What drives a turtle hunter to become a marine conservationist?

The efforts of Fauna and Flora, Fundação Príncipe, Oikos and MARAPA have focused on collecting holistic data on fishing activity, marine biodiversity, attitudes towards conservation and community well-being.

Lindo was born and raised on the island of Príncipe - from the age of ten he spent his days fishing. As an adult he worked as a spear fisherman and supplemented his income by hunting and selling sea turtles.

But in 2007, everything changed when a project to protect Príncipe's turtles emerged. Turtle poaching was banned and sellers of turtle shell crafts were compensated, but no support was given to spear fishermen.

Undaunted, the project manager worked with the fishermen to capture the turtles, tag them, collect samples, and release them, paying the fishermen for their work. The value of a live turtle soon far exceeded that of a dead one.

Lindo was inspired to join a turtle conservation project with local NGO, the Príncipe Foundation. He has since expanded his expertise and is playing a key role in supporting a project that addresses the drivers of marine biodiversity loss through the establishment of Marine Protected Areas.

Working hand in hand with fishing communities – particularly fishermen and fish traders – Lindo is ensuring participation in decision-making and resource management, and helping to diversify livelihood options.