Problem Statement:
Artificial lighting along the Padang Kemunting beach is having a detrimental impact on sea turtles by deterring female turtles from nesting; confusing hatchlings to orient landward instead of navigating seaward; and causing hatchlings to linger near artificial lights and face death from dehydration, predation and exposure to the sun.

Rationale/Justification:
Through community engagement and local government support a new Light Management Plan will be developed that mitigates the detrimental impact of artificial lighting on sea turtles. This will minimize beach lighting, reduce wattage, change the direction of lighting and use alternative light bulbs like LED that employ acceptable spectral distribution.

Overall Objective:
Establishment of the first turtle-friendly village in Malaysia based on the principle of sustainable development, turtle conservation and towards improvement of the livelihood of local communities.