The Turkish Mediterranean coast is a nesting ground for three of the world’s seven sea turtle species. At Titreyengöl Beach, near the popular holiday regions of Antalya and Side, Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) lay their eggs every year between May and September. But during this time, the beaches are filled with hundreds of thousands of tourists – turning survival into a game of chance for the turtles.
Carelessly placed umbrellas can crush nests, as can fires on the beach or litter. The footprints of countless visitors compact the sand so heavily that hatchlings cannot break through and die underground.
Turtle hatchlings usually emerge at night. While moonlight should guide them to the sea, bright lights from beachfront bars and restaurants disorient them. Every misstep, every disturbance costs lives – and threatens the survival of these already endangered species.
Since May 2023, the DERTOUR Foundation has been working closely with DEKAFOK, which established an observation and information center at Titreyengöl Beach. Volunteers patrol the beaches every night, document nests, secure hatchlings, and educate guests and hotel staff through regular environmental awareness programs.
Guests can visit the project during a solar boat excursion, experiencing firsthand the work and information center of the project partner DEKAFOK on site.
When a rehabilitated Loggerhead turtle is released back into the sea, a new chapter begins. This was the case for Abdi. After a long recovery, she was finally free again – but this time, something was different: Abdi carried a small GPS tracker on her back.
This tracker does more than just follow her movements. It provides scientists with unique insights into Abdi’s life – her migrations, feeding grounds, and the routes she may one day take back to her birthplace.
The data collected helps researchers implement crucial protection measures, such as local fishing bans, new protected areas, and regulations to ensure the survival of these ancient marine species.
Abdi’s story shows that conservation comes to life when we don’t just protect, but also understand. Knowledge brings responsibility – and responsibility creates a future. Every journey a turtle undertakes is an adventure, full of dangers but also hope. Each turtle that reaches the sea safely is a small victory for conservation. One day, Abdi may safely return to her natal beach to lay new life in the sand where her journey began.
When a rehabilitated Loggerhead turtle is released back into the sea, a new chapter begins. This was the case for Abdi. After a long recovery, she was finally free again – but this time, something was different: Abdi carried a small GPS tracker on her back.
This tracker does more than just follow her movements. It provides scientists with unique insights into Abdi’s life – her migrations, feeding grounds, and the routes she may one day take back to her birthplace.
The data collected helps researchers implement crucial protection measures, such as local fishing bans, new protected areas, and regulations to ensure the survival of these ancient marine species.
Abdi’s story shows that conservation comes to life when we don’t just protect, but also understand. Knowledge brings responsibility – and responsibility creates a future. Every journey a turtle undertakes is an adventure, full of dangers but also hope. Each turtle that reaches the sea safely is a small victory for conservation. One day, Abdi may safely return to her natal beach to lay new life in the sand where her journey began.
You can find out more about our cooperation partner,
DEKAFOK Coastal Protection Assosciation, on project partners.
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