Today was an early start, 5am for breakfast and then another trip to Sukamade Beach to release sea turtles that had hatched. The normal incubation period is about six weeks and during that time the eggs are protected from predators and human disturbance in a hut a short distance from the beach. Each morning eggs are collected, recorded and buried in beach-sand pits within the hut. The day we visited there were enough hatchlings for everyone to name and release two baby turtles.
Sea turtles rely on a complex memory system that enables the females to return to the same beach, should they make it to maturity, to lay their own eggs. We stood on the beach approximately 25m from the shore such that the turtles would gain the instinctive memory required when released. I was amazed at the strength of the newly hatched turtle as it pushed against my fingers, single-mindedly just wanting to race to the water. As mentioned yesterday, I had seen turtles laying eggs before but taking part in releasing these creatures on their first day sea-life was special. I truly hope “Harvey” and “Wilma” have long and fulfilling lives, their instinct was strong so I am confident they will survive, at least I didn’t see the sea-eagles above swoop down and cut it very short. As an experience I was glad to see the organisation did all they could not to stress the mothers and babies as they pass through this ritual. In the evening, torches and flash photography was prohibited and the rite of passage occurred as naturally as possible.
Next we saw how the locals practiced a mixed culture farming. A variety of food producing trees (coconut, cocoa, fruits and vegetables) were planted among rubber trees creating a syntropic environment, providing employment for many members of the community. We were taken to a factory that processed all of the area’s produce, at the time we visited they were processing rubber and coconut husks. The husks, in fact all of the older trees, were used in the production process demonstrating the sustainability of this community. The factory was established with government assistance which enables them to trade throughout Asia, particularly the rubber production, whilst sustaining lifestyle for themselves in this secluded corner of Java.
Following the inspiring example of sustainability in the 21st century, we returned to our hotel in Banyuwangi (a few hours by 4WD and bus) in time for dinner and a much needed sleep.
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