Coordination
In order to better coordinate the sea turtle research and conservation activities throughout Gabon, we have established:
A uniform and standard methodology at all field project sites, through the application of common data-collection protocols and datasheets, and common training of all field technicians;
A centralised database for national data, including a standard format and data entry, as well as a coordinated system of storage, analysis, interpretation and dissemination of results.
Our national sea turtle database is housed within the CNDIO (Centre National des Données et Informations Oceanographiques - National Centre for Oceanographic Data and Information), which is charged with data input, storage and analysis. The Partnership provides support with the hardware, software and technical staff managing the database. In collaboration with the CNDIO, we produce an annual season report presenting our combined results from baseline population monitoring and task force activities, which is available to the public and authorities.
Our internal structure consists of a Steering Committee and a Scientific Committee, overseen by our National Focal Point for Sea Turtles (Ms Solange Ngouessono, ANPN) and a coordinator/liaison (Dr Angela Formia, WCS). Our Partner field sites collect nest monitoring data and Task Forces composed of local experts and collaborators carry out the more specialised activities. We hope that this structure will allow us to maintain cohesion, sustainability and long-term support. We regularly re-evaluate our priorities, commitment and achievements; our eventual goal is that there will be no need for us… and that sea turtle populations will be protected from threats and begin to recover.
The CNDIO
The creation of the CNDIO was an initiative of the ODINAFRICA project of UNESCO. It is the wish of Gabonese authorities to make available reference materials to assist in decision-making in the marine and coastal domains. In effect, the CNDIO is specialised in problems related to understanding, usage, and management of the coastal and marine realms.
Data Management
The Gabon Sea Turtle Partnership database stores all of the research data collected from Gabon's nesting beaches since 2006.
Turtle Team Member Profile:
Solange Ngouessono
As director of Mayumba National Park since 2004, Solange is Gabon's longest-serving National Park Conservator.
She is the National Focal Point for Sea Turtles and Whales, and prior to her appointment as Conservator, Solange worked as a marine mammal researcher in Iguela, at Loango National Park. She has also been a long-term fan of sea turtles for many years and supporter of our conservation work.
Annual Meeting
Each September, we hold the Partnership’s annual meeting, where each partner and task force reports on its progress and plans for the coming year. Relevant authorities, partner NGOs, and team members attend the meeting. This meeting is also open to the public, and anyone who might be interested may attend.
Keeping Current
Every year, we run two training workshops on sea turtle biology and conservation, one in Pongara and one in Mayumba, for approximately 60 participants.
Did you know?
During our training courses we teach basic sea turtle biology, species and track identification, and concepts of the nesting process and the life cycle. We also have practical sessions on tagging, measuring, collection of samples and other basic data collection.