This is the 1st time where all components of the Indonesian Government and the Village leaders met with the Indonesian NGO partner of S.O.L.O. and the S.O.L.O. Foundation.

Many issues were discussed and agreed to, including the tasks S.O.L.O. with its International volunteer PhD Marine Biologists and turtle veterinarian developed research agendas based on past years of the NGO’s activities and active Leatherback research to obtain missing nest data so as to be, over time, in a better position to quantify missing answers which directly relate to the efforts of extinction avoidance for this endangered species. Issues as to pay and compensations at each level were discussed and agreed to.

New Initiatives
S.O.L.O. will fund construction of a new staff house on the active nesting beach which will be capable of sleeping 8 to 10 researchers and staff quite close to where the Leatherbacks come out to nest. The previous house was destroyed by the recent series of earthquakes. A rare modern convenience in the jungles, of a real toilet and a fresh water supply will be added as will electric lights powered by a generator. The staff house will serve many other purposes as an on site meeting and training location as well as a convenient location of sleeping for a planned beginning of ECO Tourism in August. The ECO Tourism will provide badly needed incomes for the village staffs and wives who will cook/clean for the groups who visit.

S.O.L.O. has established a special Earthquake Trust Fund to obtain Donations to assist in recovery/rebuild activities after the huge series of earthquakes struck and destroyed many houses, church and school.

Further information can be obtained by e-mail: saveourleatherbacks@earthlink.net . Web Site: www.saveourleatherbacks.org . S.O.L.O. is an IRS (501(c)(3) non profit Foundation. YOUR Donations keep us going forward.