3 turtle hatchlings approaching the sea. (Photo by David Reynolds on Unsplash)

It is heartening to see the current efforts being made to protect our sea turtles.

Malaysia has banned the exploitation of leatherback turtles and their eggs and World Wildlife Fund-Malaysia is currently working towards a complete ban in the consumption and trade of eggs for all sea turtle  species.

About a week ago, a new Caretta Flag scheme was launched at 2 turtle nesting beaches in North Cyprus. The aim is to encourage beach restaurants and hotels to minimise their impact on turtle nesting habitats while managing their facilities by giving incentives. Through establishing sea turtles as a flagship species, such a scheme would improve the management of our marine and coastal environments.

Visitors supporting the new Caretta Flag scheme in North Cyprus. (Photo by North Cyprus Society for the Protection of Turtles)

From research and conservation funding to legislation changes and schemes, the conservation of turtles is a combined effort that includes not only researchers, companies and policy makers, but you and I.

How would our perception of sea turtles impact the decisions we make with regards to their conservation?

A man taking a photo of a sea turtle. (Photo by Jondave Libiran from Pexels)

A case study in China by Lo A. et al. ( 2012) revealed that one barrier towards changes in environmental behaviour for the preservation of sea turtles is the cultural acceptance of turtle consumption in Asia, even amongst the younger generation. Does this mean we need to reject culture for the conservation of a species? I beg to differ. We are able to make small changes in our daily lives while embracing culture. It is your choice to make. Choosing to be another active voice and spreading the message of making mindful decisions like opting for a non-plastic alternative is a way you can contribute to saving the turtles.

What needs to be different?

Change will only happen when we are able to witness the connections between our behaviours with the environmental threats towards sea turtles. Only then, we can appreciate the rewards of adopting pro-environmental changes in our lives.

A close up portrait of a sea turtle. (Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash)

Robert Swan once said:

“The greatest danger to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”

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