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Marine Turtle Newsletter 62:12-13, © 2001

Trinidad Turtler Honored on World Environment Day

Susan Lakhan
Nature Seekers Inc., Matura Post Office, Toco Main Road, Matura, Trinidad

Susan Lakhan of Nature Seekers Incorporated (NSI), a group which patrols Matura Beach on the east coast of Trinidad, West Indies, to protect endangered leatherback sea turtles, was inducted into the United Nations Environment Programme's "Global 500 Roll of Honour" on 5 June 1993 in Beijing, China. Ms. Lakhan was recognized for her "outstanding work" in the field of conservation, work that involves all-night seasonal surveillance of the nesting beach and not uncommonly brings her and her group threats of personal violence from potential poachers. Data collected by the Government of Trinidad suggest that 50-75 leatherbacks were killed each year in the 1980's (many for only a few pounds of shoulder meat) - a number likely to represent a majority of the females nesting. We invited Ms. Lakhan to provide the MTN with a brief overview of her work. -KLE/SAE, Editors

Our group was formed in 1990 as a result of the extensive slaughtering of the leatherback turtle at one of this species' most important nesting beaches in the Western Atlantic region, Matura Beach. The aim of our group is to promote appreciation and awareness of the natural resources within the community, as well as to promote total education in environmental conservation and to seek opportunities for development in environmental education. Before our group was formed, Wildlife Section staff (Forestry Division, Government of Trinidad and Tobago) saw the need to incorporate the villagers in conservation decisions following the designation of Matura Beach as a "prohibited area". As a direct result, an introductory training programme was formally conducted by the Wildlife Section in tour guiding which consisted of several field trips as well as classroom instruction. Nature Seekers Incorporated was born.

Since that time, we have been struggling towards making a household name for ourselves. We approached several agencies and private businesses for donations since most members of our group are unemployed. Many times we were turned down, but Aleong and Agostini Advertising Agency, AMOCO, National Petroleum Ltd., and Shell Chemical Services Ltd. came to our aid with tremendously important support. They assisted us with a logo, stationery, jerseys, torch lights, and batteries. They also promoted some of the group's activities. Their support has helped us accomplish a lot. We also use eco-tourism (guiding a maximum of 100 paying visitors to the beach each night to witness the egg-laying process) to promote conservation of our sea turtle resource, provide training for self-employment for our young people, and enhance community development. Our success has given impetus to a "sister project" at Fishing Pond Beach to the south, historically the centre of leatherback slaughter.

Our experience on the beach has been quite challenging, as well as rewarding. We had our share of problems from visitors and villagers alike, but these bad experiences only encouraged us to grow closer and stronger as one body uniting together. We have indeed grown from strength to strength in our endeavours as we proceed with ardent zeal and determination. Our rewards were quite a few and our hard work eventually paid off. For example, not a single turtle was slaughtered in 1992. This should go down in history and it is all because of our efforts and the close supervision and support of the Wildlife Section. Also I recently visited China to receive a Global 500 Award sponsored by UNEP on World Environment Day - again because of our dedication towards the protection of these endangered species.

We have organised fund-raising ventures such as community dinners, excursions, "Run for Turtles", and a clean-up campaign on our beaches. We also participated in the recent Walk-a-Thon sponsored by COPE on World Environment Day, just to name a few. We have many challenges ahead of us, but we will meet them with solidarity and a clear vision of our shared future. We will continue to protect our natural resources in the same committed and loyal manner as long as necessary. I would like to acknowledge the NSI officers: Solomon Aguillera (President), Christopher Mitchell (Vice President), Leon Slinger, (Secretary), and Dennis Sammy (Public Relations Officer). I serve as Treasurer. Finally, we sincerely thank Mr. Kenneth Fournillier of the Wildlife Section who consistently goes beyond the call of duty to support us. Without this support, we could not have come so far. His dedication has been remarkable - our success is his success.