Regional Turtle Ranger Exchange Report

Abstract

This turtle ranger exchange followed a 2-day workshop with government officials from across the Pacific to discuss turtle policies, enforcement, and sustainability issues. It is recognised that governments and communities must work together to ensure that turtles continue to play a part in Pacific ecosystems and cultures. This learning exchange provided an opportunity for turtle monitors and rangers across the Pacific to come together to share and learn from each other, build their knowledge and capacity and connect with other turtle monitors within their country as well as regionally with the view to help form strong alliances and cross-border data sharing as our migratory turtle species connect us. The BIEM is funded by the European Union with additional support from the Government of Sweden for the BIEM Initiative under the Pacific European Marine Partnership (PEUMP) programme. Participants from the 5 BIEM countries (Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu), as well as Australia (online) were invited to participate. Papua New Guinea was also only able to participate via online in some sessions. Participants were nominated by governments and/or partners in each country. The exchange was aimed at turtle rangers working on the ground to protect nesting beaches and turtle populations. Exchange Objectives The overall objectives of the Forum included: 1. Provide opportunity for turtle monitors and rangers across the Pacific to share and learn from each other. 2. Extend latest research, techniques, best practice approaches and training opportunities for turtle monitoring, data collection and related activities with turtle monitors and rangers. 3. Provide a platform/place to share cross-border/transboundary learning and data and form stronger alliances to conserve marine turtles across their full life history.