Conservation and Governance Regime of Marine Turtles along the Southern Coastline of The Gambia

• Main Author: OMAR A.J. SAHO
• Other Authors: Hsing-Sheng Tai
• Format: Others
• Published: 2017
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/qkh6c2

碩士 === 國立東華大學 === 自然資源與環境學系 === 105 === Sustainability and participatory governance is fundamental to the long-term sustainability of any marine resource. The Gambia is home to a diverse marine ecosystem. However, locals’perception about conservation and governance of marine turtles are not explored. The baseline information about the actions of conservation efforts is studied. This study assessed and examines the conservation and governance regime of marine turtles in The Gambia. The study tested the assumptions that conservation of marine turtle in The Gambia is enhanced by 1) interministerial cooperation, 2) civil society participation, 3) international cooperation, and 4)provision of economic incentives. These assumptions are tested by adopting the Ostrom’s (2007)social-ecological system framework, a framework designed to examine and evaluate the governance of common pool resources. The study used interviews, independent observation, field surveys, and participatory and focus group discussion with Gambian government officials and the local communities of Gunjur and Kartong villages. The findings of this study highlight the importance of policy and law enforcement to protect marine turtles in The Gambia. The study emphasizes the need for strengthening institutional collaborations and local community involvement in marine turtle conservation. The study also finds out that the Gambia has witnessed a higher decline in marine turtle population, which is as a result of poor management and governance approaches of the coastal zone. Presently, the government started an Ex-situ conservation project of turtle hatcheries in Gunjur and Kartong villages. These conservation actions are attempts to rejuvenate the marine turtle population and provide economic incentives to local communities. These established hatcheries in the two villages are aimed at conserving marine turtle eggs and hatchling against predation, and as well to promote turtle-based ecotourism as a niche tourism initiative. In conclusion, the study highlights the need for Gambian government to support locals’participation in marine conservation. This includes raising local awareness about conservation, minimizing local consumption of marine turtles through policy enforcement, monitoring and sanctioning, and as well strengthening the governance system on coastal zone governance. The hatcheries established in the two villages are managed by conservation volunteers with little technical knowledge about marine turtles, with no financial support to maintain the projects. Thus, the study highlights the need for supporting locals with training programs and providing economic incentives to local communities through developing a turtle-based ecotourism program in strengthening the sustainability of marine turtle conservation in The Gambia.