Milestones and Achievements of Project Ariyike: Sea Turtle Conservation

Introduction

Project Ariyike is dedicated to the conservation and protection of sea turtles in Africa. Through various initiatives and community engagement, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of sea turtle conservation and educate the public on the threats these magnificent creatures face. Below is a summary of our key milestones, achievements, challenges faced, and other significant accomplishment. The initial Training in at the Barbados Sea Turtle Monitoring Project, Continued Training, Educational Materials and Monitoring Project Equipment and stipends for Volunteers was Sponsored by Aktionsgemeinschaft Artenschtz (AGA), Germany. 

Milestones and Achievements

1. First Rescued Sea Turtle

    • Date: 3rd Nov, 2016
    • Initiated the need for sea turtle exhibition and conservation education.

     

    3. Conservation Education

      • Date: 7th Oct, 2017
      • Conducted turtle conservation education for students at Adetola Odutola Secondary School.

       

      5. Volunteer Identity Cards

      • Date: 12th Oct, 2017
      • Printed identity cards for volunteers involved in the sea turtle monitoring project.

       

      7. Monitoring Equipment Arrival

      • Date: 18th Oct, 2017
      • Received monitoring and survey equipment, including GPS for the sea turtle project.

       

      9.Training Exercise

        • Date: 29th Oct - 2nd Nov, 2017
        • Conducted the first training exercise for volunteers from the state government and Wildlife Aid Center.

         

        11. Community Engagement

        • Date: 18th Nov, 2017
        • Received the first hotline call from a community member for the need to conserve sea turtles.

         

        13. Successful Egg Relocation

          • Date: 21st Nov, 2017
          • Successfully retrieved and relocated 127 eggs of poached sea turtles.

           

          15. Volunteer Recruitment

            • Date: 6th Dec, 2017
            • Trained and recruited our first 4 local volunteers for sea turtle patrol activities.

             

            17. Hatchling Release

              • Date: 13th Dec, 2017
              • Successfully retrieved and released a baby sea turtle after community intervention.

               

              19. Leatherback Nesting Confirmation

              • Date: 28th Dec, 2017
              • Confirmed leatherback nesting during our sea turtle monitoring patrol.

               

              21. Training with Navy

              • Date: 19th Jan, 2018
                • Conducted a training and enlightenment program with the Nigerian Navy for monitoring and protecting sea turtles.

                 

                2. Grant from SWOT

                • Date: 21st Sept, 2017
                • Secured $1000 for our sea turtle project.

                 

                4. International Representation

                  • Date: 10th Oct, 2017
                  • Invited by the Network of Actors for Safeguarding Marine Turtles in Central Africa (RASTOMA) to represent Nigeria.

                   

                  6. Project Launch

                  • Date: 13th Oct, 2017
                  • Officially launched Project Ariyike.

                   

                  8. Government Approval

                  • Date: 20th Oct, 2017
                  • Approved the Sea Turtle Nesting and Monitoring Project by Lagos State Government.

                   

                  10, First Donation

                    • Date: 16th Nov, 2017
                    • Received the first Nigerian donation of #100 (0.28 USD) for our sea turtle and elephant conservation efforts.

                     

                    12. International Education

                    • Date: 20th Nov, 2017
                    • Sent a volunteer for international education on rehabilitation and protection of sea turtles to Local Ocean Trust in Watamu, Kenya.

                     

                    14. Hatchling Retrieval

                    • Date: 28th Nov, 2017
                    • Retrieved and incubated 3 eggs, leading to successful hatching.

                     

                    16. Confirmed Nesting

                    • Date: 8th Dec, 2017
                      • Documented the first confirmed nesting of sea turtles without disturbance.

                       

                      18. Community Release

                      • Date: 22nd Dec, 2017
                        • A community individual released a hatchling to the ocean after education on conservation.

                         

                        20. Local Community Engagement

                        • Date: 10th Jan, 2018
                          • Engaged with the local community, leading to voluntary egg rescue initiatives.

                           

                          22. Green Sea Turtle Release

                          • Date: 24th Jan, 2018
                            • Successfully retrieved and released a green sea turtle from a fisherman’s bycatch.

                             

                            Challenges Faced

                            Poaching Incidents

                            Encountered evidence of poaching, including the discovery of carapaces and poached nesting sea turtle eggs.

                             

                            Community Resistance

                             Faced challenges in convincing community members to release captured sea turtles and educate them on conservation.

                             

                            Environmental Concerns

                            Dealt with issues such as dunghills and indiscriminate waste at high-water marks in project areas.

                             

                            Continued support needed

                            Project Ariyike has made significant strides in sea turtle conservation through community engagement, education, and dedicated efforts to protect these endangered species. However, challenges remain, and continued support and awareness are essential for the success of our initiatives. Join us in our mission to safeguard Africa's wildlife for future generations.

                            For more information or to get involved, Contact us.

                             

                            Other Non-Ariyike Milestones

                            Membership in World Animal Day Community

                            Joined on 4th Sept, 2016.

                             

                            Collaboration for World Nature Day

                            Nigeria marked World Nature Day in collaboration with Wildlife of Africa Conservation Initiative on 28th July, 2017.

                             

                            Wildlife Aid Center on Google

                            Achieved on 27th July, 2017.

                             

                            Establishment of Conservation Academy

                            Established on 26th Sept, 2017.

                             

                            Waterkeeper Alliance, USA Membership

                            Wildlife of Africa Conservation Initiative Joined Waterkeeper Alliance on 5th Dec, 2017.