Photo : Researcher from IPB University’s Faculty of Forestry studies an adult pig-nosed turtle (Carrettochelys insculpta) in Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua Province
BOVEN DIGOEL – Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) Group and IPB University joined hands in a pig-nosed turtle (Carrettochelys insculpta) preservation action in Kao and Muyu rivers in Boven Digoel Regency, Papua, Saturday (12/16). This freshwater animal is an endemic one, found only in South Papuan regencies like Asmat, Mappi, Merauke, and Boven Digoel.
The joint project was initiated in an agreement signing with IPB University researchers on a five-year conservation deal that began in 2022 and would end in 2026.
TSE Group’s role in this project is providing all the researchers’ needs, such as conservation equipment, accommodation, and transportation throughout the course of the research.
“Pig-nosed turtles are endemic to Papua. Our observations have so far found that their eggs are used by local communities, so we did an ecological study on the adult turtles to see their range of movement. Surely, TSE Group’s support has helped with the research and the conservation process,” said Mirza Dikari Kusrini, an environmental, reptile, and amphibian scientist from IPB.
Carettochelys insculpta is a protected species according to Agricultural Ministerial Decree No. 327/Kpts/Um/1978 and reinforced by Government Regulation 7/1999 and Environment & Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.20/Menlhk/Setjen/Kum.1/6/2018 (on protected flora and fauna). Its status calls for a need to prevent its extinction.
Photo : Part of the research in Kao River, Jair District, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua
As a company based in Boven Digoel, TSE Group pays special attention to biodiversity and environmental safeguarding efforts around its operational areas. Doing this drives the firm to take part in initiatives that protect South Papua’s endemic species.
This action is also consistent with TSE Group’s commitment — as an oil palm plantation company in Papua — to practice sustainable palm oil governance and put out innovations to protect and maintain the biodiversity in the Birds-of-Paradise Land. (PR)
