Pugu Beach Turtle Hatchery Strengthens Conservation Efforts, Enhances Community Involvement
LUNDU: The inauguration of the Turtle Hatchery at Pugu Beach reflects the integrated commitment between the government, implementing agencies, and the local community in intensifying biodiversity conservation efforts, particularly for increasingly endangered turtle species.
The programme, organised by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) on Thursday, was officiated by the Sarawak Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh who highlighted the importance of multi-party cooperation in ensuring the sustainability of the marine ecosystem.
According to him, the establishment of the hatchery aims to protect turtle nesting sites, increase the survival rate of the species, and strengthen public awareness regarding the importance of environmental conservation.
“This collaborative approach is essential because conservation efforts require the involvement of all parties, including the local community as strategic partners,” he said.
He further explained that the natural survival rate of turtles is low; therefore, intervention through controlled hatching is a vital step in increasing the chances of hatchlings reaching adulthood.
At the same time, he stressed that biodiversity conservation must be implemented alongside economic development, in line with the aspirations of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which emphasises sustainable and inclusive development.
Meanwhile, SFC General Manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran stated that the initiative at Pugu Beach reinforces the protection of turtle habitats through the active involvement of the Kampung Pugu, Kampung Belungei, and Kampung Pandan communities.
According to him, the hatchery serves not only as a conservation facility but also as an environmental education platform with the potential to support sustainable community-based ecotourism development.
As a symbolic gesture for the programme, a total of 598 turtle hatchlings were released into the sea, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure the survival of the species in its natural habitat.
Also in attendance were the Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier and representative of the Tanjong Datu Assemblyman Abang Abdul Azi Abang Draup, Permanent Secretary to the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Morshidi Fredrick, Deputy Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development Wan Sufian Wan Mustapha, and Lundu District Officer Zulkarnain Ismail.
This programme proves that conservation efforts are not only focused on environmental protection but also encompass awareness building, community involvement, and the assurance of resource sustainability for future generations.-UKASnews
