Sand Creek Village, with support from the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS), recently hosted its 4th Turtle Festival.
According to a statement on the Facebook page of SRCS, the event celebrated the yellow-spotted river turtle, which is a vital part of the ecosystem.
It was revealed that the festival is a part of Sand Creek’s efforts to monitor and protect these turtles stem from a commitment to reversing their decline.
The festival, the SRCS said, was packed with games, skits, songs, dances, art, and knowledge-sharing about turtles and the stunning Rupununi.
It was also supported by the Frankfurt Zoological Society which provided sponsorship and supports yellow-spotted river turtle conservation.
The Guyana Tourism Authority also played its part through sponsorship and continued work with Sand Creek to strengthen eco-tourism livelihoods, of which conservation is an important part.
Representatives from Amazon Conservation Team Guianas, Conservation International Guyana, Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme Guyana, Visit Rupununi, and the South Rupununi District Council all attended the festival.
These donors supported with gifts, assisting with the games, and helping to make the event a success.
Also, the Protected Areas Commission, Sand Creek Village Council, Sand Creek Turtle and Red Siskin Rangers and the SRCS team played a vital role while the communities of Parikwarunawa, Potarinau, Quiko, Shulinab, Sawariwau, Karaudar, Aishalton, Maruranau, Shea, and Sand Creek played their part through art, song, and dance.
