|
 Volunteering on this expedition offers you a fantastic opportunity to understand the issues regarding sea turtle  conservation tracking kilometres of untouched beaches off mainland Terengganu, north east Malaysia, whilst getting to understand the essence of the Malay culture.
Volunteers can be part of collecting sea turtle track data which will help NGO’s and local government organisations to calculate the turtle nesting population in Terengganu on the east Malaysian coast. During the expedition you will also visit 3 turtle conservation projects and experience the real culture of the Malaysia first hand.
By volunteering you will not only collect correct nesting population data but assist the local communities and conservation projects to help enhance future turtle nesting numbers. The inclusion of the turtle conservation projects and the local community in the project is unique and will increase communication between them, ultimately leading to more efficient and united turtle conservation in the east coast state of Malaysia
Geen turtles are in dire need of our help especially in Terengganu, Malaysia where all 4 marine turtles nest but three of them the hawksbill, Olive ridley and Leatherbacks are almost locally extinct. The populations of green turtles in the area have also decreased by 80% in little over 50 years.
The first week of your trip is by foot. As a group you will spend 5 days walking along pristine beaches in search of turtle tracks and turtle nests. The stretch being surveyed during the experience will be from Batu Rakit (means village of rafting rock in Malaysian) to Bukit Keluang (means hill of Keluang in Malaysian). It is a fantastic opportunity to volunteer and collect vital sea turtle population data in an area scientists know little about. The data you collect is highly useful and is fed to the local WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature in Malaysia), to assess the success of their turtle hatchery. Along the way, you will also visit 3 turtle conservation projects and be welcomed into Malay coastal villages. A stop off at a village helps break up the journey. Here you can assist the local turtle hatchery and conservation team, visit the local primary school where the NGO runs their Turtles Needs Trees after school club, experience a small woman’s group in mangrove replanting, learn about terrapins and visit the new Turtle Conservation Centre run by Malaysia’s foremost turtle conservationist.
Your second week is spent on a turtle conservation project based on the Perhentian Islands. The islands are very beautiful and a mecca for the backpackers travelling south from Thailand. As a volunteer you will help to protect a turtle nesting beach assisting the Department of Fisheries to safely collect the turtle eggs laid on that beach. The volunteers will also educate the tourists staying at the same resort. Its not just turtles in Perhentian but also coral reefs, as a volunteer you will go on a snorkel tour and learn about the coral reef ecosystem which fringes the islands. So you can do something meaningful or do nothing at all and choose to laze on the beach and enjoy the island. You have the option of adding extra weeks at Perhentian Island for the above 2 week programme.
Objectives of the project
- Collect vital turtle population data which will be used by all turtle conservation projects in Terengganu, especially WWF.
- Support the local community helping them to protect the environment.
- Assist three turtle conservation projects in Terengganu and officially link conservation projects in Terengganu and result in turtle population data being made available for the general public.
Why do we need to conduct a turtle track survey?
Prior to 2010, turtle track surveys were not conducted in Terengganu largely due to lack of manpower and funding.
The nesting population numbers were estimated prior 2010 using eggs deposited at official hatcheries by licensed egg collectors. However, eggs are not always deposited at the hatcheries with an estimated 50% being legally traded for food at local markets. Additionally collectors would not give specific location or false nest (when a turtle lands on the beach but doesn’t lay any eggs) data.
What is a turtle track survey?
They are the main tool used by turtle conservation projects to assess turtle nesting populations. When a turtle lays eggs on the beach it leaves a large track behind which is still visible for 2 weeks thereafter. Surveys record the location of these tracks and to which species it belongs to and whether the eggs were laid or not. During the inaugural survey of 2010 - The Walk for Turtles Survey – over 100 nests were recorded with an estimated nesting population of four thousand! Regular surveys need to be conducted to record actual trends. These have been scheduled for May – August 2011.
Why are sea turtles nearly extinct in Malaysia?
Nature places many obstacles in the path of turtle hatchlings to reach open water from their nests. But that's nature- survival of the fittest! They do not need additional man made obstacles. In nature it is estimated that 1 in 1,000 turtle eggs becomes a sexually mature adults. However recent studies suggest that due to human impacts this ratio increases to 1 in 10,000! Some turtle populations have declined by 99% in just 50 years and are virtually locally extinct in Malaysia with under 40 nests per year for Hawksbill turtles and under 10 nests per year for Olive Ridley and Leatherback turtles in Terengganu.
The human impact
- Turtle eggs have been eaten by the local people for centuries, on most beaches 100% of turtle eggs have been harvested by the local people.
- Turtle babies instinctively crawl towards light on the open horizon and into the sea, artificial light from buildings disrupts this essential behaviour and baby turtles get lost on land and die or are eaten by predators.
- Urban development displaces nesting beach space.
- Tourists touching, getting to close or in the turtles view of sight disturb the turtles who will abort nests and because of the experience and stress involved will be more susceptible to disease.
- As juveniles and adults, sea turtles are threatened by incidental capture in commercial fishing nets or long-lines, by disease and marine pollution.
Why are sea turtles worth saving?
