HOANI ECOTOURISM PROJECT

Sustainable development through endangered species conservation

The Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is endangered and Mohéli is one of the world's most important nesting sites for this species in the Indian Ocean.  Mohéli Marine Park, established in 2001 has succeeded in reducing turtle poaching to some extent; however, the park is now encountering problems with funding and sustainability of management activities.  In addition, important nesting sites in the northwest of the island (Moimbasa region) were excluded from the initial demarcation of the park boundaries.  This project will build local capacity of three village communities in this region: Hoani, Hamba and Domoni. A team of community ecoguards from these villages (trained by C3 in 2006) will receive advanced training in turtle conservation and ecology.  The Hoani Conservation Centre, established by C3 in 2006 to serve as a regional research and information centre, will be enhanced with textbooks, posters and other awareness materials.  Law enforcement officers be will the target of awareness-raising, ensuring that they realize the importance of protecting marine resources through successful conviction of poachers in the future. Thorough consultation with community leaders and politicians will facilitate the signing of a memorandum to ensure the long-term sustainability of this work.

C3 Community ecoguard training workshop, Hoani 2006 (wmv)

Left: Turtle ecotourism at Itsamia, Mohéli