This project aims to create a knowledge-sharing initiative on marine turtles (with a focus on hawksbill turtles) between two French territories in the South Pacific: Wallis and Futuna and French Polynesia. It also seeks to develop a joint scientific programme dedicated to the protection of hawksbill nesting sites. Globally classified as critically endangered, the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is protected under the laws in force in both territories. However, it still faces occasional poaching in these islands. The first objective of the project focuses on the collection and sharing of traditional, cultural, and scientific knowledge about marine turtles and their nesting sites. The second objective is to conduct a broad training and citizen science campaign to create a network of local observers. Then, the project will aim to formulate suitable and harmonised management and conservation measures for nesting marine turtles by collecting scientific information through the establishment of a network of trained referents across both territories.
Duration: 18 months
