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Report on Con Dao Marine Turtle
Conservation Volunteers Programme in
2014 Le Thi Thanh Thuy
INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE
Little turtle back to the sea.Việt Nam©Vũ Hoài Nam,2014
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................. 2
SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................ 3
STATISTICAL DATA .................................................................................................................. 5
EVALUATION RESULTS OF VOLUNTEERS AT THE END OF THE PROGRAMMEME .......... 6
1. Knowledge and skills obtained from the programme ........................................................ 6
2. Evaluation of organizational preparation before the programme ...................................... 8
3. Evaluation on the training for awareness raising and sea turtles rescue .......................... 9
4. Evaluation on sea turtles rescue activities at turtles protection stations ...........................10
5. Evaluation on logistic arrangement during the programme ..............................................12
6. Evaluation on inter-action between volunteers ................................................................12
7. Evaluation on the field coordinators ................................................................................14
8. Evaluation on information, documents circulated prior to the programme .......................15
9. Finance ...........................................................................................................................15
11. Conclusion ......................................................................................................................17
12. Impact of the programme ................................................................................................18
THE PROGRAMME DIARY ......................................................................................................19
UNFORGETABLE MEMORIES ................................................................................................21
ANNEX .....................................................................................................................................26
3
SUMMARY
Within the framework of the project "Conservation of sea turtle spawning with community
participation in Vietnam" funded by the United States - Fish and Wildlife Services (US FWS),
IUCN in collaboration with Con Dao National Park Management Board organized a programmeme
for volunteers to participate in Con Dao sea turtles rescue in 2014. The programme consisted of
four phases with the participation of 23 volunteers as follows:
• Phase 1: From 08 - 12.07.2014 with the participation of 06 volunteers at Bay Canh Forest
Protection Station - FPS for 03 days.
• Phase 2: From 26 - 30/07/2014 with the participation of 06 volunteers at Bay Canh Forest
Protection Station – FPS for 03 days).
• Phase 3: From 26 - 30/08/2014 with the participation of 05 volunteers at Hon Tai FPS (03
volunteers) and Large Hon Tre FPS (02 volunteers) for 03 days
• Phase 4: From 26/8 - 04/9/2014 with participation of 06 volunteers at Bay Canh FPS for 08 days.
In general the volunteers were enthusiastic with a strong sense of responsibility and motivation
for the project. At the end of the programme, the volunteers shared a common view that this
programmeme provided them with a lot of information on sea turtles conservation and protection
in Con Dao, and they will now be able to contribute to raising awareness and educating within
their own community. According to 87.5% of the volunteers, the programme has satisfied 90-
100% of their expectation while the remaining 12.5% responded that 70-80% of their expectation
was met. The programmeme was well-organized with supportive staff from IUCN and Con Dao
National Park. Financial management has been managed in a transparent and concrete manner.
Nevertheless the following were identified as aspects of the programmeme with opportunities for
improvement:
When calling for volunteers, it would be beneficial to specify selection criteria as well as
the number of volunteers to be selected for each stage. Candidates could then do self-
assessment to see the extent they meet the programme’s requirements. As a result, the
organizers could reduce the pressure and time for profiles screening and shortlisting. In
this way candidates would be also better matched to the tasks as opposed to the “first
come, first serve” basis now employed.
The registration form should include physical information (height, weight, health status) to
ensure selection of appropriate applicants. To properly assess the candidates enthusiasm
and motivation, the registration forms should questions such as "Tell us about your recent
community based activity?" "What will you do as a volunteer", "how is your communication
plan after participating in this programme?"
4
It is suggested to develop a work plan in advance to facilitate proper preparation in terms
of work arrangement, health and spirit conditions of both organizers and volunteers.
Time: as the 5 day programme includes 2 travel days and only 3 working days, it may
need to be extended to be effective., While the 10 day programme comprises only 8 days
living and experiencing at the turtle conservation station in Con Dao it may be adequate.
Relevant documents, including documents and information on sea turtles and working
location (such as Hon Bay Canh, Hon Tre Lon) should be circulated to volunteers in
advance to improve their knowledge of the area as well as help them prepare (including
information what to bring with them).
It is recommended to have closer cooperation between IUCN and Con Dao National Park.
It is recommended to involve experts on sea turtles who could provide in-depth knowledge
on turtles along with skills on caring and rescue to injured turtles. This will help the
volunteers respond to different practical situations.
It is advisable to select diverse volunteers in terms of backgrounds, positions and ages to
ensure communication & awareness raising messages could reach more audiences and
target groups in the society.
Presently tourisms on the small islands is organized independently from communication
on sea turtle conservation. It is suggested that in the future information on sea turtle
conservation and protection be incorporated into tours. This will be particularly relevant
where tourists have the opportunity to see turtles laying eggs..
When asked about motivation for joining the programme, 81.25% of volunteers indicated that their
foremost motivation is to understand about sea turtles meanwhile 25% of volunteers expressed
that experiencing with difficulties in life inspires them to register for the programme. The remaining
18.75% shared that the location – Con Dao is the leading factor that they enrolled.
When asked, if they could continue to participate in the programme without financial support from
IUCN and Con Dao National Park? 75% confirmed their participation, 12.5% refused to join and
the remaining 12.5% would consider the total cost before making decision.
All volunteers agreed to replicate the programme and continue to the next years.
"IUCN and Con Dao National Park gave us an awesome opportunity, this is one of the meaningful
and enjoyable programme that I've ever involved.I believe this is a great experience for all
volunteers. We hope that such programmes could be replicated with many more participants"-
Stated by Do Thi Thu Ha – a volunteer participated in the programme for the period from 8 -
12/07/2014.
