Ma’ Daerah

Tucked away on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the Ma’Daerah turtle sanctuary is an important turtle nesting beach for 4 species of marine turtles, including the endangered green turtle. Due to rampant coastal development, the number of nesting turtles has been reduced significantly.

The sanctuary, initiated and managed by WWF with local partners, helps protect the nests, and serves as a centre for turtle conservation and education programmes, especially for schoolchildren and neighbouring communities.

Background

Conservation work in Ma’ Daerah began in the 1980s as a partnership between the Department of Fisheries and WWF Malaysia. This work continued throughout the 1990s and in 1999, the Department of Fisheries was given a mandate by the Terengganu government to manage the area in relation with turtle conservation. This brought about the existence of the Ma’ Daerah working committee, with the Department of Fisheries, WWF Malaysia, British Petroleum and BP Petronas Acetyls as members. The committee develops, monitors and evaluates all conservation and management programmes.

Subsequently, the Ma’ Daerah turtle sanctuary centre was established in June 1999, with sponsorship from BP Petronas Acetyls. The centre, initiated and managed by WWF Malaysia, serves as a focal point for education and awareness programmes.

Objectives

1) Build capacity among the community interest group members on turtle conservation.

2) Assist the group in planning and executing its activities towards turtle conservation.

3) Mobilize the group to undertake the lobbying work of gazetting Ma’ Daerah as a turtle sanctuary.

4) Establish a network of relationships and partnerships with local communities and media for the sustainable existence of the group.

Solution

A community interest group was formed in June 2004 comprising 31 members from Paka, Kampung Labohan, Kertih and Kemasik. This group had its first committee meeting in July 2004, where several planned activities were tabled and discussed.