News from the field : BIOSFERA

Find my way through the trash to dig my nest and lay my eggs ? No thanks !

It is however the sad reality of many loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) which come to lay from July to October on the deserted and protected island of Santa Luzia in Cape Verde. If the island is not inhabited, where does the waste come from?

The Cape Verde archipelago, a chain of volcanic islands rising from the ocean, is under the influence of prevailing currents and winds, mainly from the African continent. The beach of Achados, privileged nesting site for turtles accumulates every year tons of waste from the ocean which makes it difficult for female turtles to climb on the beach and reduce the progression of small turtles towards the shore. Witness of this fatal observation, the NGO Biosfera, supported by many volunteers, will organize, this year with the support of the PPI, the cleaning of the site before the laying season. Other adventures also await this project until May 2021.

Project localisation

Biosfera, born in 2006, has developed progressively and has been committed for almost 15 years to fulfilling a double mission: preserving vulnerable species and habitats through concrete conservation interventions on the field. Several species of reptiles, sharks, birds and emblematic and / or endemic sea turtles are thus monitored and protected throughout the year. The second challenge of this young and motivated team is to encourage and mobilize Cape Verdean society to play a proactive and influential role in strengthening the protection of its natural heritage.

Novo site

As part of this project, Biosfera will also ensure the monitoring and surveillance of turtle egg-laying sites on the inhabited island of Sao Vicente where disturbance (car headlights, music, camps, beach occupations at night) or poaching make it difficult for turtles to nest.Joint patrols will be organized with maritime police and / or coast guard officers to identify nests, inform the public of the turtles’ vulnerability, remind them of the laws that govern their protection and deter any malicious act through the presence of local authorities. Local fishing communities near the egg-laying sites will also be involved in this citizen project.

Currently and despite the confinement, our team is preparing for the next laying season and we sincerely hope to be able to reconnect with real nature and visit our sites in May. In the meantime, to keep our positivism and optimism, the organization is developing the campaign « Biosfera takes care of nature at home » which you can follow on our Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/BiosferaCV/

Visit our website: www.biosfera1.com