5
STATISTICAL DATA
The volunteer recruitment announcement was firstly published on the IUCN and Con Dao National
Park’s website on 22/5/2014. By 20/6/2015, within a month, the Organizing Committee has
received more than 500 applications.
There were 23 participating volunteers, including 10 male and 13 female. Qualifications: 03
volunteers are from high school while the other 03 are university students and 17 volunteers who
are working. Regarding to places of work: majority of the volunteers are working in Vietnam (19
people) and the remaining 04 people are studying and working abroad (UK, USA, Germany and
Thailand).
Over different phases, all the volunteers participated in rescuing sea turtles on small islands safely
reallocated 96 nests, with a total 7,429 eggs; inspection and cleaning of 106 turtles
nests after hatching and release 8,433 turtle babies into the sea.
In addition, the volunteers also participated in 13 patrolling rounds on natural resources and
at the same time to provide guidance and introduction on sea turtles protection to 12 rounds of
visitors watching laying eggs and 217 rounds of visitors traveling to area.
Baby turtle in Con Dao.Viet Nam©Ngô Bảo Ngọc,2014
6
EVALUATION RESULTS OF VOLUNTEERS AT THE END OF
THE PROGRAMMEME
After participating in the programme, the volunteers were asked to fill in the evaluation forms
and the evaluation results are as follows:
1. Knowledge and skills obtained from the programme
"Before joining the programme, I never thought turtles are in danger of extinction. I still believe
that turtles are long life-span species that enjoy a normal ocean world. I still think turtles lay their
eggs in far awayislands in Indonesia, Australia, etc. while there exists in Vietnam only tortoise or
in-house breeding turtles for decoration, and the biggest one is the turtle at Hoan Kiem Lake. I
have just realized how turtles are facing with dangers when joining this programmeme. Human
being is now hunting such a large quantity of turtles ... "- shared by Nguyen Anh Vu – a volunteer
participated from 21 - 07/26/2014.
Volunteers, Con Dao National Park and IUCN ©Vũ Hoài Nam,2014
7
According to most of the volunteers, their knowledge and understanding on sea turtles has
improved significantly after joining the programmeme. The initial training at the beginning of the
programmeme has enabled them to grasp fundamental information on turtle’s classification, its
reproductive behavior and survival instincts as well as potential threats to its survival. With
practical experiences at sea turtle conservation stations, all the volunteers had the opportunity to
practice their skills on how to recognize any successful or failed nests of laying eggs by observing
any traces left on the sand or when turtles using their fin for swimming and digging nests skills.
Furthermore, volunteers also know how to use lights appropriately when collecting hatched
turtles, safely move egg nests to hatching area, arranging laying nests for turtle mother, release
turtle babies into the sea as well as how to make statistics on the successful hatching rate. Many
people were aware that conservation of sea turtles also means contributing to the protection of
environment.
In addition, by spending their days and nights at Bay Canh and Large Hon Tre islands, the
volunteers learned many interesting facts about the fauna and flora species in Con Dao National
Park and also new knowledge on weather, climate, and oceans (e.g., tidal period, coral reefs, fish
and aquatic species, etc...). More importantly, they were also trained and raised awareness on
preserving fresh water on the islands, using energy efficiently as well as patrolling skills on forest
and sea in extreme weather and dangerous conditions.
Nguyen Vinh Loi participated from 8 - 12/07/2014 expressed that "The forest or sea patrolling
skills will help me know how to adequately equip myself with neat and necessary materials when
going to mountainous and island areas with similar conditions. These materials include sleeping
hammocks, light blanket, food, water, mosquito repellent in addition to some conventional
medicines. [...]. Besides, I also had the opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of nature and to
challenge ourselves while living in island environment".
The volunteers admired the serious, enthusiastic and hardworking spirit of forest rangers at Hon
Bay Canh and Large Hon Tre. They are all very positive with a strong sense of responsibility
despite the challenging working conditions.
"The trip has brought my-self and all the companions not only the knowledge on sea turtles, but
also about ecological environment, life skills. We were able to see many other lives, which help
us better understand the meaning of our life. Above all, forest rangers are so responsible for their
work. Not everyone could do that without being strict self-disciplined. Furthermore, they are also
very optimistic. Their meals are always filled up with full of fun and laughs. However, they become
very serious and responsible at work and during meetings. That makes them even more
admirable to me and I found out that it is a really meaningful and happy trip for me to share their
work load and time in the most joyful manner”. Said by Nguyen Hai Van – a volunteer participated
from 26 - 20/08/2014.
For young students, the programme provided an opportunity for them to further enrich their
communication skills, teamwork spirit, time allocation, plus they made new friends.
8
According to Ngoc Le Hang – a volunteer participated from 26/8 – 4/9/2014: "The programmeme
helped me understand difficulties of others. Despite that, they still try their best to overcome these
difficulties for development so as to have more motivation for life”.
2. Evaluation of organizational preparation before the programme
87.5% volunteers confirmed that the organization was good
or very good. The programme was widely published on
various mass media in order to create equal participation
opportunities for everyone. The organizing committee sent
all information related to the programme agenda, necessary
materials to bring, rules on turtle watching, etc. All the
procedure steps were carried out on line to make it
convenient for contact and registration.
However, the volunteers also indicated some organizational
gaps and recommendations for improvement as follows:
It is suggested publishing announcement to more social webpages.
It is advisable to specify volunteer selection criteria as well as the number of volunteers to
be selected for each phase. If selection criteria are clearly informed, candidates can self-
assess their own capacity to meet the programme’s requirements. In the meantime, the
organizing committee could also reduce pressure and time for application screening and
selection. Furthermore, as each candidate could access to the programme information
under different time points. It would be a pity if the selection process follows the principle
of “first comes, first serves” as it may miss the most suitable candidates for the
programme.
