By Ooi Saik Huey, INTI International College Penang
A total of eight students, including the Head of Programme and Head of School of INTI International College Penang’s Centre of Excellence for Pre-University Studies (CEPS), attended three days and two nights of volunteering camp at Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary, Redang Island in Terengganu. The Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary is a research centre and one of the most important nesting beaches in Southeast Asia.
At the camps, the students and staff were trained on conserving turtles by the Sea Turtle Research (SEATRU) team. The activities included patrolling the beach at night, moving turtle eggs to different nests, checking turtle nets, and measuring turtles. Volunteers need to complete five conservation modules during the camps with SEATRU scientists and researchers as well.
Besides, volunteers also had a memorable and enjoyable experience snorkelling in crystal clear water, hiking to Turtle Rock, and sleeping under an exquisite night sky on the island.
This trip has been a fantastic learning experience for all participants. A trip that teaches the biology of sea turtles, threats to their survival, issues and challenges in conserving sea turtles, as well as introduces the national legislation and international conventions on protecting sea turtles.
The Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary, located in the northern part of Redang Island, has become a popular landing spot for Green and Hawksbills turtles. As one of the most important nesting beaches on Redang Island, it was gazetted as a turtle sanctuary by the Terengganu state government in 2005. Only researchers and volunteers from the Sea Turtle Research Unit (SEATRU) are allowed on the beach.