In 2014, São Tomé and Príncipe created a law banning the trade and possession of sea turtles, which, paired with local conservation programs, reduced turtle hunting and trade.
Fundação Príncipe and strong environmental education and social media programs have been integral to shifting behaviors that support sea turtle conservation.
“It’s no longer acceptable to consume turtle,” Matilde says. “It’s no longer part of the culture. All these years of efforts had that result.”
“We could literally knock on each of the 8,000 people’s doors and talk with them and understand their situation, problems, and needs and work with them to find solutions,” says Estrela Matilde, former executive director of Fundação Príncipe, a conservation NGO on the island.
Learn more at https://en.programatato.org/
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