The registration forms are not detailed enough to evaluate the volunteers’ information and
abilities. It is proposed to add information related to physical (height, weight) and health
status to ensure that the selected volunteers are able to perform the assigned tasks. To
better evaluate the candidate’s motivation and commitment, it is suggested to include
questions such as "Tell us about your recent community related activities?" "As a
volunteer, what will you do?”, “What is your communication plan after participating in this
programme? "
The registration deadline ended earlier than it was originally announced so as to make it
impossible for many others to apply. In addition, deadline for feedback and application
submission was rather short. It is advisable to set up a plan in advance to enable both the
organizing committee and volunteers to better arrange their time schedule and prepare
for the trip in terms of both spirits and health.
It is proposed to provide more images/photos of the location and at the same time to
organize 1 meeting before or after the programme to review and share information,
photos.
The organizing committee should select diverse volunteers in terms of age and social
backgrounds to facilitate greater outreach of the communication, awareness raising
messages to various social strata.
25%
62.50%
12.50%
Organization of the program
Very good Good Fair
9
3. Evaluation on the training for awareness raising and sea turtles rescue
According to 93.75% of the volunteers, the
training is very good or good. It provided
useful information about sea turtles, from how
to recognize different types of turtles to
reproductive behavior and survival instincts. It
also helped realize natural and man-made
dangers that threaten life and survival of sea
turtle species. The training also provided
volunteers with general information on sea
turtle conservation activities in Vietnam in
general and in Con Dao National Park in particular. Through training, all volunteers were equipped
with necessary regulations and experiences to not only ensure safety for them-selves but also be
able to accomplish the assigned tasks during the practicing periods on small islands. The training
was thoroughly prepared and started on time. The document profile was nice with concrete and
necessary information. Furthermore, the guide is so enthusiastic with clear and understandable
explanations.
However, the volunteers also recommended:
Documents and information on sea turtles should be sent to volunteers in advance for
thorough preparation so that volunteers could be able to ask more questions. Volunteers
37.50%
56.25%
0%6.25%
Training on sea turles rescue
Very good Good Fair Poor
Staff of Con Dao NP delivered a short training on marine turtle resue ©Đỗ Thị Thu Hà,2014
10
could not have enough time to go through the documents if they just receive it at the
training as they join the field trip right after the training.
The training did not fully cover all care and rescue skills (treatment) for sea turtles. During
the field trips on islands, volunteers met many wounded turtles but did not know how to
treat them. Such important knowledge and skills should be included in the training.
Practical experience is seen as the foremost important factor of this training while the
scientific factors have not been paid due attention. Some presentations are not so
attractive and could be presented in a more interesting way by including quiz questions.
Ngo Tien Thinh – a volunteer participated from 21-25/7/2014 stated "for me, this trip aims at
learning than helping forest rangers to rescue sea turtles. I wish to contribute much more, to stay
longer with forest rangers and do more things if I could join the programme next year".
4. Evaluation on sea turtles rescue activities at turtles protection stations
All volunteers highly appreciated and well rated
(good or very good) activities on sea turtles
protection at Bay Canh and Large Hon Tre
islands. Every step of the entire process, from
waiting for egg laying and digging, then moving
to nest for incubating was carried out very
patiently, carefully, without disturbing the mother
turtle while ensuring safety for nesting. Besides,
activities on nests marking and doing statistics
were conducted in a very logical and scientific
manner. Furthermore, nests relocation was
evaluated very effectively as majority of eggs
were hatched without missing any nests.
The enthusiastic and responsible forest rangers have made untiring efforts to fulfill their entrusted
tasks. Despite the hard and intense work, they are always cheerful to guide us. In addition,
working in the difficult context on the island, they are so innovative to come up with lovely and
exciting initiatives (such as a telephone box).
Hon Bay Canh Forest Protection Station (FPS) is an important location for sea turtle conservation
with rather solid facilities and sufficient equipment for operation, including boats, radios and guns,
etc. This is also the basis to ensure safety for sea turtles protection activities. In addition, the
station also has rainwater tanks to provide sufficient domestic water during dry season.
Furthermore, there is a volleyball ground so that forest rangers could enjoy their free time while
practicing physical exercise.
Nevertheless, the volunteers also found that living conditions at the station were rather limited.
For example, lack of electricity due to low quality power battery. Tourism to the islands has not
been linked with sea turtle protection. For example, documentation and information distributed to
tourists before visiting turtles is rather limited. Many tourists know nothing about turtles’ activities,
62.50%
37.50%
Sea turles protection activies on islands
Very good Good
11
its characteristics and traces. It is suggested combining communication on sea turtle protection
with tours for watching egg laying so as to promote turtle conservation and protection.
Furthermore, tour guides should also introduce messages related to problems that turtles are
facing up, possible solutions and communication messages on sea turtles protection. The
Tourism Section of National Park should prepare this information for tourists.
The volunteers noted that the number of forest rangers does not seem adequate. There are only
7 forest rangers in one station (with 3 egg laying grounds of turtles) that is also in charge of
protecting a marine area of hundreds of illegal off-shore fishing vessels. It is simply overwhelming.
Conservation work is entirely based on manpower. Without sufficient supporting facilities and
devices for reading card attached to turtles, it will be impossible to develop statistics on the
number of individual turtles to lay their eggs. PFS should be equipped with certain support tools
for daily operation, such as red flashlight to maintain vision without creating any harm to turtles’
eyes or making turtle mother panicked.
It is necessary to improve the premises next to the turtle hatching area so that forest rangers
could take over the night-shift on the spot, especially in bad weather conditions.
Some employees do not have sound knowledge about sea turtles (as they are specialized
rangers). Therefore, more materials/documents should be available for rangers at the station.
