Sisters are doing it for themselves on Pandanan!
Door: wnfcarol
Blijf op de hoogte en volg Carol
30 Maart 2011 | Maleisië, Kuala Lumpur
Sisters are doing it for themselves!!
Well not really, they are doing it for WWF and everyone else. My trip to the Semporna PCA Project today continued with even more visits to the various elements of the project. One of the most incredible stories I witnessed; are two sisters Aishah (aged 19) and Sheila (ages 17) living alone on Pandanan Island to carry out turtle conservation work for WWF on a voluntary basis. The sisters’ family own most of the island, but everyone else lives on the mainland. The sisters due to the awareness and interest of protecting the turtles that come to their Island to lay eggs. The sisters move turtle eggs if they are in a dangerous location and keep track of nests (to prevent poachers targeting them). Due to severe storms on the island most of their home has been washed away, and they manage to continue living with very basic amenities.
Today we also snorkelled and dived two other Islands, Pom-Pom and Mantaking. Coral Reefs on Pom-Pom Island have been subject to illegal explosive fishing. A highly destructive fishing practice. And the reefs on Mantaking have been closed to fishing; it was literally night and day. Mantaking was abundant with soft and hard corals, hundreds of reef fish species.
Later that evening we took part in the Mabul Marine Week committee meeting. Where resort owners and dive operators on the Island discussed sustainability initiatives on the Islands, and had decided to carry out a Beach Clean Up Day (every 15th of the Month) and Reef Clean Up day every 30th of the month.
Well not really, they are doing it for WWF and everyone else. My trip to the Semporna PCA Project today continued with even more visits to the various elements of the project. One of the most incredible stories I witnessed; are two sisters Aishah (aged 19) and Sheila (ages 17) living alone on Pandanan Island to carry out turtle conservation work for WWF on a voluntary basis. The sisters’ family own most of the island, but everyone else lives on the mainland. The sisters due to the awareness and interest of protecting the turtles that come to their Island to lay eggs. The sisters move turtle eggs if they are in a dangerous location and keep track of nests (to prevent poachers targeting them). Due to severe storms on the island most of their home has been washed away, and they manage to continue living with very basic amenities.
Today we also snorkelled and dived two other Islands, Pom-Pom and Mantaking. Coral Reefs on Pom-Pom Island have been subject to illegal explosive fishing. A highly destructive fishing practice. And the reefs on Mantaking have been closed to fishing; it was literally night and day. Mantaking was abundant with soft and hard corals, hundreds of reef fish species.
Later that evening we took part in the Mabul Marine Week committee meeting. Where resort owners and dive operators on the Island discussed sustainability initiatives on the Islands, and had decided to carry out a Beach Clean Up Day (every 15th of the Month) and Reef Clean Up day every 30th of the month.
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30 Maart 2011 - 08:28
Ivar Bisseling:
Did WWF manage to monitor and document the consequences of illegal explosive fishing? I guess so since there is a no-fishing policy no for the waters surrounding the island?
Great to see so many dedicated young people! -
30 Maart 2011 - 08:47
Jan Bisseling:
Goed werk van de twee meiden Aishah en Sheila -
30 Maart 2011 - 08:58
Maartje:
Hi Carol, Great story! It was good to have the chance to speak to everyone of the team this Monday. I hope you have a good continuation of your trip. Warm regards to everyone there! Best, Maartje -
30 Maart 2011 - 15:40
Marlou:
Thanx Carol 4 sharing and what a beautifull photos! You will definitely have a real book soon! Enjoy your stay and keep on blogging!
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