Programa SADA – Hawksbill Sea Turtle Conservation

To ensure the survival of hawksbill sea turtles in São Tomé and Príncipe

The genetically unique population of hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) on Príncipe Island in the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe is at high risk of extinction. Therefore, the main objective of "Programa SADA" is to ensure the survival of Príncipe Island's hawksbill sea turtle genetic stock. To achieve this objective, four goals were formulated:

• To increase the level of scientific knowledge about the ecology, biology and behaviour of the genetic stock.
• To ensure the engagement of local people and regional authorities in the conservation challenges and in some activities concerning protection and research effort.
• To communicate the global importance of the unique genetic stock and the rich biodiversity of Príncipe Island.
• To contribute to the sustainable management of Príncipe Island and its contiguous immerse territory.

WAZA Conservation Project 10029 is implemented by the Universidade do Algarve, with support provided by Oceanário de Lisboa. Other stakeholders involved in the project include the Government of the Autonomic Region of Príncipe Island and the Marine Turtle Conservation Fund.

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