Furthermore, a professional team should be involved in protecting turtles annually during the
breeding season so as to share the burden of forest rangers. Besides, it is suggested further
remaining short-term volunteer team in order to create scale up effects on sea turtle conservation
in the community.
Baby turtles come back the sea ©Ngô Bảo Ngọc,2014
12
5. Evaluation on logistic arrangement during the programme
All the volunteers rated very high the logistic arrangements made by the National Park’ staff,
including the welcoming reception,
arranging accommodations, on-time and
safe transportation to Bay Canh and large
Hon Tre islands. Forest protection Stations
provided proper and thoughtful
arrangements, including nutritious food
and accommodations.
However, the volunteers also agreed that it
is important to make the best use of
volunteers’ time on the islands. The
programme enlarged for 5 days but
volunteers really engaged in practicing on turtle rescue and conservation for only 3 days. For
example the training could be carried out on the first morning, departure to Bay Canh Island in
the afternoon. Thus volunteers could have one more day to perform sea turtle rescue.
At FPS, it is possible to involve volunteers in all daily steps and work related to forest rangers’
life, including cooking, self-service, patrol at remote stations.
Communication between Con Dao National Park and IUCN should be more consistent and
clearer.
6. Evaluation on inter-action between volunteers
Volunteers quickly made friends with each
other after the first meeting during the trip.
Being so friendly and joyful people, they are
also very open, enthusiastic in team work
and with high sense of responsibility at
work.
"Although not knowing each other before,
we could get close quickly and therefore
ensure proper cooperation and team work.
The team leader has leadership
competence and takes good care of all team members. We are happy to share with each other
about everything from work to life. Thanks to this trip, we could know each other and get close as
family members for mutual learning" stated by Vo Ngoc Le Hang – a volunteer participated from
26/8 - 09/04/2014.
56.25%
43.75%
Logistic arrangement
Very good Good
37.50%
56.25%
0%6.25%
level of inter-action between team members
Rất tốt Tốt Bình thường Kém
13
"We have quickly become familiar with each other and work together to undertake the programme.
After the programme ended, we continued contact and meet each other to jointly dissemination.
Everyone is happy, sociable and respect each other. After the programme, we met and distribute
tasks and responsibilities. We plan to synthesize images, reports, and communication agenda of
all members to elaborate a master plan that uses common images, follows consistent procedures
with edited articles" shared by Nguyen Thi Phuong Le – a volunteer participated from 21-
25/7/2014.
Nevertheless, there remains certain disagreement, controversial characteristics among members
which resulted in inefficiency. One week after the programme, individual team member seemed
not actively carry out his/her own communication plan. Communication among team members
was rather limited due to geographical condition. Although we set up a group to share and post
our photos, articles and discussion, it is not being utilized..
It is suggested that other groups that may set up later should appoint a group leader to act as a
liaison. As such, forest rangers do not need to inform information to all the volunteers.. Instead,
the group leader will be responsible for communication, information/contacts sharing and
aggregation for each member. Everyone should comply with his/her committed communication
plan commitments. If it is a joint mission, the group leader will take overall responsibility and
coordinate the process. After receiving the list of group, all members could select and send IUCN
their proposed group leader or IUCN could nominate this person (in consultation with that person
and has his/her agreement)
The organizing committee should set up a group of diversified volunteers in terms of ages, suitable
jobs to facilitate mutual support.
Volunteers were awarded with certificate at the end of the programmeme © Phan Gia Khánh,2014
14
The teams split to Large Hon Tre and Hon Tai islands was to certain extent not so effective due
to limited number of turtles laying eggs on these 2 islands. During 3 nights, only 6 and 1 turtle
laying eggs on Large Hon Tre and Hon Tai Island respectively so that volunteers did not have
chance for direct engagement but only to observe as there are enough forest rangers to carry out
the tasks.
7. Evaluation on the field coordinators
The volunteers agreed that the local
forest rangers are very enthusiastic,
friendly and caring for volunteers.
However, they are not able to
communicate well with foreigners in
English which is a limitation while
guiding tourists to watch turtles
laying eggs. During the programme,
it is difficult to organize 1-2 hour
English class. It is necessary for the
staff here to equip with sufficient
English vocabulary related to sea
turtles, marine patrol and some
normal conversations. It is recommend to consider including an English session in the next
programmeme to enable both volunteers and staff to communicate in English during daily
performance on the island.
"For me, I still remember Mr. Cuong’s wrinkled face due to smoke and looking toward the sea. He
is a very cheerful person but turns to be a different person at work due to his seriousness and
experiences. Not only Mr. Cuong but also his colleagues as Mr. Thanh, Mr. Hoan, Mr. Long, Mr.
Han, Mr. Thang and Tuan, who are all young with deep feeling on life. Is it right to say that being
experienced with such dangerous moments,
people better realize spiritual values and know how
to revive their own confidence” – Vo Ngoc Le Hang
– a volunteer participated from 26/8 - 4/9/2014.
"During that night, one forest ranger whom I
accompanied called his family. He is married with a
little son who has just know how to speak. He could
only visit his beloved family 4 days/month. Hearing
what he said to his son, I understand how much
forest rangers sacrifice. Not only being engaged in
such a hard work, they have to be away from their
family, relatives, friends to protect nature and
national islands”. Ha Trung Hieu Nguyen - a
62.50%
31.25%
6.25%
Field coordinators
Very good Good Fair
Volunteers and forest rangers ©Võ Cường Quốc,2014
15
volunteer participated in the programme from 8- 12/07/2014.
8. Evaluation on information, documents circulated prior to the programme
According to all volunteers, they received sufficient and clear documents, including nice and
carefully printed information on sea turtles species living in Vietnam.
However, it is suggested sending this information to volunteers in advance as they had to search
for relevant information on the internet. As abundant and fragmented information is available on
internet so it took a lot of time to search for and select the most appropriate information.
