FIRST ENCOUNTER OF THE SCIENTIFIC VOLUNTEERS
OF THE LOGGERHEAD TURTLE PROJECT
REP. CABO VERDE - SUMMER 2004

The Loggerhead Turtle (caretta-caretta) Project culminated the year of 2004 with an official gathering of the participants organized by the Environmental Dept of the Regional Government of Fuerteventura at the Albergue-Hostal of Tefia on the weekend of 25-27 February 2005. Present was the resident organiser of the project Sr. Don Luis Felipe Lopez Jurado. Prof of Veterinarian Studies at the ULPGC and presided over by Dr. Tony Gallardo, Director of the Environment Dept.

It was the first encounter of its kind dedicated to the subject of the Loggerhead Turtle in the history of the islands and provided 12 scientists presenting issues on the population and its future ... studies in illnesses ... recuperation of the species activities ... nesting and circulation ... comparisons in multi-paternity; included also the activities of the origination of the camp (7 years now) and the future for the volunteers programme, many of whom participated from the island were there. This is an important issue for the help it gives the scientists and towards the survival of an endangered specie.

During the evolution of these talks, a photographic exhibition was on permanent display showing by pictures the activities of the volunteers with the support of the scientists ... also it showed various photos of the Boa Vistan natural environment in comparison with that of Fuerteventura, which was once a paradise before the onslaught of destruction by the un-controlled construction activities in tourism of the island.

We shall see too, how long it will take the destructive capacity of human beings to destroy yet another paradise ... another of the few that now exist.

The selection of these photos you will find in the Gallery along with those of the release of the two injured turtles which were vet-handled back to health in the now famous Recuperation Centre of Tafira Alta in Gran Canaria ... they were released back in to the clear waters of Puerto Lajas on Sunday the 27th by the group and in attendance were local sympathisers and some youngsters that thoroughly enjoyed it all.

If you are reading this page and you want to volunteer even without experience you can do so under Travel or Volunteers. All the information is held there-in and the personal contact for your English speaking guide is there also ... please note the European agent for this programme ... it is well worth the visit, the experiences awaiting you are outstanding ... and your help needed & appreciated.

NOTE PLEASE: the dates given for the volunteer programme are subject to change in accordance with scientific priorities. Please check for approved volunteer dates by before making any travel arrangements.

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