The Turtle Foundation (TF) started its marine turtle conservation programme on Boa Vista Island in 2008, responding to an increase of illegal marine turtle hunting, for its meat and eggs consumption, and destruction of nesting beaches.

Since then, and with support of key partners, marine turtles nesting habitats and nesting females have enjoyed additional protection. Currently TF monitors approximately 30 km of beaches (divided into three camps - Boa Esperança, Lacacão and Norte). These camps are managed by local teams, and operated between June and October, with the direct collaboration of protected area guards, Cape Verdean Rangers, national and international volunteers.

In addition to the protection and monitoring of nesting beaches, TF develops education and environmental awareness activities, as well as providing assistance to community development projects for alternative income generation, mainly with Associção of Mulheres Cabreiras, and Associação Varandinha.

The current proposal aims to respond to the continued pressure on turtle nesting beach poaching, and to provide training to a community Rangers, which began in 2015. The training will enable community members to be better prepared, and consequently participate actively on the monitoring activities on nesting beaches. Additionally, the project will create conditions to promote balance between the needs of nature and man, establishing a sustainable relationship between the two, promoting their long-term viability.