The information related to forest protection stations and living conditions at these stations prior to
the trip was inadequate which is why volunteers brought so many unnecessary things (wading
boots ...).
"I think, relevant information and documents
should be sent to volunteers as early as
possible so as to enable them to best prepare
for the trip. In addition, I did not have much
information on the locations so that I brought
along many unnecessary things. Volunteers of
this year could share information for the next
volunteers for better preparation" suggested
by Nguyen Hai Van – a volunteer participated
from 26-30/8/2014.
9. Finance
All volunteers are known and fully explained
about their financial obligations before joining
the programme. However, there should be
consistency between Con Dao National Park
and IUCN on the contribution of volunteers to
avoid possible misunderstandings.
As stated by volunteers, participating in this
programme - in average - each person
contributed around 4.470,000 vnd. Volunteers
from Hanoi may have higher cost due to
greater travel expenses, between 5-7
million/person. However traveling by train to
Con Dao could save from 500,000 - 2,000,000
VND/person.
37.50%
31.25%
31.25%
Document circulated to volunteers
Very good Good Fair
75%
12.50%
12.50%
Will you continue to participate without financial support?
Yes No Will consider
16
When being asked, if they could continue to participate in the programme without financial support
from IUCN and Con Dao National Park; 75% confirmed their participation, 12.5% refused to join
and the remaining 12.5% would need to consider the total cost before making decision.
10. Motivation for joining the programme
When being asked about the reasons for participating in the programme, volunteers indicated that
41% of their motivation is the desire to understand about turtles; 20% for experiencing the harsh
life and 18.13% for exploring Con Dao. In addition, a number of volunteers enrolled for this
programme as they would like to share difficulties with forest rangers and their love for nature and
expectation to preserve biodiversity for future generations.
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
18.13
41.25
20.00
0.949.69
2.197.81
Motivations by average percentage
To explore Con Dao Island To know more about marine turtles
To experience a harsh life Necessary for my job
To have more friends To get certificates
Others
18.75%
81.25%
25.00%
0.00%6.25% 6.25% 6.25%
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
80.00%
90.00%
To exploreCon Dao
Island
To knowmore about
marineturtles
Toexperiencea harsh life
Necessaryfor my job
To havemore
friends
To getcertificates
Others
Which reason is the most important?
17
Which reason is the most important? Majority of the volunteers (81.25%) stated that their foremost
motivation is to understand about sea turtles meanwhile 25% of volunteers expressed that
experiencing with difficulties in life inspires them to register for the programme. The remaining
18.75% shared that the location – Con Dao is the leading factor that they enrolled.
The correlation between the age of the volunteers and their motivations has indicated that the
volunteers at higher ages have more desire to understand about sea turtles. While for the young
volunteers, they are keen to explore Con Dao, experience life in difficult conditions and be
acquainted with many friends.
11. Conclusion
Regarding to the entire programme, 44% of the volunteers rated the programme very well
meanwhile 50% and 25.6% considered it good and OK respectively. In addition, 87.5% and 12.5%
of the volunteers believed that the programme met 90-100% and 70-80% of their expectation
respectively.
“The programme has offered much more than what I expected. Not only being equipped with
knowledge on turtles, having wonderful days on the island but I could also meet people who are
so passionate at work. They are really great people, who keep going ahead in spite of challenges.
I had chance to experience a dream like life. It is so ordinary, familiar but also challenging and
joyful each day and night. I would like to express my deep gratitude to IUCN and Con Dao National
Park for organizing such a wonderful volunteer programme. My sincere thanks to a forest ranger
who is working directly a Bay Canh island for his dedicated performance that helped me
understand sacrifice and passion for the job. Many thanks to all the friends I met. Each person
has his own characteristic but you are all so adorable. This is one of the extremely memorable
trips in my life "- Do Thi Thu Ha – a volunteer participated from 8-12 / 7/2014...
87.50%
12.50%
To what extent the programmeme meets your
expectation?
90%-100% 70%-80%
43.75%
50%
6.25%
Overall assessment
Very good Good Fair
18
12. Impact of the programme
After the programme, many volunteers are active to share information on sea turtle conservation
with their family and friends under various channels. They've posted their feelings, images, video
clips and the programme logs onto the website and individuals’ Facebook. The volunteers also
created a Facebook page called "Sea Turtle Conservation - Volunteer community" programme.
Within 15 days from the date of establishment and upload, 92 people liked this Facebook (by
26.09.2014). Various articles about the programme were shared on Facebook of IUCN Vietnam
Media Network and have attracted interest of many people.
In addition, some members organized themselves or planned to carry out communication
activities, share information about sea turtle conservation with their communities. Ms. Truong Thi
My Chi has incorporated sea turtles knowledge in her teaching curriculum. She expressed:
"After the trip, I have provided lecture to 3 classes (300 students). When I shared information
about the programme, I received great sympathy from my students on the programme. They
almost know nothing before and were very excited! Before telling them about the programme,
they invited me for wildlife meat (I am working in Buon Me Thuot) but after listening to the
programme they changed their mind and invited me for chicken! I am so happy to join this
programme and have received great encouragement from my students"
Dao Viet Boi Quynh – a Volunteer participated from 26/8 - 4/9/2014 also held a talk and movie
watching with her “Drink and Talk” English
Club on 16/9/2014. Besides, Ms. Le Thu
Huong is planning to share a presentation
on sea turtles at a meeting the Vietnamese
community in Stuttgart, Germany. The
Organizing committee hopes that the
volunteers will become active
communicators in their communities so as
contribute to raising awareness of people on
conservation of biodiversity in general and
sea turtles in particular.
