This project will support the sea turtle hatchery in the Isla de Mendez community. The hatchery is managed by a group of 80 men and women who are working to rescue nearly 60,000 eggs annually and while simultaneously supporting their livelihoods., This project would support sea turtle conservation by encouraging community members to participate in different education activities, baby sea turtle releases, and beach clean-up campaigns to attract more visitors to the community.
Sea turtle populations in El Salvador are facing a variety of threats. These include the trade of eggs, climate variations, uninformed visitors, ocean pollution, deforestation, contamination by agricultural activities, and the non-sustainable use of natural resources. There are regulations for the conservation of sea turtles, but not everyone is aware of the actual effects of leaving trash on the beaches or trading the eggs of sea turtles.
A program managed by local participants will be implemented to collect about 60,000 sea turtle eggs and release about 42,000 babies. The program includes educational activities to promote the conservation of sea turtles along with beach clean-up campaigns to encourage community members to keep the ocean clean. At least three educational billboards will be installed, so visitors are aware of the importance of keeping the area clean for the sea turtles that come to lay eggs on the beach.
Sea turtles are considered a keystone species, and the conservation of sea turtles will have significant positive impacts on the environment. As more turtles can lay eggs, the overall health and biodiversity of the ocean will improve. This program will also promote community tourism, which was something that has helped the community in the past, but because of different factors, it stopped. The ommunity will have the chance to get income from tourism-related activities while conserving turtles.
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