Matura Beach

Along the northern east coast of Trinidad lies the town of Matura. Nearby Matura Beach is one of the world’s most important nesting beaches for critically endangered leatherback sea turtles, with more than 5,000 nests per year. Historically, the main source of employment for the town was agriculture, though hunting of turtles was an important industry for the town. This poaching was at its highest in the 1970’s and 80’s, with an estimated one third of turtles killed, when the government stepped in to stop the slaughter. The Forestry Division worked with members of the community to find solutions, out of which grew Nature Seekers, an award-winning conservation organization.

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Nature Seekers

First trained as tourist guides by the government, the founders of Nature Seekers first started protecting Matura Beach’s turtles in 1990. Initially, the members worked voluntarily, patrolling the six miles of nesting beach. Many members of the community did not agree with their efforts at first and convincing people of the importance of protecting turtles was a long and difficult task. Project leaders Dennis Sammy and Suzan Lakhan are now considered leaders in the conservation community.

Their main strategy is to include the local community in developing a sustainable turtle watching program. This program has grown into one of the most successful conservation programs in the world, winning several awards due to their ending of poaching, dramatically increasing the number of nesting turtles, and including more than 50 residents in conservation efforts. The beach now receives an average of 10,000 visitors per year, most of whom are Trinidadians. The group is now expanding into reforestation efforts and offering tours of the rainforest to visitors. They also organize annual beach cleanups and educate local children.

Links & Artlcles

Nature Seekers

Earthwatch Expedition to Matura Beach

National Geographic Leatherback Article (May 09)

CNN Heroes - Suzan Lakhan (May 09)

National Wildlife Federation Magazine (Jun/Jul 06)

TT Guardian Newspaper Article (April 09) - Leatherbacks Fall Prey

Go Nomad - Travel article on Trinidad