"I think this is a meaningful activity. Each volunteer – within their social position and working
environment will perform as a propagandist so as contribute to raising awareness of the
community “saying no to turtle products”, thereby reducing market demand, block output market
while reducing and eliminating invasive operations for turtles and turtle eggs. The propaganda to
community for better understanding about life and breeding customs of turtles will enhance
conservation effectiveness of sea turtles "- Nguyen Viet Cuong - participating from 26-30 / 8 /
2014.
Volunteers share information about the
programmeme at Drink & Talk Club ©Đào Viết Bội
Quỳnh,2014
19
THE PROGRAMME DIARY
All the volunteers recorded every moment joining this programme. Following is a typical message
of Ngo Bao Ngoc, participating in the programme for 10 days from 26/08/2014 to 09/04/2014 at
Bay Canh Island:
"27/8: Volunteer groups had a training session with Con Dao National Park Management Board
and Mrs. Hien-representative from IUCN. The group was introduced to general information about
the National Park and fundamental knowledge on sea turtles. After the training, different groups
moved to small islands to start the working schedule.
Our team is assigned to work at Bay Canh, a large and beautiful island that covers an area of 5.5
km2. We will work and live with forest rangers on this island
After dinner, it was nice surprise for us to learn that baby turtles were hatched. We were all in a
hurry and rushed to the turtle hatchery lake. We were even more surprise to see hundreds of
baby turtles running around in an extraordinary agility. It was so happy and moved for me to
witness the new lives.
The next task was carried out at 1 am, the group went out for patrolling at a large sandy beach to
detect mother turtle laying eggs. It was cold and windy that night. Fortunately, we all prepared our
jacket thanks to thorough guidance of the organizational committee. Indeed I do not think of
bringing jacket to the South in the middle of summer. It is true that the climate is particularly
special in the island. The group split into two, and one volunteer and I followed Mr. Long to patrol
on the left side. In the dark night it is difficult to determine the direction so that I was a little scared,
but when our eyes got used to the night while walking on sand, the light does not bother you
anymore. We found a mother turtle digging. While waiting for her digging, we asked Mr. Long
many things about the ocean and turtles. It was so holy to witness how hard the mother turtle lay
individual round eggs. The mother turtle was born here, after 30 years it still remember the way
back, has overcome countless dangers to survive up to today. Taking these very soft turtle eggs
to the hatching lake, my friends and I felt so joyful and imagined that in the next 2 months, many
little turtles will be born from here. Every early morning, we brought and released the newly
hatched baby turtles into the sea. Hearing the whispering waves, little turtles seem to wake up
and instinctively moved toward the sea – where they belong.
Our shift ended at 5:30 a.m. and it has helped us to recognize such a hard job of the rangers. Our
group just took a short nap and then continued the work in the morning. One of the simple but
emotional tasks is to dig the hole that turtles hatched for hygiene and do statistical ratio of the
born turtles. Scooping up sand, going into turtles nest, where little turtles create synergies to work
together to join this life, unexpectedly, we caught a young turtle remained deeply in the sand,
maybe he is a little weak or sleepy so as not to join his team members to the ground. In turn, we
found out and "rescued" more little turtles. We could hardly avoid our sad feeling when touching
the broken eggs or unlucky baby turtles who could not have chance to be presence in life. Being
20
born from the same mother, some little turtles are lucky while other just simply have endless
smooth sleep.
Daily life on Bay Canh Island is so sweet with
sunny days, beautiful-long beaches like a
dream, green mountainside, pure sea water
with colorful coral reefs. We and forest rangers
enjoy cooking and washing vegetable
together. These are really funny and
unforgettable moments. In turn, we told story
to each other and share our concerns,
interests. How precious the human being
relation is in such a place, where people is in
harmony with nature, where time goes so
slowly, only sea waves and rustling wind is
shaking forest.
During the sunny afternoons, the group went
out to collect rubbish and filled up the holes
that turtles were born. Sea waves brought
various bottles and corals to the beach. Many
eroded bottles looked so beautiful. After
completing our work, there appears the large
white sandy beach that stretches very soft and
gentle. Windswept and our laughter seem
endlessly intermingled.
There were long patrolling nights along the concrete beach. We had to walk under the sea, along
the cliffs during the tidal period to reach the beach. This is the daily task of forest rangers. It's
dangerous as one could lose his life due to any careless moment. How admirable and respectful
are forest rangers! These young rangers have spent his most beautiful life period in this area to
dedicate their youth to turtles, sea and forest.
The work goes on. Eight days passed so quickly on the island. We left our soul on the island when
we came back. Such an extremely memorable time in my life"
Baby turtle’s swimming to the sea ©Võ Cường
Quốc,2014
21
UNFORGETABLE MEMORIES
All the volunteers had chance to witness and experience different mixed emotions via different
stories that they shared with each other:
"It was really a great trip that brought us to different emotions as being happy, hopeful, scared,
etc. Happily waiting for the turtles come out of the nest one by one and then feeling hopeful and
silently watching every gesture of the mother turtle to lay eggs as mother turtle will be back to the
sea if she hears any noise. There was a case, mother turtle just laid one egg and then filled the
nest due to the noise. We were also so hopeful to count eggs in each nest. Sometimes, we looked
so frightened walking in the nights, following turtles’ trace to the bushes (regardless of being
frightened by our team members). Besides, the natural landscape here is so beautiful. I enjoyed
watching the undersea city, which is built by corals, tank crab - a crab only available in Con Dao
in addition with some unique fragrant flowers and grass that could only be found here! "Truong
Thi My Chi – a volunteer participating from 21-25 / 7/2014”.
"Other impressive memory is logistics. I have not cooked with fuel-wood in such a small kitchen
since long. My smoke caused aching eyes helped recall my unforgettable voluntary programme
in mountainous forest in the central highland region 10 years ago. We enjoyed the great and
delicious food that we prepared together with forest rangers for 3 days on the island. I could not
hire my happiness when being complimented by others for my delicious food. It is true that the
good appetite and delicious meals have facilitate and contributed to successful performance on
sea turtles rescue " Vo Cuong Quoc - participating from 26-30/8/2014.
