Visionary, pioneer, inspiration…............
At the height of leatherback slaughter on Matura Beach, the Forestry Division and local community saw value in sea turtle protection. They set about the monumental task of developing a sustainable community enterprise while reducing poaching from thirty percent to zero. To accomplish this goal, Suzan Lakhan-Baptiste and others turned down salaried jobs to pursue a daunting opportunity. With unwavering passion, enthusiasm, and sincerity, Suzan leads the team that vowed to make a difference.
Confident in leadership, Suzan battled beach patrol gender stereotypes. Poachers, late nights, and foul weather did not stop her from protecting nesting female leatherbacks. Suzan’s dedication and focus motivated community members, including family and friends, to act. Residents engaged in “meaningful volunteerism” contributing significantly to the Matura Turtle Conservation Programme (MTCP). The empowered community conveyed the importance of protecting leatherback sea turtles, a globally important and shared resource, to the world.
As poaching on Matura Beach decreased, focus shifted to education. Nature Seekers and Forestry Division partnered with the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WIDECAST) to facilitate program technical development. Organizations throughout Trinidad, the Caribbean, and International communities utilized the resulting MTCP model. It is the sense of being part of something bigger that keeps Suzan going during the exhausting nesting season.
Her “love what you do” attitude has paid off. In 1993, Suzan was inducted into the United Nations Environment Programme Global 500 Roll of Honour for Environmental Achievement. Sitting among scientists, engineers, and Ph.D.’s at the ceremony in China, she promised to redouble her efforts. “The only limitation we have is what we set for ourselves. There is nothing we cannot achieve,” she insisted. Today Suzan sees bright, new faces mixed in with Nature Seekers veterans. As the next generation of volunteers pitches in to carry the organization forward; Suzan pauses to reflect on the challenges and sacrifices. When asked if she would do the same all over again, her reply with absolute certainty, “Of course, I would. This has been a personally fulfilling journey.”
Now Suzan has made a strong impact on CNN which resulted in a special CNN Hero accrediation . Check it out!
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