Contemporary Culture, Use, and Conservation of Sea Turtles
329
community support for conservation is lacking, and descriptions of success are often
provided by conservation organizations themselves. Because “the goal of true CBC
facilitators is to work themselves out of a job” (Frazier, 1999), the ultimate test of
CBC’s success is whether conservation efforts continue in the absence of conservation organizations — a test most organizations are unlikely to face. Four projects
that show indications of, or are often cited as, being community based are described
briefly below.
12.3.2.2.1 Costa Rica
In the egg collection project at Ostional, Costa Rica, a community development
association is responsible for almost all aspects of the conservation program. Community management is mandated by law, and although the University of Costa Rica
and various government agencies are involved in the project, none is permanently
present in the village. Campbell (1998) describes project regulation, economic value,
and dependence on the project; use of profits in support of conservation and development projects; and willingness of community members to undertake additional sea
turtle conservation efforts. An important conclusion from the work of Campbell
(1998) is that CBC should not be romanticized. In the Ostional case, high levels of
intracommunity conflict detract only marginally from achievement of overall objectives.
12.3.2.2.2 Mexico
Community-based research and conservation have been promoted in Baja California.
Nichols et al. (2000) describe the need for a community approach in an isolated
region with limited enforcement. They point out that researchers often focus on the
ways in which local people detract from conservation, and that local values are
oversimplified by outsiders: “local fishers have demonstrated an interest in conservation for ecological and aesthetic reasons, as well as to preserve a source of their
traditional livelihood and an occasional source of food” (Nichols et al., 2000). Inwater work at Bahía Magdalena by Nichols et al., for example, has relied on cooperation of local fishermen to show where turtles are regularly found and captured.
Cultural motivations for exploitation are also recognized as critical to devising conservation schemes in the region. For example, because most turtles are eaten for
special occasions and ceremonial feasts, attempts at substitution may be limited (Bird,
in press). Although research and conservation efforts were initiated by outsiders in
Bahía Magdalena, a grassroots organization has since formed to promote sea turtle
recovery in the region. A recent decision by fishermen to exclude those who hunt
turtles from participating in research activities reflects the extent to which conservation ideas are becoming community based (Nichols, personal communication, 2002).
12.3.2.2.3 Australia
In northern Australia, a collaboration between an indigenous community (the Yolngu of northeast Arnhem Land of the Northern Territory, represented by the
Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation) and university and government researchers has been undertaken to develop a strategy for sustainable subsistence use of turtles. The project is based on a recognition both of the rights and
responsibilities of Australian aboriginals in managing the sea turtle resource and
1123 book.book Page 329 Thursday, November 14, 2002 11:50 AM
329
community support for conservation is lacking, and descriptions of success are often
provided by conservation organizations themselves. Because “the goal of true CBC
facilitators is to work themselves out of a job” (Frazier, 1999), the ultimate test of
CBC’s success is whether conservation efforts continue in the absence of conservation organizations — a test most organizations are unlikely to face. Four projects
that show indications of, or are often cited as, being community based are described
briefly below.
12.3.2.2.1 Costa Rica
In the egg collection project at Ostional, Costa Rica, a community development
association is responsible for almost all aspects of the conservation program. Community management is mandated by law, and although the University of Costa Rica
and various government agencies are involved in the project, none is permanently
present in the village. Campbell (1998) describes project regulation, economic value,
and dependence on the project; use of profits in support of conservation and development projects; and willingness of community members to undertake additional sea
turtle conservation efforts. An important conclusion from the work of Campbell
(1998) is that CBC should not be romanticized. In the Ostional case, high levels of
intracommunity conflict detract only marginally from achievement of overall objectives.
12.3.2.2.2 Mexico
Community-based research and conservation have been promoted in Baja California.
Nichols et al. (2000) describe the need for a community approach in an isolated
region with limited enforcement. They point out that researchers often focus on the
ways in which local people detract from conservation, and that local values are
oversimplified by outsiders: “local fishers have demonstrated an interest in conservation for ecological and aesthetic reasons, as well as to preserve a source of their
traditional livelihood and an occasional source of food” (Nichols et al., 2000). Inwater work at Bahía Magdalena by Nichols et al., for example, has relied on cooperation of local fishermen to show where turtles are regularly found and captured.
Cultural motivations for exploitation are also recognized as critical to devising conservation schemes in the region. For example, because most turtles are eaten for
special occasions and ceremonial feasts, attempts at substitution may be limited (Bird,
in press). Although research and conservation efforts were initiated by outsiders in
Bahía Magdalena, a grassroots organization has since formed to promote sea turtle
recovery in the region. A recent decision by fishermen to exclude those who hunt
turtles from participating in research activities reflects the extent to which conservation ideas are becoming community based (Nichols, personal communication, 2002).
12.3.2.2.3 Australia
In northern Australia, a collaboration between an indigenous community (the Yolngu of northeast Arnhem Land of the Northern Territory, represented by the
Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation) and university and government researchers has been undertaken to develop a strategy for sustainable subsistence use of turtles. The project is based on a recognition both of the rights and
responsibilities of Australian aboriginals in managing the sea turtle resource and
1123 book.book Page 329 Thursday, November 14, 2002 11:50 AM