Helping Turtles Find Sanctuary at Ma'Dareah, Malaysia

Marine turtles are some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures, but their survival is threatened by egg collecting, fishing practices, shoreline development, loss of habitat, marine pollution, and by being hunted for their shells and meat. With all this to contend with turtle populations have declined to the point where many species are classified as endangered worldwide.

Many conservation efforts have focused on establishing turtle sanctuaries where eggs can be collected and safely hatched. Terengganu is the centre of Malaysia’s petrochemical corridor, with the Paka-Kertih area home to nearly a dozen petrochemical plants. Turtle sanctuaries, such as the one at Ma’Daerah, depend on businesses to observe environmental practices that maintain the health of surrounding waters and the nesting beach. The Terengganu State Government has agreed to gazette sixty hectares of beach and coastal habitat, plus up to three nautical miles out to sea, with official legal status expected to be granted in the near future.

The Ma’ Daerah model is a unique achievement. It is the first sanctuary initiated in partnership between the Department of Fisheries, WWF Malaysia and BP. The Terengganu State Government set the stage for collaboration. The Department of Fisheries took the lead in drafting the proposal and WWF Malaysia assisted in scientific studies. And BP provided the necessary funding as well as active employee involvement to keep the momentum strong.

Turtle sanctuaries are already preventing the prospect of immediate extinction, but much remains to be done. Aside from the practical conservation work of the hatchery, a key focus of the effort at Ma’Daerah is educational. Programmes include:

• education - kids camps, community interest groups, Jambori Alam Sekitar (Environmental Jamboree), conservation resource materials, teacher training courses
• community involvement - volunteer programme, weekend with turtles programme
• green actions - annual beach cleanup, tree planting, solar power
• sustaining the future - Adopt-a-Nest programme, Adopt-a-Turtle programme, public programmes, independent fundraisers, the Ma’ Daerah Turtle Conservation Trust Fund.

The forests and the sea are both vital for protection of the sanctuary. In late 2003, a joint expedition sponsored by BP and led by the Fisheries and Forestry Departments, together with technical assistance from WWF Malaysia and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, combed the forests in search of plant and animal life. Ultimately, the new findings will improve the scientific knowledge of the Ma’Daerah surroundings and bolster the cause of conservation to preserve these remnant forests.

BP Petronas Acetyls has been awarded the prestigious Prime Minister's Hibiscus Award for Exceptional Achievement in Environmental Performance for 2002/2003. The Award, the premier private sector award for business and industry in Malaysia, gives due recognition for environmental management systems and proven commitment towards environmental protection and sustainable development. BP’s support for Ma’Daerah was a key consideration in the award process.