Funds under this award are to be used to implement a sea turtle conservation program in Sao Tome and Principe primarily focused on protecting and recovery the hawksbill population. Sao Tome and Principe host the largest hawksbill nesting population along the African Atlantic coast. The intent is to protect hawksbill and other sea turtles from poaching for meat, eggs and shells. Activities include: 1) conducting a 6 day training workshop of all staff, rangers, and field assistants on sea turtle biology and field techniques, ecotourism and communication skills; 2) conducting daily nighttime patrols on 22 km of the main hawksbill nesting beaches of Sao Tome during the nesting season, Sept. 15- April 15; 3) relocating nests as necessary to beach hatcheries to protect from poaching, predators and erosion; 4) conducting education and awareness activities with local communities; 5) supporting the Sea Turtle Women Traders Association in developing their skills to produce t-shirts, bags and other souvenirs as an alternative livelihood activity.