Why There’s Hope for Borneo’s Beautiful Endangered Sea Turtles

Borneo’s Endangered Sea Turtles … One man’s two-decade crusade to bring sea turtles back from the brink of extinction is bearing fruits.

In 2010, Alexander Yee made a trip to a small island off the northeastern coast of Borneo. It was to be a life changer for him and the endangered turtle species he set out to protect.

About 40 kilometres from Sandakan, Pulau Libaran may look like another idyllic island in the turquoise Sulu Sea. But its nickname, “Turtle Island”, comes from the sanctuary it has become for one of the world’s most adored yet threatened sea creatures.

Libaran Island lies in the Malaysian state of Sabah. A tiny haven of biodiversity, it is at the heart of a conservation mission to save the turtles. Or, “the ancient mariners of the sea” as Yee calls them.

He, in turn, is known as “turtle man”. Thanks to his efforts with the local community to save the thousands of Hawksbill and green sea turtles that return there to nest every year.

Borneo’s Turtle Man: Community-Driven Turtle Conservation

A desire to protect the threatened creatures led Yee, a tourism operator and conservationist, to set up FOSTER – Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research.

On that trip, he convinced the Sabah Wildlife Department to establish a sea turtle conservation program on the island. The hatchery developed into the Walai Penyu Conservation Park. In Malay, it means “home for the sea turtles”.

While his role was key, Yee credits “a group of passionate conservationists joining forces with local authorities and environmental advocates to establish the turtle sanctuary”.

“The goal was to safeguard the island’s delicate marine ecosystem by preserving sea turtle populations and ensuring that the natural nesting sites remain undisturbed.”

Today, the program is jointly run by FOSTER and locals. Yee refers to them as “guardians of the sea”.

“The initiative not only protects these extraordinary creatures but also unites the local community in sustainable conservation practices.”

The park’s main program is an “innovative hatchery project”, he says.

“Each nesting season, trained conservationists patrol the island’s shores to locate and monitor turtle nests. Once discovered, the nests are carefully relocated to a secure hatchery facility where the eggs can incubate safely away from predators and human interference.”

In 2018, Yee, an honorary wildlife warden, released the 30,000th turtle hatchling into the sea.

Glimmers of Hope But Still Grim for Borneo’s Endangered Sea Turtles

 

Today, he says the initiative has helped turn things around.

“This controlled environment has led to the successful release of over 43,000 hatchlings into the ocean. A number that has steadily grown as community engagement deepens.”

Sabah’s green sea turtle population is reportedly rising. Currently, there are 90,000 nesting females. But it’s an uphill battle. The WWF lists green turtles as endangered and Hawksbills as critically endangered.

“When these tiny turtles finally make their way to the sea, each release is a powerful reminder of the positive impact of proactive conservation,” Yee says.

All this couldn’t have happened without the involvement of locals, he adds.

Even more remarkable, given the resistance he met at the outset from those who had been harvesting the turtle eggs to eat or sell … Despite the turtle being a protected species.

“The local community is heavily involved in every step of the conservation process. Islanders have become the first line of defense for the turtles, serving as wardens and guides who share traditional ecological knowledge and modern conservation practices.”

In a cloud with two silver linings, the community is also benefiting enormously from the conservation work.

“Their participation not only bolsters the park’s efforts but also creates alternative income streams through ecotourism. Visitors are invited to join guided tours, witness the hatchling releases, and learn about the significance of marine conservation.”

For Yee, this is fostering “a generation of conservation advocates”.

“When passion meets purpose, even the smallest of creatures can inspire monumental change.”

Borneo’s Endangered Sea Turtles Face a Multitude of Threats

As sea turtles worldwide face a multitude of threats – coastal development, noise in the nesting area, human poachers, crowded boat routes and rubbish – Yee said the challenges on Libaran Island go beyond ensuring safe nesting sites.

“The growing threat of marine debris, particularly plastics, poses a serious risk to both adult turtles and hatchlings. To counter this, the conservation team has launched regular beach cleanups.”

From conservation, cottage industries have also been born.

“An innovative twist to these cleanups involves repurposing the collected plastic waste into vibrant decorative flowers – a creative solution that not only beautifies the community but also provides local women with a source of income. This serves as a powerful illustration of how environmental challenges can be transformed into opportunities for sustainable development.”

Funding the project is a constant challenge, Yee adds, “To support ongoing research, community programs, and the upkeep of the conservation park.”

But as he tirelessly engages turtle lovers on the world’s third-largest island, the Sepilok Jazz Festival, “a celebrated event in the region”, recently emerged as a key fundraiser.

“This creates a unique platform where art and environmental stewardship meet  … The revenue generated goes directly to conservation projects, reinforcing the park’s long-term vision.”

Libaran Island has been in the spotlight in Malaysia and overseas for its success in managing “the delicate balance between human activity and nature conservation”, Yee says.

“It also gets a lot of support from visitors who share this passion.”

For him, the recognition reflects the importance of pulling together scientific research, community involvement and sustainable tourism “to protect a natural heritage”.

“It is a testament to the power of collective action.”

What Next in the Battle to Save Borneo’s Endangered Sea Turtles?

 

“Plans are underway to integrate advanced turtle monitoring systems, expand community training programs and firm up partnerships with global conservation networks. To secure not just the future of the sea turtles, but also the wellbeing of the local communities that depend on a healthy marine ecosystem.”

Despite the ongoing threats of climate change and habitat destruction to turtle survival, Yee remains an optimist.

“In a world facing environmental uncertainties, the park has laid the foundation for a future where people and turtles can thrive side by side … When passion meets purpose, even the smallest of creatures can inspire monumental change.”

Things to Know:

• Libaran lies just alongside Sabah’s Turtle Islands Marine Park. Yet the turtle-saving NGO project operates independently from the government’s conservation activities in the Park.  
• Getting There: Fly or drive to Sandakan, then take a boat. Yee’s company , Nasalis Larvatus Tours, runs trips there. Contact them in Kota Kinabalu. www.nasalislarvatustours.com
• Accommodation: The Walai Penyu Conservation Park has basic glamping facilities. Contact the park via its Facebook page. I have not yet tested out the lodgings, but plan to on my upcoming trip for my Borneo 5 travel guide. Check out Borneo 4 and past editions here.

• Photo credit for the featured image of a green sea turtle: Willyam Bradberry, WWF.