Sea turtles play an important ecological role and help maintain species diversity and the natural balance of fragile reef systems.
For instance, the shells of loggerhead turtles provide habitats for dozens of species including the Columbus crab. The Hawksbill turtle feed on sponges and prevent them from out-competing slow growing marine corals. Green turtles graze on sea grass to maintain the health of the seagrass bed. But the most important reason is that sea turtles have been around since before the time of the dinosaurs. One of the few species that remain since the dawn of human evolution is now threatened to extinction by humans. More emotionally, once you have sat near a turtle mother laying her eggs and followed turtle babies dashing for the sea in the race for life, you experience how fragile life is for these highly endangered animals. Unless we work together creatively to reverse this situation the turtles are doomed.
You can help change this as part of the project team. Not only will you be collecting accurate nesting population data but you’ll be assisting the local communities and conservation projects to help enhance future turtle nesting numbers. The inclusion of the turtle conservation projects and the local community in the project is unique and will increase communication between them ultimately leading to more efficient and united turtle conservation in Malaysia.
  
|
PROJECT OUTLINE
|
|
Project
|
Malaysia Sea Turtle Volunteering
|
|
Location
|
Terengganu, East Coast Malaysia
|
|
Province
|
|
|
Country
|
Malaysia
|
|
Closest city
|
Starting city: Terengganu
Finishing city: Kuala Besut
|
|
Closest airport
|
|
|
Malaria-free area
|
|
|
Vaccinations
|
Contact your local travel clinic for advice.
|
|
Duration
|
14 nights / 15 days
|
|
Combination
|
This project can be combined with any other project
|
|
Requirements
|
Mminimum of 16 years old, but our volunteers are all ages and there is no upper limit. If you are below 18 we need a written letter from your guardian stating the onsite staff can sign as your guardian if any medical problems should happen. Please inform us before you depart if this is the case.
English language requirement.
|
|
Skills needed
|
None
|
|
Dates
|
22 May, tbc June, 24 July, 21 August 2011
Prior booking essential
|
|
Hours
|
|
|
Costs*
|
Accommodation*
|
Weeks
|
GBP (£)
|
USD ($)
|
|
2
|
£ 995
|
$ 1, 640
|
PADI open water or advanced scuba dive course add-on (3 – 4 days)
GBP £250
USD $410
Rescue and even Dive Master certification are available
|
|
Inclusions
|
- Airport transfer from Kuala Terengganu to Awi's Yellow homestay
- Return boat transfer from Kuala Besut to Perhentian Islands
- Marine park fee
- Twin share fan accommodation (camping two nights)
- 3 meals a day
- All equipment
- 1 weeks volunteeringor chilling
- Donation to WWF-Malaysia
- Donation to Turtle Conservation Centre
|
|
Exclusions
|
- Flights - International and domestic travel to Kuala Terengganu and from Kuala Besut;
- Visa costs
- Travel & Medical Insurance (must cover volunteer work)
- Independent travel
- Costs and items of a personal nature
- Alcoholic beverages
- PADI scuba diving course (Open-water, Advanced open-water or rescue only)
|
|
Accommodation
|
- The first nights accommodation is at the Awi's yellow house which is in a traditional Malaysian water-village style. The rooms will contain 4 single beds but they are spacious. The bathroom is open air with a special toilet a great introduction to the Malaysian culture.
- The second night will be in twin share tents but with toilet facilities close by.
- The third to sixth night will be spent at a local homestay which will be twin share rooms.
- The seventh night is in the tents. Whether you choose to volunteer or relax the accommodation on Perhentian will be based at a dive resort. You will be given triple-share fan accommodation. The golden sandy beach at the resort is isolated & virtually always empty. Coral grows along the shoreline and the water is clear blue so snorkelling is a must for all who stay. The backdrop to the beach is lush rainforest.
|
|
Daily Transport
|
Arrive at Kuala Terengganu airport, early afternoon transfer to hostel (transfer included). Meet facilitator and other participants followed by a programme brief and an evening dinner. On day 8 you will take the boat from Kuala Besut to Perhentian Besar (transfers both ways included).
|
|
Meals
|
All meals included
While you are on the expedition you will have your food provided at local restaurants. The expedition will enable you to be able to taste traditional Malaysian food and it includes rice for breakfast in the form of Nasi Lamak. Whilst on the Perhentian island you will be given 3 meals a day at the open air restaurant. 1 breakfast which includes toast or cereal or eggs or fruit and tea or coffee, 1 western style lunch which includes dishes such as pasta or sandwiches or fries and a Malaysian style dinner which will normally consist of rice and two local dishes (one vegetable and one chicken dish). Seafood dishes are not included in the menu. Water is readily available throughout the day as well as bread at the refill point in the restaurant. Please bear in mind you will be staying on an isolated island with limited supplies so food choices can be repetitive.
|
|
Host Resources
|
Briefing provided
|
|
Free time / limitations
|
- During the first week you will not have much spare time to go to other places however the rest periods when doing surveys when the sun is the hottest you will be able to bathe in the sea, read your books, listen to music and just relax - but please remember this area follows strict Islamic rules and you will need to cover your shoulders most of the time so sun bathing is not allowed.