"Huong was here with us when the turtle 1 laid egg. At the end, the mother turtle looked so tired
and tried best to lay the last egg. She took deep breath and then strained again. Seeing Mr. Thang
passed by, I asked:
- Should we do anything to help her? Like what we could do to help dog and cat when
they give birth.
Mr. Thang tried not to laugh and asked:
- How could you help her?
I also lifted up, and everyone laughed, then my case of supporting mother turtles laying eggs were
occasionally mentioned "Nguyen Hai Van – a volunteer participating in the programme from 26-
30 / 8/2014
22
"Although this is my first time to experience a canoe trip and it was shaken up to 30 degrees with
black sea water slapping into our face, but my heart still clinging tightly in the chest while enjoying
the magical night scene. I believe that the around quiet rangers must have their own standards
for small and big waves so even though my hands are burning up by tightly gripping the rope, it
failed to frighten me of being afraid or having the slightest bit of fear”.
Suddenly Mr. Han shouted: "it is not OK chief. It is not possible
to drive with such big waves!” A moment of silence, I heard a
voice in my chest troubles. Then Mr. Hoang instructed: "Slow
down!” The canoe then slowly decelerated and moved
between waves. Nevertheless, it remained constant
staggered, almost at the same rhythm with my heart at that
moment. Somehow I feel that seawater became so cold in
addition with the frightening dark space created a giant
creature that was playing with the canoe and our lives.
I was mentally prepared for the worst case scenario, then Mr.
Anh said: "could you not drive under such gentle waves! Slow
down gradually. It will be over soon. Such type of wave is not
really matter at all ". In waves, I could not hear clearly what Mr.
Anh instructed but after a while I felt less worried although the
canoe was still struggling to balance under chaotic waves. And
so we finally could reach San beach in a very challenging
manner as sometimes, big waves seemed to almost turn the canoe upside down. I just stood on
the beach in less than 30 seconds then Mr. Hoang urged me to jump up to canoe to go back to
the sea. This time, following Mr. Anh’s guidance, we went to the round way back to the mangroves
and could therefore peacefully avoid some big waves.
While being safe at the mangroves, my legs were still shaking, Mr. Han felt relief: "my God! Sea
waves as big as a house, my heart wants to shoot out!” I learnt that he has driven canoe for the
national park over 5 years. He added: "we were lucky earlier. Mr. Anh just talked to calm us down!"
Then he smiled as if it is simply their routine. Nguyen Hoang Tan - participating from 26 / 8-4 /
9/2014 recalled.
"My most unforgettable memory of this programme was the trip to the furthest San beach from
the protection station through forest to sea turtles laying eggs. I and some forest rangers started
at noon to prepare for the patrol at San beach. Due to the dangerous way, only I and another
volunteer could join this trip. We had to walk more than 2 hours in forest with sharp thorns,
crossing various cliffs with additional risks of being attacked by snakes. Feeling nervous and
excited, I quickly followed them.
We divided into two shifts, Mr. Cuong – the forest ranger and myself worked from 6p.m to 11 p.m.
then Tuan Anh – a volunteer and Mr. Thanh – forest ranger continued until the next morning. At
around 4.30 a.m., Mr. Nguyen Van Anh and Mr. Hoan, the Head and deputy head of the forest
Forest ranger in Bay Canh
Island ©Vũ Hoài Nam,2014
23
protection station brought food to our place. Together with Mr. Han – the canoe driver and Tan –
a volunteer, they had to pass big waves to bring food to us as the sea was very strong that day. I
learnt a lot of tricks applied by turtle eggs thieves. The danger appears from both forest and deep-
sea. Knowing that the San beach is far away from forest
protection station, thieves regularly go to the spawning
site and seek for egg nests. Once, forest ranger found
them exploring egg nests but could not catch them as
there were not any laying turtles on that day. Forest
rangers could only prepare a memoire on illegal access
to turtles’ spawning site. Regarding to the under-water
targets that are mainly fishermen, they act even more
brutally as they killed mother turtle, then take both eggs
and meat for consumption. They can hire themselves
under water and wait for turtles or catching turtles when
they are mating nearby coral reefs. They even hire
themselves on the trees, waiting for forest rangers
passing by then they silently go to the turtles laying site.
Coming back to the shift, with practical experiences,
Mr. Anh believed that the thieves would act when the
lighthouse was off. The group was divided into 3 groups
for watching the coast. Just then, some dogs appeared
from the forest. All of us breathlessly watched the
situation as according to the existing regulation, forest rangers could only sanction violations if
catching the cases with clear evidences. Suddenly, the dogs barked loudly when recognizing us.
Illegal hunters are very wise to use hunting dogs. So it was unfortunate that the suspicious illegal
hunters quickly be back to the mountains and quietly hiding themselves in the jungle. The forest
protection stations’ Chief fired did warning shots and chased the dogs back into the forest as
regulated, dogs are not allowed at the egg laying site. We all felt very uneasy as in spite of the
existing regulations, illegal turtle hunting still happen. Looking at a hidden angle at the end of the
coral reef, there were many turtle shells abandoned as results of illegal hunting. It was so sad that
many people are not aware of wildlife protection. They could destroy the entire ecosystem on this
planet just simply of their own interest and benefit. It is more to blame individuals who consume
turtle eggs because they are told that eating turtle eggs will make them lucky and healthy. - Vu
Hoai Nam, participating from 26/8 - 4/9/2014.
