Community Guardians: Protecting Sea Turtles in KIFCA

Along the coastal waters of southern Rakhine State, local communities are playing a vital role in protecting one of Myanmar’s most threatened marine species—the sea turtle.
Established in 2018, the Kyeintali Inshore Fisheries Co-management Area (KIFCA) covers approximately 665.5 km², encompassing 10 coastal communities and three designated sea turtle conservation zones.
Since 2019, community monitoring teams have worked to protect sea turtles and their nesting beaches with technical and financial support from the Myanmar Biodiversity Fund (MBF). In 2023, the programme was strengthened through the introduction of SMART monitoring tools and additional training for community members and partner organizations, enabling more systematic and evidence-based conservation.
Local Fishers: From Resource Users to Conservation Partners
Local fishers have become an important part of the conservation effort. Between 2021 and 2023, 22 sea turtles accidentally caught in fishing gear were safely released, including Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, and Green turtles. In addition, four sea turtles were tagged during 2023–2024, contributing to ongoing efforts to understand and protect these species.