TURTLES AND PALOH, A CONSERVATION JOURNEY IN THE TAIL OF BORNEO
It has been 13 years since WWF Indonesia Foundation has been in Paloh District, Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan Province. The span of 13 years (2009-2022) is certainly not a short time. Not a little work, tasks, and challenges faced during that period. The same applies to the achievements made. One of the important achievements was when Paloh was designated as a Conservation Area. This is an achievement that we should all be grateful for.
Paloh sub-district is one of the main sea turtle nesting habitats in Indonesia. This region is an important habitat for sea turtles. Therefore, it is an honor for WWF Indonesia Foundation to be able to participate and contribute to the conservation efforts of sea turtles as protected and endangered marine biota in Paloh. Conservation activities in Paloh are not carried out by WWF Indonesia Foundation alone, but the result of cooperation involving many parties. Without the cooperation and support from various parties, it would be impossible for WWF Indonesia Foundation to produce such proud achievements.
The conservation journey on the turtle nesting beach in Paloh is a tangible manifestation of the commitment of various parties. This is an important key to the decline in sea turtle egg poaching in the last decade. Not only that, the commitment of various parties in the conservation journey also led Paloh to be designated as a Conservation Area based on the Decree of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (Kepmen KP) Number 93 of 2020 concerning the Paloh Coastal and Small Islands Conservation Area and its Surrounding Waters in West Kalimantan Province.
Village communities represented by community groups and village governments are at the forefront of realizing conservation ideals. The village community is the party that most often struggles with problems at the site level and should be the first party to get direct benefits when the dream of the Conservation Area is realized. The commitment of the villagers who carry the spirit of gotong royong and participatory is a strong foundation for the future of conservation in Paloh.
WWF Indonesia Foundation would like to thank the commitment of the villagers and all parties who have strived for the conservation of the area and sea turtles in Paloh to run well despite facing various obstacles. Among others, the Regional Government (Pemda) of Sambas Regency, the West Kalimantan Maritime and Fisheries Service (DKP), the Pontianak Coastal and Marine Resources Management Center (BPSPL), academics and other NGOs who also contribute ideas, ideas, energy, and knowledge that are very useful in conservation activities.
We realize that this book is far from perfect. Therefore, we do not close our eyes to suggestions and input from various parties. Both in connection with the publication of this book, as well as with the conservation activities that are strived to continue to be carried out. We hope that this book can be a reference for the sustainable management of Conservation Areas in Paloh, especially sea turtle conservation.
Thank you and happy reading.
Marine and Fisheries Program Director
WWF-Indonesia
Dr. Imam Musthofa Zainudin