“There were also some moved moments when we dig the nests. Some small turtles were born
but not having chance to see the blue sky. A little turtle that made me unforgettable for her beauty
and gentle but she was so exhausted to move. She was just lying and looking toward the sea.
Come on! Your mom, sisters and brothers are waiting for you there! Try best! You were born to
belong to the sea, you should return to that great ocean to take marvelous trips around the
oceans. I released her to the sea and encouraged her to swim… but she simply could not and
gradually sank…. My heart seemed broken at that moment. Good and deep sleep – my little turtle!
The ocean mother embraces you gently”. Shared by a volunteer - Ngo Bao Ngoc.
Volunteer & Forest ranger in Bay
Canh Island ©Vũ Hoài Nam,2014
24
“I ran out and saw her being very emotional
using her flashlight to search on the
ground. She said: “Something has
attacked some of the babies and they are
all lying with the belly up now!” My heart
sank. So far we had been always happy
seeing and touching the hatchlings and felt
like their cuteness would have stayed
forever with us, we were not prepared to
see some blood on their bodies with the
suffering that we could actually feel. I
stepped into the fenced area where Ngoc
was trying to check whether there were
more. We found 5 of them lying in agony
and were sobbing as we could not find out
what has done this to them. They probably were the later members that came from the same
clutch so we might have missed picking them up. Ngoc and I brought them into the house for
better assessment, the rest of the team came and also the rangers. It was a heart-broken scene,
one of the hatchling was dead with the open wound at his neck, and the rest was just suffering,
they would not budge. We found bites mostly on their neck or head, I even could see the flesh
inside one’s brain as the head was almost crushed by the hit. Since there was no rescue team or
someone who knows how to save these dying babies, the only thing we could think of doing is to
clean the wound and let them rest overnight. Holding their little bodies in such pain was not an
easy job for me. The rangers took a look and said the attack might have come from a snake, or a
crab, or a mouse. They concluded it was a mouse which would have made a big effort to climb
over the fence and got in to seize some prey but was not successful and left the babies behind
almost breathless. I felt so bad, I wished we had picked them all out, I wished we had come
sooner, I wished there would have been something we could do to save these lovely creatures.”
Đào Viết Bội Quỳnh – a volunteer participating from 26/8 to 4/9/2014 told her sad story when baby
turtles were attached by mouse.
Baby turtle in Con Dao ©Ngô Bảo Ngọc,2014
25
FOR CONCLUSION ….
"It is difficult to express the emotion that we have experienced over such a short period.
We did not simply acquire more knowledge about sea turtles, ecological environment,
about what people could do and need to do to protect their habitat and conserve species
that are at the edge of extinction. Furthermore, we were offered a great opportunity to
experience a different life in nature, a free spirit and learn about responsibility towards
society. Thanks to all forest rangers, I could have chance to learn more about life and
admire their high sense of responsibilities" - Nguyen Hai Van - a volunteer participating
in the programme from 26-30/8/2014.
Turtle laying eggs in Con Dao ©Nguyễn Hải Vân,2014
26
ANNEX List of volunteer participated in the Sea Turtle Conservation Programme at Con Dao in 2014
NO. FULL NAME Year of
Birth
Sex ADDRESS AGENCT Email
TIME PERIOD: 8-12/7
1 Nguyễn Thành Trung 1993 Male New York Queens College, City University of New York
2 Nguyễn Hà Trung Hiếu 1998 Male Hà Nội Thăng Long High School – Hà Nội
3 Trần Hà Minh Đức 1997 Male Hà Nội Lê Quý Đôn High School [email protected]; [email protected]
4 Phan Gia Khánh 1997 Male Mỹ Student in USA [email protected]
5 Đỗ Thị Thu Hà 1976 Female UK Director of Sa Pa Essentials
6 Nguyễn Vĩnh Lợi 1987 Male HCMC GIS Officer, Sub FIPI in Southern region
PERIOD: 21 - 25/7
1 Nguyễn Thu Hà 1981 Female HCMC Regional Manager, Human Dynamic Vietnam
27
2 Nguyễn Thị Lê Phương 1984 Female HCMC Webtretho community manager
3 Trương Thị Mỹ Chi 1981 Female Bình Định Lecturer at Teachers’ college - HCMC
4 Đặng Thị Thu Hoài 1985 Female HÀ Nội Director of OSCA [email protected]
5 Nguyễn Anh Vũ 1990 Male HCMC Programmeming Engineer - Robert Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions Vietnam
6 Ngô Tiến Thịnh 1994 Male Tiền Giang Student at Environment Faculty – Nature Science University
PERIOD: 26/8 - 30/8
1 Tran Thi Thu Trang 1977
Female
Bangkok ILO Bangkok [email protected]
2 Nguyễn Hải Vân 1978 Female Hà Nội Interior Engineer – Turner Company - Việt Nam
3 Lê Thu Hương 1978 Female CHLB Đức [email protected]
28
4 Nguyen Viet Cuong 1972 Male Hanoi Viet Blossom Co., Ltd [email protected]
5 VÕ CƯỜNG QUỐC 1981 Male HCMC Team leader on training and capacity building, Samsung Vina
PERIOD: 26/8 - 4/9
1 VÕ NGỌC LỆ HẰNG 1992 Female HCMC Polytechnic University - HCMC
2 ĐÀO VIẾT BỘI QUỲNH
1990 Female HCMC Green Youth Collective [email protected]
3 Vũ Hoài Nam 1984 Male Hà Nội Director of New IDEA Joint-Stock Construction Company
4 Ngô Bảo Ngọc 1990 Female Hà Nội Central Institute on Economic Management (CIEM)
5 NGUYÊN HOÀNG TÂN 1992 Male HCMC Student at Polytechnic University
6 VŨ TUẤN ANH 1985 Male HCMC Lecturer of Accounting Faculty – Industry and Trade College – HCMC.
