Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) - Introduction

Today we'll be introducing the Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) based in Setiu, Terengganu. TCC's works include the conservation of turtles, but emphasis is on the river terrapins here in Terengganu.

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The following is taken directly from TCC's about us page.

A Brief Introduction
The Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) was founded in May 2009 by Tan Sri Dr. Salleh Mohd Nor and Dr. Chan Eng Heng who has recently retired from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. The centre will be located in Setiu, the heartland of important nesting habitats for both painted and river terrapins as well as the green turtle.

Plans for the centre are ambitious. It will have multiple functions as a centre for research, conservation, education and conservation-tourism activities related freshwater, terrestrial and marine turtles in Malaysia. It will also serve as a rescue centre for turtles confiscated from illegal trade. It is envisaged that the centre will bring benefits to the local community in Setiu that has been identified as one of the poorest districts in the country.

Physical facilities for the centre will include an open-air hatchery, buildings to house laboratories and offices, ponds and tanks for head-starting of freshwater turtles, ponds and other outdoor enclosures for rescued turtles, breeding ponds for captive breeding work, outdoor exhibits for interpretive purposes and housing for staff, visiting scientists, interns and volunteers.

The founders are now sourcing funds to develop physical facilities for the TCC. Proposals have also been submitted to several funding agencies, both local and abroad to support the turtle conservation projects to be carried out by the TCC.

Vision Statement
The Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) will be Malaysia’s anchor organization to create the conditions for turtles to thrive under the care and protection of informed local communities, an educated and motivated public, dedicated NGOs and a concerned government.

Mission
The TCC will be dedicated to the restoration of the symbolism of Terengganu with turtles through hands-on freshwater and marine turtle conservation and research programs, and public outreach through educational campaigns, volunteer and fund-raising activities.

The TCC will also strive to bring about the recovery of depleted wild populations of freshwater, terrestrial and marine turtles in Malaysia through partnerships with like-minded organizations and individuals as well as through its own innovative programs.

In the up and coming weeks, we'll be posting information about Turtle conservation here in Malaysia, including those of river Terrapins. If you find these posts useful, please help share it with your friends.


Reference:

• http://www.turtleconservationcentre.org/

[All images have been provided by TCC and used with permission]