Did you know that June 16 is recognized as World Sea Turtle Day? This global observance serves as a reminder to raise public awareness and encourage collective action to protect sea turtles from the threat of extinction. This concern is far from unfounded, turtles are among the most frequently hunted marine species, targeted for their eggs and various body parts. Without concrete efforts to halt poaching, sea turtle populations face the risk of disappearing altogether. It is no surprise that sea turtles are included on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), signaling their critically endangered status and the urgent need for protection.
In the marine ecosystem, sea turtles play a vital role. By feeding on seagrass shoots, they help maintain seagrass bed health and support coral reef preservation. They also consume various types of sea sponges, thus contributing to the balance and distribution of sponge species, organisms that, if left unchecked, could threaten coral reef ecosystems.
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Recognizing the ecological importance of sea turtles, the Indonesian government enacted Government Regulation No. 7 of 1999 on the Preservation of Plant and Animal Species, which includes legal protection for sea turtles as one of its key mandates.
As part of its environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability commitment, Agincourt Resources, the operator of the Martabe Gold Mine in Batang Toru, South Tapanuli, has launched a turtle conservation initiative in the coastal region of Muara Opu. The western coast of Muara Opu is a natural habitat that supports the survival of five out of six sea turtle species found in Indonesia: the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), green turtle (Chelonia mydas), olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), and loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta).
In collaboration with Lembaga Ovata Indonesia, Agincourt Resources has begun constructing a dedicated turtle conservation facility. The complex will include office space, a laboratory, meeting rooms, accommodations for patrol and research teams, toilets, as well as incubation and hatchling enclosures for sea turtle eggs and juveniles. To mark the beginning of this partnership, Agincourt Resources and Lembaga Ovata Indonesia recently released hundreds of hatchlings (tukik) into the sea at Muara Opu. This release marks the first phase toward the target of releasing 1,000 hatchlings into the area.
The facility is also intended to serve as a center for research and environmental education, particularly for communities in coastal Central Tapanuli. Active involvement from local residents is crucial for the success of the conservation effort, which is why continuous educational initiatives will be carried out to inspire collective action in protecting sea turtles and their natural habitat.
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As a company dedicated to sustainable mining, Agincourt Resources remains firmly committed to maintaining environmental balance. Sustainability, for the company, is not just a statement, it must be translated into concrete actions. In addition to sea turtle conservation, various initiatives have been implemented in coastal areas, including the establishment of a 10-hectare mangrove forest in Pandan Subdistrict, Central Tapanuli. Furthermore, thousands of clam and crab seeds have been released, and regular environmental monitoring and patrols continue to be conducted.
To learn more about the company’s environmental management practices, please visit: https://agincourtresources.com/id/pengelolaan-lingkungan/
