Angolan Villagers Transition from Hunting to Protecting Sea Turtles with Kitabanga Project

From Hunter to Protector

• 💡 Hakeim Abelino Fragoso, formerly a sea turtle hunter, now finds fulfillment in protecting nesting turtles.
• 🎯 The community was educated by the Kitabanga project, leading to a collective decision to stop hunting turtles for future sustainability.
• 📈 In the past, individuals could hunt 10-30 turtles daily, primarily for salt-cured meat to sell or consume.

Kitabanga Project: Conservation Efforts

• 🌍 The Kitabanga project trains 70 villagers in conservation practices along Angola's extensive coastline.
• nests are protected annually through this initiative, which is supported by Agugustino Nettle University.
• 📚 The project emphasizes teaching local communities the importance of sea turtle conservation.

Sea Turtle Species in Angola

• 🇦🇴 Angola's waters host all five species of eastern Atlantic sea turtles.
• ⚠️ These species range from vulnerable to critically endangered, as listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list.