Save the Gili Turtles & Help to Build a Hatchery

The end of the nesting season!

As we look back on the past quarter, Proyek Penyu has many milestones to shell-ebrate. We successfully concluded the nesting season at the end of September, only to be surprised by an additional turtle nest hatching on October 1st. This surprise extended the season and reminded us of the unpredictable yet incredible nature of conservation work in a changing global climate.

Throughout the season, we conducted 7 workshops with local businesses to raise awareness about turtle conservation. Encouraged by the positive response, we aim to double this number during next year’s nesting season, whilst modifying the training to make it suitable for kids for workshops in the local schools in Trawangan and GilI Air. 

We also observed unrecorded nests hatching, revealing both a gap in data collection and a positive takeaway: some areas of the beach remain safe for turtles to nest and incubate their eggs without human interference. These findings highlight the importance of balancing protection efforts with the turtles’ instincts for survival.  

Our team has grown in confidence when it comes to nest excavations, which occur 48 hours after initial hatching. This season, they successfully rescued several hatchlings that were too weak to dig themselves out. While rewarding, this delicate task underscores the importance of professional expertise to ensure the safety and success of our flippered friends.  

What’s Next for Proyek Penyu  

We are committed to enhancing our efforts and extending our impact. Our team of “turtle trainers” is preparing to improve monitoring techniques for the next nesting season, ensuring we are ready to protect every nest.  

To reduce administrative costs, we are collaborating with dedicated volunteer developers to build a website. Additionally, we are redesigning our educational materials to make them more accessible to local communities, tourists, and digital audiences alike.  

Networking remains a priority as we strengthen ties with international marine and wildlife experts. These relationships will help us create a robust emergency response network for any unforeseen situations.  

Finally, we’ve taken a significant step by submitting a research proposal to Mataram University, aiming to deepen our understanding of sea turtle behaviour and conservation strategies.  

Thank you!

This quarter has been turtley exhilarating, and we’re grateful for the ongoing support of our partners and community. With your help and generous donations, we’ll continue to make waves in turtle conservation and ensure a brighter future for these incredible creatures. 

Links:

• Helpful Turtle Conservation Flyers