Central Africa‍ Marine Turtle Community (RASTOMA) – ⁣Connecting Actors and Professionals‍ for the Conservation ‍of Marine Turtles​ in Central Africa

RASTOMA operates within the ‍Central African sub-region, recognizing it as the minimum scale for effective conservation efforts for migratory species ‍such as ⁤marine turtles. The organization promotes conservation through community involvement and ⁣implements Income Generating Activities to ensure the sustainability ​of conservation‌ efforts. It also ⁤fosters collaboration among community members, strengthening their capacity, influence, and impact on marine turtles and⁢ their habitats in Central‌ Africa and beyond.

RASTOMA in​ Cameroon

Cameroon is home to four species of marine turtles that nest ​and⁣ forage along its coastline: hawksbill, green, leatherback, and olive​ ridley turtles. These species face significant anthropogenic pressures, including egg and female harvesting, ‌bycatch, ‌and more. RASTOMA’s project ⁣aims to reduce these threats by ⁣engaging local communities in protecting nests and nesting beaches, providing training on the release of accidentally caught ⁤turtles, ‌and educating community members ​on the importance of marine turtle conservation. Currently, RASTOMA and its partners are‌ working ‌with three trained beach patrollers and plan to‍ identify and train ⁣seven more. ‍The two-day⁤ practical training ⁢will cover topics such⁣ as species identification, biometry, nest and ⁢bycatch ​monitoring, education and awareness strategies, and the release of accidentally caught or stranded individuals. Billion Child Turtles has generously ‍supported this project⁢ with a donation of‌ US$ ​10,000 to help RASTOMA⁢ continue its vital work.

RASTOMA in Gabon

The 950 km coastline ‌of Gabon is a crucial nesting site for three⁢ species of marine turtles in Central Africa: olive ridley,​ leatherback, and green turtles. ⁢RASTOMA’s project aims to reduce threats to these ⁣turtles and their⁢ nests by conducting ⁢beach monitoring and transferring nests to a hatchery in the Gamba protected area complex ⁤(13 ⁢km). ⁢Regular patrols are carried out from October to⁤ March, both at night⁤ and in ⁣the morning, along this beach.⁣ During this period, all ​encountered turtles are⁣ measured, and all nests are recorded. Turtle ‍tracks and nests ⁤are‍ disguised to prevent illegal harvesting, and⁣ any⁣ exposed ⁣or endangered nests are transferred to the hatchery. Billion Bay Turtles has provided a​ donation of US$ 5,000 to support this project​ for the upcoming season.

RASTOMA in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Atlantic coast of the Democratic Republic of Congo ⁣is home‌ to five species of marine turtles, including green, leatherback, hawksbill, olive ridley, and loggerhead turtles. These species face threats from poaching, bycatch, and intentional catches, as ‍well⁤ as coastal erosion that damages nesting sites and habitats. RASTOMA’s project aims to involve local communities in protecting nesting females and eggs‌ to ensure ⁣the sustainability of nesting sites in the DRC. For ⁢this ⁢season, Billion Bay ⁤Turtles‍ has provided a ⁢donation of US$ 5,000 to support this project.