We went to Setiu a couple of days ago to discuss with the head master of SK Mangkok regarding our up-coming 3rd Terrapin Independence Day. As usual, we fixed a date and we discussed the program for the day.

Terrapin Independence Day (TID) is a day when we release the river terrapins that we head-start on campus. The first TID was held on 31st August 2005 @ SK Mangkok, Setiu. More than 300 people attended the opening and release ceremony, including the teachers and students of SK Mangkok, local villagers and three bus loads of Buddhists from Selangor and Terengganu.

The second TID was held on 9 September 2006 @ SK Penarik, the other school which is a stone’s throw away from SK Mangkok. And this year, the third TID will be held on 8 September 2007 @ SK Mangkok once again — the release is held alternately in each school to avoid unnecessary conflicts between both schools.

But the meeting wasn’t so much the highlight of the day. In fact, the sand-mining operations which had recently begun on the very beach that the river terrapins were released for two consecutive years was. Apparently, the sand was mined to deepen the river so that bigger boats could use the river.

The villagers were not happy with the sand-mining operations because it would cause houses built near sand banks to collapse. Moreover, such big-scale sand-mining operations would affect the major terrapin nesting beach and the river terrapins would not return to lay eggs.

Prof Chan Eng Heng, who heads the Turtle Research and Rehabilitation Group in Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, was also upset to hear of the sand mining operations.

She said river terrapins would never return to nest in the area if the banks were destroyed.

“If this continues, the river terrapin population will be greatly affected, and they will become extinct in less than 10 years,” added Prof Chan, who has been running a river terrapin recovery programme for Sungai Setiu since 2004.

- Source: Terrapins facing danger, The Star, 24 August 2007

So the press were alerted to highlight the issue in the papers in a bid to stop the authorities from damaging the nesting beach and further push the terrapins to the brink of extinction.

Related posts:

• Second Terrapin Independence Day a success
• Pictures of Terrapin Independence Day 2006

Ever wondered how much “nature” your lifestyle requires? You’re about to find out by taking the Ecological Footprint Quiz.

The Ecological Footprint Quiz estimates how much productive land and water you need to support what you use and what you discard. There are a total of 15 simple questions and at the end of it, you’ll be able to compare your Ecological Footprint to what other people use and to what is available on this planet. However, to complete the test, you will need to know the population size of the area you’re residing in, the size of your house and the amount of petrol your car or motorbike consumes per 100 km.

However, the quiz does not allow you to uncheck any radio buttons, so my final ecological footprint cannot be taken as it is since I do not travel by motorbike, and I (obviously) have no idea how much petrol my (imaginary) motorbike consumes per 100 km!

But if you do travel by car and motorbike, you may want to take the quiz and see if everyone lived like you, how many planets we would need :)

Brandi, or more affectionally known as Enthral on the blogosphere, creates unique accessories and jewelry from vintage, reclaimed, re-purposed and recycled elements. Eventhough she’s currently based in Nova Scotia, Canada, she will ship her items world-wide.

Enthral has a collection of very pretty accessories and each of them is handcrafted herself. She currently has over 70 items in her online store including bracelets, earrings, necklaces, pendants, key chains and hair accessories. Some of my favourites accessories are as follow:

The item on the right is called the Copper Love Choker (left) which features a hand-shaped 18-gauge copper wire and a glass vintage button. The choker measures 16 inches when closed and the pendant hangs 1.25 inches from the choker and measures 1.5 inches wide. The choker costs $30 and there’s only ONE in stock.

My second favourite item is the Art Deco Pendant (right) which features a vintage glass button wrapped in sterling silver wire. The button measures just over an inch in diameter and approximately 1.5 inches from top to bottom. It is suitable for a chain or other stringing material. The black silk cord shown in the photo is not included, but if you would like one, there are a few different options available in Enthral’s online store. The pendant costs $24 and there’s only ONE in stock.

And my third favourite item is none other that this Turtle Back Ring (left) which features a green, glass vintage button as the focal point. It sits upon coils of sterling silver wire. The ring is open at the back and is adjustable. It fits up to size 6 and is adjusted be gently squeezing the ends of the ring together or by spreading the ends apart. The turtle back ring costs $16 and there’s only ONE in stock.

Enthral readily ships her items to the US and Canada but if you live elsewhere, you are advised to arrange the shipping of the items (may incur more charges, naturally) with her. The good news is, she accepts PayPal and credit cards alike! :) However, please read the promotions, shipping procedures and store policies carefully before you make your purchases.