Help the Turtles Survive! Public Opinion Survey

Public Opinion Survey

Socio-Environmental Survey

The research approach adopted for this project is based on the concept of Inductive Reasoning. In this method, one moves from specific observations to broader generalizations and theories.

The main underlying theme of this project is the identification, evaluation and analysis of the factors that may be rendering the turtle habitat in the project area unsuitable for nesting/hatching and to develop linkages and correlations between the various human and physical variables as they impact directly or indirectly on the turtle habitat.

The research type was quantitative, however, all quantitative data is based
upon qualitative judgments and the study type being relational in nature.

Prior to the survey, literature review was conducted and field visits of the project area were carried out. In addition, extensive consultations were held with relevant stakeholders that included the City District Government of Karachi (CDGK), Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Manora Cantonment Board, Town and Union Council Administrations, Local Communities, Sindh Wildlife Department and WWF Pakistan.

A socio-environmental survey has been conducted for the acquisition and gathering of information on the various aspects of the beach habitat, their inter-relationships and how they relate to the project objective of green turtle habitat conservation. Another important objective of the survey exercise was the assessment of the possibilities of using Hut Chowkidars as Environmental Stewards for the protection of turtles and their habitat.

DATA COLLECTION VARIABLES - SAMPLE SIZE 50

Questions / Topics
Yes

No

Awareness About Turtles and Their Habitats

Are you aware that the turtles visiting the beaches are
classified as endangered species in threat of extinction?
22

28

Are you aware that the turtles come to lay eggs on the
beaches and that the turtles and their habitat are in need
of protection?
49

1

Are you aware that conservation programs are being
undertaken in the area for the protection of the turtle
eggs/hatchlings?
48

2

Do you protect turtle eggs/hatchlings or assist
organization working for their protection?
40

10

If you are given the responsibility of protecting the
turtle eggs/hatchlings then would you accept this
responsibility?
44

6

Land Based Threats to the Turtles

Do the growing number of huts on the beaches pose a threat?
12

38

Does the garbage / litter on the beaches pose a threat?
49

1

Do the visitors on the beach pose a threat?
12

38

Is sand being excavated from the beaches?
11

39

Do you think that the beaches and sand dunes are being eroded?
22

28

Do the birds pose a threat to the hatchlings?
49

1

Does the dogs pose a threat to the turtle eggs and the hatchlings?
50

0

Are the lighted when the turtles visit the beaches at night?
30

20

Is the open space/sand and where the turtles lay their eggs on the
beaches being reduced?
26

24

Do you feel that the present arrangements for the protection of
turtles on the beaches are inadequate?
41

9

Improved Habitat Management

If you are provided training and asked to protect turtles
and their habitat and with this added responsibility are
given financial incentives in the form of salary rise, would
you accept this responsibility?
45

5

If in order to increase the space for turtle nesting some
huts are demolished, then do you think that it would
help in greater protection and promotion of turtle
nesting and hatching process?
26

24

Would a restriction on the use of huts during the nesting
season (September to October) will help in better
protection of turtles / habitat?
33

17

Would improvement in the beach environment help in turtle/habitat protection measures?
49

1