Turtle-y awesome: Yee’s (left) efforts transformed the Kampung Pulau Libaran’s litter-strewn beaches into clean, pristine stretches, encouraging turtles to lay eggs along the shore.
KOTA KINABALU: After years of teaching the Kampung Pulau Libaran community about the importance of a clean beach, there have been increased sightings of turtles laying eggs along its shore.
The educational efforts extended beyond a clean beach, as Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (Foster) president Alexander Yee successfully convinced villagers of the negative impact of consuming turtle eggs.
Over a decade ago, adults and children were often seen heading to the beach with plastic bags in hand, searching for freshly laid turtle eggs, unaware that this practice was illegal.
Possession or consuming turtle eggs is an offence under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, punishable by a maximum fine of RM50,000, two years’ imprisonment, or both, upon conviction.
Exactly 10 years ago, Yee began his mission to protect turtles by educating villagers about the consequences of their actions and encouraging them to protect the endangered species instead.
He established a turtle hatchery about an hour’s walk from the village and helped residents benefit from his Yee’s Walai Penyu resort, which provides jobs and attracts customers who buy food, beverages, and handicrafts from the local community.
Over time, his efforts transformed the village’s litter-strewn beach into a clean, pristine stretch.
Villagers even began decorating their homes by repurposing waste materials, such as plastic bottles, into colourful decorations.
At the recent 10th Annual Community Beach Cleaning Programme on Libaran Island, Yee celebrated their progress, noting that since Foster’s inception, they have successfully released 43,826 baby turtles into the sea.
The 650-acre (263ha) Libaran Island lies about a 45-minute boat ride north of Sandakan and about 10 nautical miles from Selingan Island, one of three islands in the Turtle Islands Park managed by Sabah Parks. The other two islands are Gulisan and Bakungan Kechil.
Two turtle species – green and hawksbill – are unique to this park.
Libaran Island’s proximity to other turtle islands may explain why female turtles choose it as a nesting site.
“The beach cleaning effort not only aims to maintain the island’s pristine coastline but also supports Foster’s bigger mission of protecting the endangered sea turtle species that nest on Libaran Island.
“We encourage everyone who cares about marine conservation to continue supporting our initiatives. Every effort contributes not only to the welfare of the turtles but also to the well-being of the local community, who actively volunteer to keep the beach clean,” said Yee.
The initiative aims to keep clean the section of beach where turtles land, facilitating their return to shore to lay eggs.
“Having a clean beach also means a healthier and more hygienic environment for the turtles,” said Yee, whose passion for protecting the species has earned him the nickname “Turtle Man.”
He said Foster seeks annual cooperation from like-minded organisations, targeting a 1km stretch of beach for clean-up and engaging around 380 villagers from about 80 houses to participate twice daily – in the mornings and late evenings.
This time around, the initiative was made possible through collaboration with Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd and the Sabah Tourism Board, which came forward as main sponsors.
“This ritual is carried out 365 days a year. We believe that if you want a clean beach, you need to clean it more often. If a larger area needs attention, Foster ensures the sea turtle landing path remains undisturbed,” said Yee.
“The programme is a testament to the dedication and cooperation of all parties involved in conserving Libaran Island’s environment and its vital role in sea turtle conservation,” he added.
However, challenges remain as Foster continues to address issues such as the illegal harvesting of turtle eggs by villagers, he said.
Yee said while most villagers share his commitment, there were some who did not.
“One landowner has even restricted our team from patrolling the beach in front of his property, which affects our conservation efforts.
“We appreciate the involvement of the Sabah Wildlife Department in addressing this matter, and we are hopeful that a solution can be reached to safeguard our ongoing work,” he added.
