LESSON FOUR: COASTAL COMMUNITIES IN BRAZIL
BRAZIL:
Brazil is the largest country in South America and has approximately 4,600 miles of
coastline. This makes it the 16th longest coastline in the world.
SEA TURTLES IN BRAZIL:
Brazil is home to five of the seven sea turtle species. Can you name the sea turtles? They
are the leatherback, loggerhead, hawksbill olive ridley, and green.
THREATS TO SEA TURTLES IN BRAZIL:
The main threats to sea turtles in Brazil are interaction with fisheries, pollution, and
coastal development.
PROJETO TAMAR:
Projeto TAMAR is the Brazilian Sea Turtle Research and Conservation Program that
protects the turtles found in Brazil. For over 30 years, Projeto TAMAR, has monitored
the beaches of Brazil, working alongside coastal communities to protect sea turtles.
TAMAR protects almost 700 miles of coastline and islands. They have 23 field stations
across nine states (right figure).
Projeto TAMAR is one of the longest running and most successful sea turtle
conservation organizations in the world and their success is due to working together
with local communities to protect these species.
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO INVOLVE COASTAL COMMUNITIES IN PROTECTING SEA
TURTLES!
FISHERMEN:
Before 1980, there were no records of sea turtles in Brazil. TAMAR scientists quickly
realized that community participation was important to the protection of sea turtles,
and the program began to focus on research and conservation through direct
participation of coastal communities, principally fishermen.
Fishermen were able to identify the most important nesting beaches, species and
biggest threats to the turtles. Fishermen and local villagers who once harvested turtles
and their eggs account for 85% of paid employees, monitoring beaches and protecting
hatchlings. They remain a trademark of the program’s success.
CONCERTS AND PICTURE EXHIBITS FOR THE PUBLIC:
TAMAR has a band that sings songs about sea turtles. In addition, they partner with
well-known Brazilian musicians and artists to increase awareness and educate
communities and the general public alike.
In addition, visitor centers house beautiful exhibits on sea turtles and other animals
found in the sea.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION:
Education and outreach programs designed to integrate sea turtle conservation
activities and local communities have dramatically reduced the take of eggs and turtles
over the past 30 years.
TAMAR engages local youth through a program that allows them to volunteer in visitor
centers (with good grades only) and educate tourists. These young turtle guides are
involved in community gardens, hatchling releases, and puppet shows for tourist
children.
MAKING LOCAL SEA TURTLE ART:
Many people in coastal communities are involved in making turtle themed handicrafts
that are then sold in the visitor centers. This process preserves local customs and also
provides economic alternatives for many people.
AFTER SCHOOL & CULTURAL PROGRAMS:
TAMAR sponsors a variety of after school and cultural programs. The picture on the left
shows local children practicing Capoeira – Brazilian martial arts. This program also
provides alternatives for children and preserves local culture and practices.
TAMAR sponsors an elderly folk dancing groups that has been around for over twenty
years. Including all members of a community increases acceptance and trust with
communities in order to reach a common goal.
DANCE GROUPS:
Finally, TAMAR sponsors dance groups for children in several schools. Uniforms usually
have a turtle in some form and the children compete in statewide and regional
competitions.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
ACTIVITY: SEE CURRICULUM GUIDE