- Whilst on Perhentian if you decide to relax you would be able to taxi boats to other beaches and resorts around the islands but please bare in mind boat costs on the island can be expensive.
- As Malaysia is a Muslim country alcohol is not freely available. There will be no alcohol during the first week of the expedition and is limited during the second week at our partner resort on the Perhentian islands. The best place to go for a more party atmosphere is the backpacker region - long beach - which is a popular choice to unwind in your evenings off with flowing alcoholic drinks and beach parties. Please be warned the project sites are quiet at night and we highly recommend you bring along a good book or two, dvds, ipods and playing cards to help pass the long evenings.
|
|
Possible tasks
|
Turtle Track Surveys
- The surveys are conducted on days 1,2,3,5,6 and 7 of 15. As a team you will walk along the beach to find visible turtle tracks and nests. When a nest is found a GPS will be used to determine the exact location of the nest.
- After the location is recorded the width of the track will be measured and the nest assessed as to whether the turtle laid eggs or not. The presence of a fill-in by the nesting turtle is the standard method for assessing if eggs where laid.
- During the stay at the local village a secondary ground-truthing survey will be conducted to assess a group specific human error. The ground truthing survey will consist of three night surveys and then one morning survey. The night surveys will be used to locate nests where it is 100% eggs have been laid, then after three nights the morning survey will be conducted to see what percentage of nests the group can accurately find.
- The project will be conducted 3 times May, July and August and a special event in June. The data collected will be used to calculate the nesting population and also used by WWF to assess the percentage of eggs they protect at their hatchery.
Working with local organisations
- The NGO will be expanding their Turtles need Trees Club to the primary school in the local village called Kampong (Kg) Mangkok. The club has been successfully run in 2010 at the primary school on the Perhentian Islands. The club seeks to introduce the concepts that the land is linked to the sea and marine conservation starts on the land. The club at Kg. Mangkok will last for approx 3 hours and incorporate moving and craft activities. The program is great for the children to increase their confidence in English language as well as to learn about the environment. The club additionally involves an activity book which needs to be completed after each session to encourage learning outside of the club and a pen pal scheme with primary schools in the UK.
- WWF-Malaysia run a sea turtle hatchery based at Kg. Mangkok where the expedition will stay from days 3 to 6. The WWF staff work with the government officials from the Department of Fisheries and the local licensed sea turtle egg collectors. Each night the WWF staff patrol the beach looking for nesting turtles during your time at Kg. Mangkok you can join the staff on their nightly patrols. The first hatchlings will start to hatch from May and if any nests erupt when you are at Kg Mangkok you will be able to help release them and then excavate the nest the following day.
Working with the local community
- Kg. Mangkok lies on a sand bar with the sea to the east and the Setiu River on the west. The Setiu river is the largest wetland system in Peninsular Malaysia and is home to fire flies, terrapins and even crocodiles. The area has suffered from some deforestation and the local community group PEWANIS are starting to replant mangrove trees. PEWANIS which was initiated by WWF and supported by Nestle now runs independently and is made up of the local women from Kg. Mangkok. The group focuses on alternative livelihoods which do not damage the environment and empowerment of the local women. The group are starting to host groups and have hosted a few scout groups and are well known for their hospitality and Banana Chips. The ladies of PEWANIS will join in tree planting and of course host a dinner for all to enjoy their local cuisine.
Visit the Turtle Conservation Centre
- Professor Chan is the most famous turtle conservationist in Malaysia and after starting the sea turtle conservation project at Chagar Hutang, Redang island is now focusing on freshwater turtle species – Painted and river terrapin – at Kg. Mangkok and has started the Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC). We will visit the TCC house and you will get the chance to talk to a member of her team on the experiences of turtle conservation in Malaysia. Learning about the work of the TCC is a sheer inspiration to all budding turtle conservationists. If the TCC has a survey planned we will be able to help them to survey the terrapins which they buy from the local fishermen who release them if they get trapped in their fishing nets. The fee includes a donation of RM100 per person which will allow Prof Chan and the TCC to survey 20 terrapins.
Island volunteering
- On the Great Turtle Project you will spend your second week on our island volunteer experience based on the Perhentian Islands. This part of the programme is based at a basic dive resort. The islands are very beautiful and a mecca for the backpackers and gap year people traveling south from Thailand. You will help to protect a turtle nesting beach assisting the Department of Fisheries to safely collect the turtle eggs laid on that beach. You will also educate the tourists staying at the same resort. Its not just turtles in Perhentian but also coral reefs, as a volunteer you will go on a snorkel tour and learn about the coral reef ecosystem which fringes the islands.
Scubs Diving
- Why not take this opportunity to explore the underwater world on their terms. The Perhentian waters are warm, clear and have an abundance of marine life, learn to scuba dive with our trusted professional PADI dive Centre in the Perhentians. The cost of scuba diving is not included in the expedition costs. If you have already qualified you can take leisure dives in the morning whilst you volunteer, if you dive numerous times the cost per dive will decrease.
|
|
Prices subject to change without prior notice
|
|
