08/04/2005 — Indonesia
has taken an important step to protect marine
turtles by signing a key regional agreement
at the third meeting of IOSEA Signatory States
held in Bangkok from March 29-31, 2005. IOSEA
stands for "The Memorandum of Understanding
on the Conservation and Management of Marine
Turtles and their habitats of the Indian Ocean
and South East Asia."
Indonesia brings the number of signatory
States to 22, joining other key marine turtle
range states in South East Asia, including
Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Myanmar
and Cambodia.
Under the MoU, the Signatory State commits
to protect, conserve, help replenish and recover
marine turtle populations and their habitats.
That is to be based on the best scientific
evidence, and also takes into account environmental,
socio-economic and cultural characteristics.
“WWF congratulates the government for its
commitment to join IOSEA’s forum,” said Nazir
Foead, Director Species Programme, WWF Indonesia.
“Indonesian beaches provide nesting and foraging
habitats to many regionally significant marine
turtle populations. If the marine turtle conservation
and management plan within the MoU is implemented
well, Indonesia’s image in terms of addressing
environmental problems will also improve,”
said Nazir.
The MoU promotes cooperation among states
in addressing the conservation needs of marine
turtles. It acknowledges that action must
take place across the home range of these
migratory species. This often involves more
than one country. “Additionally, the IOSEA
forum will help Indonesia’s efforts in turtle
conservation become more focused and provide
sufficient support in technical, scientific,
and legal expertise,” said Nazir.
The IOSEA MoU comes into effect on June 1,
2005. The challenge lies in its implementation.
WWF calls on Non Government Organizations
and academic institutions to support the government
by providing technical skills, to help build
capacity and provide expertise. “In order
to implement the conservation and management
plan well, the government is expected to form
a National Task Force. That is legally strengthened
by Ministerial Decree,” said Nazir.
WWF Indonesia is actively involved and working
together with various partners in the field
and at the policy level. Before the signing
of the MoU, WWF facilitated government meetings
for the preparation of the National Action
Plan in 2001, its revision in 2004, and discussions
concerning Indonesia’s joining of the IOSEA
MoU.
