Balancing Tradition and Conservation: The Use of Turtles in Balinese Ceremonies and Its Environmental Implications

This study examines the delicate balance between cultural practices and environmental conservation in Bali through the use of turtles in Balinese Hindu rites. Due to cultural value, traditional usage persists notwithstanding Government Regulation Number 7 of 1999 and international accords like CITES. The Turtle Conservation and Education Centre (TCEC) in Serangan Village, known as Turtle Island, educates the community, preserves local traditions, and promotes sustainable tourism to conserve turtles. We assessed turtle conservation programmes and their effects on local traditions through interviews with key community members and village observations. 75 of respondents indicated that they would continue to use turtles in traditional ceremonies. While some argue that the law permits the offering of turtles in traditional ceremonies due to their holy status, others hold a different view. The findings indicate that this society values cultural heritage and biodiversity conservation, yet they frequently clash. The perspectives of the Serangan Islanders on TCEC show that it is possible to effectively conserve turtles while simultaneously fulfilling economic needs and preserving traditional events. This study emphasises the need for socio-culturally adaptive conservation techniques to protect endangered turtle species. It requires increased community engagement and education to link traditional practices with conservation demands to preserve culture and the environment. © 2024 The authors.