In a secluded part of the Western Pacific, Wenceslaus Magun is tirelessly advocating for the preservation of endangered leatherback turtles.
These majestic sea creatures are on the verge of extinction, and Magun is fervently dedicated to their cause.
The leatherback turtles are among the five most critically endangered species worldwide, according to the international conservation union.
Magun is deeply troubled by this dire situation, prompting him to become their staunch defender and prevent their irreversible disappearance.
“These turtles need a voice,” asserts Magun. “I’ve taken it upon myself to be that voice.”
Magun’s journey started in 1995 when he collaborated with the Late Sir Peter Barter.
Their expedition took them to Ramu Ranger, where they rescued leatherback turtles ensnared in ropes, intended for consumption or financial gain.
Overcoming past actions, Magun found redemption through the Turtle Island Restoration Network, transforming his remorse into an unwavering commitment, and becoming a beacon of hope for these turtles.
Leatherback turtles, known for their magnificence, are on the brink of extinction and nest in New Guinea, with the Huon Coast boasting the second-largest nesting beach.
Nesting season occurs from October to March in the Western Pacific, with each turtle nesting up to three times, laying about 100 eggs per clutch.
The conservation of female leatherback turtles, who lay around 2,100 eggs in their lifetime, is crucial.
These turtles play vital roles globally and regionally due to their migration routes and feeding habitats around Australia and the California current ecosystem.
They journey from the Gulf of Mexico to Southern California, with nesting beaches spanning regions like Madang, Milne Bay, and the Solomon Islands.
After spending most of their lives at sea, they return to their original nesting spots guided by imprinted GPS markers on their heads.
Recent local victories include the protection of nesting sites.
At Malas Primary School, students safeguarded a nesting leatherback turtle, ensuring the safe journey of hatchlings to the sea after a 65-day wait.
Despite collective conservation efforts, challenges persist, as a regrettable incident unfolded when a young individual hunted and consumed a female leatherback turtle.
However, hope remains as the eggs are unharmed, and hatchlings embark on their sea-bound journey.
In Tokain 2 Village, the Leatherback turtle has become a symbol of unity, sustenance, and cultural harmony.
Across generations, this revered sea creature has played a vital role, serving as a traditional meat that fosters solidarity within families and the larger community.
The act of hunting these creatures’ showcases skill and underscores their cultural significance, beyond providing sustenance, as leatherback turtles are believed to have mystical powers.
Traditional songs and dances in the village pay homage to these sea creatures, celebrating ancestral heritage, spiritual values, and healing practices passed down through generations.
As twilight descends on Tokain 2 Village, the Leatherback turtle transcends its role as a source of nourishment, becoming a beacon of unity, an embodiment of heritage, and a testament to the enduring power of shared culture and values in an era of rapid change.