Dozens of children from across the Pilbara have been contributing to the conservation of turtles each year since 2017, through partnerships between the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), local schools and community organisations.

A recent paper, published in Marine and Freshwater Research, demonstrates how the partnerships between DBCA, Onslow School, Roebourne District High School and Waalitj Foundation are empowering young Aboriginal people to connect with Sea Country and contribute towards the conservation of flatback turtle populations in the Pilbara.

Lead author Clodagh Guildea from DBCA’s North West Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program, said that enabling on-Country opportunities with positive role models benefits both people and the environment.

“Studies have found that interest in the environment in adulthood is strongly linked to experiences in childhood with role models who value nature. These meaningful experiences are essential for the success of long-term conservation programs, while also improving the health and wellbeing of young people,” Ms Guildea said.

Co-author and manager of Onslow Waalitj Foundation, Suzanne Wilson, said the DBCA and Waalitj Foundation “Turtle Camp” has been running every year since 2019 on Thevenard Island.  

“Turtle Camp is a special opportunity for Aboriginal families from Onslow to be together on Sea Country and make connections with significant places and sea life that can be passed along for generations to come,” Ms Wilson said.

The experience also provides hands-on education that complements STEM curriculum at the regional schools. Co-author and Roebourne District High School deputy principal, Atanas Dimitrov, said the camp on Delambre Island, now in its third year, provides an authentic opportunity for local young people to engage with Country in a scientific manner.

“To be part of the scientific process that allows the mangurlarra [children] to conduct monitoring and see how that information is used is valuable learning as custodians of ngurra [Country]”, Mr Dimitrov said.

Cultivating engagement pathways for Aboriginal young people with aspirations in conservation science, joint management and governance is an important aspect of the partnership between DBCA, schools and community groups.

More information about the work of DBCA’s North West Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program can be found at www.flatbacks.dbca.wa.gov.au.