Are Turtles Out of Danger in Maldives?

 As far as I can remember even around 1987 and 1989 Maldivians had no threat of catching turtles for food and for ornamental use of the tortoise  shell though people became aware of the need to protect turtles gradually.  The practice certainly continued till the government banned catching and killing of any marine turtles on 21st June 1995. By now the whole country is aware that it is prohibited to catch and kill turtles. According to the permanent mission of Maldives in the United Nations along with ban of catching and killing turtles sale , import and export of turtle shell products.Yet it is sad to notice that no authority is strictly monitoring the people who act against these rules.

A Maldivian Sea Turtle in safe hands. Photo: IBSUN

Fifteen years have passed since the ban of catching turtles but it seems that no significant research has been conducted to see whether the ban has resulted in the increase of turtles and further the people who secretly kill and eat the turtles have not been identified. It would certainly be difficult for government authorities to identify people who do it secretly. So what solution do we have ? The best solution is creating awareness as when everyone truly starts believing that turtles need to be protected the target can be achieved without government rules and regulations.

The acts are common among people who live in far away islands from the capital. Thus it is critical to create awareness among people who live in islands far from the capital. I believe if the political parties can spread their views so effectively to people who live in those islands , it shouldn't be so difficult to do so with a little more effort. Moreover, schools other educational organizations can also play a significant role in this regard as this issue it treated now as an issue clearly understood. Yet , its not completely right to believe so. 

Tourist resorts try their best to create awareness. Photo: IBSUN

It is certainly interesting to know the increasing role of the tourism sector and tourist resorts in treating the turtles as an endangered species. The Blue Peace which in an NGO working to safeguard the environment of the Maldives plays a leading role in creating awareness among Maldivians in this regard. However, it seems that it is essential for them to modify their approaches towards achieving these goals.