Tasikoki is working on conservation of indigenous species and an important education centre for the schools and children of North Sulawesi. In this news article we inform you about these activities on sea turtle conservation and sustainable development.
The villages in which schools have participated in the Environmental Education Program
In 2013, the head of the Minahasa regency formed the “Collaborative Management Forum for the Eastern Coastline of the Minahasa Regency” and established it as an “Essential Ecosystem Area”. The Eastern Coast Minahasa region has been selected as an Essential Ecosystem Area because it is a nesting habitat for 5 species of Indo-Pacific sea turtles. In addition to that the area also has forests, swamps and mangroves that are a habitat for other wildlife such as the estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), tarsier (Tarsius tarsier), black crested macaques (Macaca nigra), deer (Cervus timorensis), Celebes warty pig (Sus celebensis), bats, as well as some protected endemic bird species like ornate lorikeet (Trichoglossus ornatus), brahminy kites (Haliastur indus) and the Minahasa masked owl (Tyto inexpectata).
As a member of the Collaborative Management Forum for the Eastern Coastline of the Minahasa Regency, and a unit of Masarang Foundation, Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue & Education Centre is committed to conducting environmental and conservation education programs in schools located around the Essential Ecosystem Area.
Starting in 2014 with three villages that already had an MOU with the Masarang Foundation in sea turtle conservation and sustainable development, it has now grown to reach 11 villages located in the Kombi district and East Lembean district. Until today, there have been about 500 students from 25 schools, from Primary School to High School level, who have participated in this Environment Education Program. In this program the students learn about environment, biodiversity, coastal ecosystems and wildlife conservation.
More information about the project can be read in the report.
It shows the enthusiasm of the people and children involved in the education program!