The Akassa Clan Council of Chiefs in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has approved the sea turtle conservation regulation by-law in their domain.
It was gathered that the gentleman agreement to conserve the sea turtles in Akassa has been in existence for about 25 years but the Safe Earth Foundation—an environmental rights group—has facilitated its formal adoption.
In a statement signed by the chairman of the chiefs council, Chief Newton Igbani-Okuru, the chiefs stated that the regulation is to protect and conserve sea turtle populations and their habitat in Akassa.
It was gathered that the council also authorized the Safe Earth Foundation to begin sensitizing communities to revitalize the conservation efforts.
Reacting to the development, the executive director of the foundation, Ebiegberi Henry Raynus, profusely thanked the chiefs for the decision.
According to him, the approval of the regulation was achieved by a collective effort.
“This is a welcome development attained through collective efforts. I’m thanking the Akassa Clan Council of Chiefs for prioritising conservation of the environment.
“We are calling for a robust collaboration from all sectors to promote survival of vulnerable marine and coastal species,” he said.