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Leatherback sea turtles are classified by the IUCN as Vulnerable on a global level, but their subpopulation in the Western Pacific are faring far worse than others. According to scientists, that population has declined to just 1,400 breeding adults, leaving them critically endangered.

At the forefront of those efforts is The Nature Conservancy, which is partnering with the Solomon Islands government to gather data from critical nesting beaches in Isabel Province, with funding from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

And although strict gender roles dictate much of Melanesian culture, TNC is slowly shifting the tides at Solomon Islands through the recruitment of women rangers.

On this episode of Climate Connections, Pete Waldie, Solomon Islands Program Director of The Nature Conservancy shares his first-hand insights.

Feature produced and edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)
Voiced by: Emaad Akhtar
Photo credits: The Nature Conservancy
Music credits: pixabay & its talented community of contributors

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