Demonstrating for Turtles: Bali

By Barrie | May 8th, 2007 | No Comments

Tempo Interaktif reports that tens of Pro-Fauna activists demonstrated on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 to help save Bali’s turtle population. Protesting the continued presence of illegal turtle traders still operating in Bali, the demonstrators displayed banners along Kuta Beach proclaiming “Let’s Save the Sea Turtle” where at least three of the demonstrators wore giant turtle costumes while supporters distributed brochures and posters to passing tourists.

A spokesman for Pro Fauna, Wayan Wiradnyana, said the protest by his group must continue as long as the illegal trade in turtles continues in Bali, albeit in a more concealed fashion than in the past.

Investigations carried out by Pro Fauna in 1999 showed that 24,000 turtles were traded in a four month period in Bali. Now, according to the group, that figure has been reduced by nearly 80%.

The turtle activist plan to hold a “turtle week” in Bali which will include a dialogue with the Island’s Governor and a turtle exhibition at a local shopping mall.

Source: Bali Discovery