem. For example, they control the jellyfish population, which keeps beaches jellyfish-free and tourist-friendly.

What is the significance of La Union for sea turtles?

La Union is a significant area for sea turtles because it serves as both a major nesting site and a foraging ground. This makes it a critical habitat for sea turtle conservation.

What were the main challenges in protecting sea turtles in La Union?

The main challenges in protecting sea turtles in La Union were poaching driven by the financial needs of the local fisherfolk, as well as ensuring that sea turtle eggs were kept safe from environmental threats like water reaching their nests.

How has the community been involved in sea turtle conservation?

The local community, including former poachers and fisherfolk, has been actively involved in sea turtle conservation by patrolling beaches, transferring nests to protected hatcheries, and participating in eco-tourism programs.

What role does social media play in Project Korma's efforts?

Social media has been instrumental in raising awareness and creating partnerships with local homeowners and resort owners, making La Union a model for a sea turtle-friendly province.

How does the Hatchery protect sea turtle eggs?

The Hatchery protects sea turtle eggs by transferring them from the beach to a controlled environment where they are kept safe from water damage and maintained at the proper temperature for optimal development.

What is Project Korma's Ridge to Reef program?

The Ridge to Reef program is a sustainable conservation model that integrates protecting both coastal and forest ecosystems. It aims to protect the ocean ecosystem (reef) and reforested areas (ridge) for long-term environmental sustainability.

How does Project Korma address the impact of climate change on sea turtle populations?

Project Korma addresses the impact of climate change by managing nest temperatures in the Hatchery, ensuring a balanced ratio of male to female hatchlings, as warmer temperatures tend to produce more females.