Posted on June, 17 2025

By Howard Bando | WWF-PNG

POMIO, EAST NEW BRITAIN, PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Along the remote coastline of Pomio District, the Sahalil community is rewriting its relationship with nature — from a place once known for harvesting leatherback turtles to a sanctuary now championing their protection.

In previous years, it was common for Sahalil villagers to harvest up to 15 leatherback turtles a night during the nesting season, which spans from August to April. The turtles were a vital source of food and income, and their eggs and meat were often used in customary ceremonies or sold for cash.

“We didn’t think about what it meant for the species. It was our tradition, and it sustained us,” said Magdeline Talomule, a community member of Sahalil. “But when WWF came and shared knowledge with us — that these animals are endangered and could disappear forever — it changed everything.”

That change has sparked a quiet revolution. Through awareness sessions led by the WWF-Papua New Guinea (WWF-PNG) Team, the Sahalil community are now embracing their role as protectors of the ocean’s ancient mariners.

“We have stopped the harvesting of leatherbacks,” Magdeline said. “Today, we see these turtles differently — not as food, but as a species that needs our care.”

According to Martha Eimba, WWF-PNG’s Pomio Landscape Manager, the shift in perception marks a major milestone in local conservation efforts. Efforts that are supported by WWF-Belgium.

“Turtle harvesting was deeply rooted in tradition and survival,” Martha explained. “Today, Sahalil is leading by example — proof that awareness and community leadership can transform practices and mindsets.”

Already, eight villagers have stepped forward as community turtle monitors, volunteering their time and energy to protect nesting sites and observe turtle activity. One of them, Francis Bugajim, remembers his interactions with leatherbacks in the past.

“I last saw a giant leatherback in 1993,” Francis shared. “The turtles we see now are smaller — it tells us something. We believe our harvesting contributed to their decline. That’s why we want to change.”

The community is now working with WWF and the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority to roll out training for turtle tagging and beach monitoring. These skills will allow them to contribute vital data on nesting numbers and migration patterns — essential for understanding and protecting leatherbacks.

“We’re excited to train our community turtle monitors properly and begin this work,” Martha said. “It’s not just about protecting turtles — it’s about empowering communities to lead in conservation.”

And Sahalil’s ambitions don’t stop at turtles. Residents want to protect dugongs, reef systems, and other wildlife that coexist in their coastal ecosystem. Their vision is bold: to establish their village as a safe haven for marine life and a potential eco-tourism destination that celebrates conservation.

“We want people to come and see what we are doing here,” Francis said. “We believe our sea and land are one — and if we take care of them, they will take care of us.”

From harvesters to guardians, Sahalil has become a symbol of what’s possible when communities are equipped with knowledge and inspired to act. With technical support from WWF-PNG and growing interest from government and conservation agencies, this coastal village is lighting a new path — one of resilience, stewardship, and renewed hope for one of the Pacific’s most iconic marine species.

Sahalil is no longer a nesting ground of exploitation, but one of protection.

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