Voyages of the Leatherback Turtle

Celebrating Tri-Nation Committment

During the 36th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, a special celebration is being organised by the Government of Papua New Guinea through the Department of Environment and Conservation and WWF to acknowledge the Leadership and Achievements of the three countries towards the Conservation of the Western Pacific Leatherback turtle populations in this region. During the Celebration which includes the presentation of Leadership awards to Community, Government and Regional institution representatives, announcements of outstanding Conservation Achievements by the three countries, the Governments of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, will also express a Commitment to:

A tri-national partnership to establish a network of marine protected areas covering a minimum critical area that supports Western Pacific Leatherback turtle conservation efforts across the Bismarck Solomon Seas ecoregion and the alignment and implementation of associated policies and scientific programmes”.

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People and Turtles: Conservation of Marine Turtles in Solomon Islands(2mb)

The Charting

In 2003, more than 60 representatives from the Governments of the Solomon Islands , Papua New Guinea and Indonesia , national and international scientists, SPREP and other interregional organizations met in Madang , Papua New Guinea to describe to the best of their knowledge and experience the biodiversity of the Bismarck Solomon Seas ecoregion. A vision statement to guide the participants chart out their destiny over the next 50 years was also developed and included inspiring statements such as “Seas and coasts that still teem with life in all its present richness, seas and coasts that fill peoples bellies, support their eyes with beauty and provides the foundations of their communities, seas and coasts that still live strong in all the many dreams, stories, languages and songs of its people”. The developmentof thebiodiversity profile and vision initiates an exciting journey of dialogue, collaboration, planning and action. The focus of these aspirations revolves around building support for an ecoregion conservation plan that protects and provides for the treasures of the Bismarck Solomon Seas ecoregion

First Voyages

In 2004, the first step towards achieving the vision was taken in the form of the inaugural Melanesian Marine Turtle Forum held in Gizo, Western Province , Solomon Islands and supported by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP), the Western Pacific Regional Management Council (WPRMC), Canadian South Pacific Ocean Development (C-SPOD) and WWF. The Forum was designed to bring together a representative group of experts and practitioners, to increase and share knowledge and skills related to community-based conservation of marine turtles in the Western South Pacific. Priorities identified included further research especially on migratory routes, regional networks and coordination, policy alignments and building community capacity to revive, strengthen and use traditional practices (in communities & schools). Great achievements in the protection of nesting beaches and regional collaboration were noted, which were attributed to the commitment of the communities, supporting organisations, Governments and Regional and International institutions.

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Bismark Solomon Seas Ecoregion:A Journey of Discovery

Media Advisory for 19 Ocotber 2005

Leatherback Turtle facts on Panda.org

WWF Indonesia's Bismark Solomon Seas

Keep these ocean voyagers going

There is still much more to do towards charting these unknown seas and islands which hide wonderful treasures just waiting to be discovered. The commitments from these three governments will go a long way towards protecting this unique and ancient species.

For more information please contact Ashwini Prabha, Communications Coordinator, on +679 331 5533 or email aprabha@wwfpacific.org.fj

or contact Lisette Wilson, BSSE Coordinator on +675 323 9855 or email lwilson@wwfpacific.org.pg