Community Based Ecosystem Conservation Approach (CBECA) – A new concept used for Sea Turtle Conservation in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Five out of seven species of endangered sea turtles nest in Sri Lanka including Critically endangered Leatherback turtles and Hawksbill turtles. Destruction of the coastal ecosystems by coastal communities is a substantial problem in Sri Lanka.  Coastal communities have to depend on their surrounding natural resources for survival.  As a result, very important coastal habitats and coastal fauna such as the coral reefs, sea grass beds, mangroves, marine turtles and other coastal vegetation are under serious threat of extinction.

The Turtle Conservation Project (TCP) established in 1993 with the aim of protecting marine turtle conservation realized the chain connection between the coastal communities and coastal resources, which heavily depend on each other.  As a solution, TCP has developed an innovative concept which is referred as the ‘Community Based Ecosystem Conservation Approach’ (CBECA) to address the problems described.

Community of Rekawa (a small fishing village located in southern Sri Lanka), was heavily exploiting marine and coastal resources due to poverty and lack of awareness. TCP has implemented an innovative concept which is referred as the ‘Community Based Ecosystem Conservation Approach’ (CBECA) in the conservation of marine and coastal resources and poverty alleviation, a multi-pronged approach with seven main components: 1). community livelihood development, 2). community infrastructure development, 3). environmental restoration and management, 4). community awareness/capacity development, 5). partnership building/networking, 6). knowledge management & sharing (Current & traditional knowledge), 7). utilization of local culture.

TCP has improved the socioeconomic conditions and well being of the community through ‘Community Based Ecosystem Conservation Approach’ (CBECA). There, TCP implemented various community based projects at the same time, through different CBOs.

TCP has formed CBOs such as community Batik group, Fish breeding group, sewing, coir mat, bee keeping, agro farming etc and provided alternative livelihood development skills training for these CBO members.  TCP also provided the equipment and initial stocks of material/raw material.  Further, initial capital needs were met through the revolving fund scheme.  TCP has implemented infrastructure development programs such as renovation of rural roads in order to facilitate local tourism and other businesses.

In addition, TCP has established a public library, public bus halting places and drinking water facilities.  Further, TCP has also implemented community skills development programs such as primary school programs, computer classes, free English language classes, swimming training and disaster preparedness training.  Children’s clubs were established in order to involve children in the coastal eco-system conservation and management process, providing them with necessary awareness through various educational programs. TCP has also implemented community health programs such as, medical clinics, free herbal drinks for school children, community welfare services and first aid training.

The TCP developed multiple partnerships in order to make the project a success.  TCP facilitated networking of CBOs into an umbrella organization/consortium of CBOs.  Later this was linked to relevant government institutions, local business organizations, and international organizations such as the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), UN Volunteer Program, SCOTIA- USAID, UNDP GEF SGP, MercyCorps, etc. for necessary training, business links, marketing opportunities etc.  Eg. SCOTIA-USAID helped the community Batik Group, by financing a production facility in Rekawa. Mercy Corps helped both the Batik and Coir Groups by financing for kiosks at 10 large hotels in Tangalle, to display and sell community products.  The Wildlife Conservation Department has been invited and involved in the project to enforce the law and also to declare the Rakawa beach as Sri Lanka’s first Marine Turtle Sanctuary.