Juara Turtle Project is an environmental conservation project aimed to rejuvenate the Sea Turtle population and habitats of Tioman Island in the most natural way possible. The effort is privately funded and operated but belong communcally to Kampung Juara where it is located. Only a few individuals head thi hard-lined project toward its goals, but it is made possible by volunteers and support from a few independent organisations.

The project involves Sea Turtle egg protection and hatching, explaining environmental responsibility and awareness, conservation of marine habitats, living in a naturally respectful manner and sustainability within the surrounding political and economical environment.

About Tioman and Juara

The Sea Turtle population of Tioman Island has been decimated in the past 30 years. When once female nesting turtles would come onto Juara beach nightly, now because of exploited egg consumption and development on the island this beach only has 3 or 4 nestings a year. Some of the turtles have taken refuge in nesting at nearby less desirable beaches, but for the most part the turtle population and sustainable habitats as a whole is reflected in this massive decrease of activity on Juara Beach.

Juara is still a functioning Kampung village where the economy is not entirely based on tourism. Juara still holds a chance against the direction of tourism exploitation and the destruction of many more natural habitats if conservation action is taken.

The Short Story About JTP

The Project is located in Kampung Juara, on the eastern coast of Tioman Island, Malaysia. It is operated and maintained by a small group of individuals with the help of volunteers. The majority of funding comes from revenue generated by Lagoon and Riverview resorts. Other funding is provided by United World College (UWCSEA) and donations from visitors.

Here we run a hatchery program that turns over about 10,000 eggs a season. The hatchery is made to protect the eggs from predators and poaching or consumption. As a side effect of the hatchery we now have a couple handicapped Green Turtles on site that we care for as they could not survive in the wild. We also work with school groups to encourage their interests in conservation and environmental awareness. More so, our focus is that of responsible behavior towards the environment for the sake of the environment and all the life on earth. Our work with Sea Turtles is a result of them being right in our backyard here.

The Juara hatchery was established in 2006 when Juaras' Riverview Resort adopted a local government run turtle hatchery at the end of its five year contract.

The Project is to be run as an independent operation and is constructing a new facility as a home for the conervation project. The site is currently being constructed. The first goal is that it will be self sustainable financially. Also we would like support from Malaysian organizations, as the project is in Malaysia. Another major goal is the support of the goverment and especially the local community in protecting Tioman Island as a natural area. Another good step is organized communication between the different Sea Turtle and other conservation efforts within Malaysia.