Diani: Conservation stakeholders have intensified efforts to safeguard endangered sea turtles along Kenya’s coastline through community engagement, environmental education, and partnerships aimed at promoting sustainable marine ecosystems. Speaking during the seventh annual Sea Turtle Festival held at Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort in Diani, Olive Ridley Project Kenya Education and Outreach Officer, Juma Gwerenya, said the event was designed to inspire the younger generation and local communities to become champions of marine conservation.
According to Kenya News Agency, Gwerenya explained that the Olive Ridley Project, officially registered in Kenya in 2024, focuses primarily on sea turtle conservation and the protection of marine habitats. This year’s festival brought together students, teachers, community members, conservation organizations, and residents from the South Coast region. Gwerenya noted that the organization sponsored participation by eight schools, each represented by 30 students and
three teachers, alongside eight local community groups.
Gwerenya highlighted the numerous threats facing sea turtles, including coastal development, habitat destruction, plastic pollution, and accidental capture in fishing gear. ‘We often say that only one in a thousand hatchlings survives to adulthood. A single turtle may lay between 70 and 200 eggs in one nest, but the many threats they face significantly reduce their chances of survival,’ he said.
He observed that conservation awareness among coastal communities had improved considerably over the past three years, with several groups now registering as self-help groups or community-based organizations to sustain conservation initiatives independently. ‘Today, fishermen know how to safely release turtles caught in fishing nets and understand the legal protections surrounding these animals,’ he added.
Gwerenya further emphasized the importance of involving children in conservation efforts. ‘These students are future conservationists, future leaders, and f
uture biologists. If we nurture their understanding early enough, they become ambassadors for marine conservation,’ he said.
Students who attended the festival echoed the importance of environmental stewardship. Mark Muta, a pupil from Gazi Junior School, said the event had broadened his understanding of sea turtle conservation. ‘We have participated in beach clean-up exercises at school and learned that discarded fishing nets can trap turtles and cause their deaths. We also learned that Kenya is blessed with five of the world’s seven sea turtle species,’ he said.
Sasha Wairimu of Lakeside School said the festival had taught participants about the dangers of plastic pollution. ‘We learned that sea turtles sometimes mistake litter for food, and when they consume it, they can die. I would like to urge everyone to avoid littering, especially near beaches,’ she said.
The festival also attracted support from the hospitality industry. Meanwhile, Lilian Mulupi of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) n
oted that attitudes toward sea turtles had changed significantly over the years. ‘Compared to 10 or 15 years ago, conservation efforts have improved because communities now understand the importance of protecting turtles,’ she said.
Mulupi explained that some coastal communities previously hunted turtles for food and traditional medicine, contributing to population declines. ‘There was a time when sea turtles were heavily exploited. In addition to direct consumption, nesting beaches were being destroyed through the construction of seawalls and poorly planned coastal development,’ she said.
However, she observed that increased awareness had encouraged hotels and other stakeholders to adopt turtle-friendly practices. ‘Some hotels are now ensuring that their lights do not shine on nesting beaches, while others are reducing activities that interfere with turtle nesting habitats,’ she added.
Mulupi also highlighted the challenges researchers face in estimating turtle populations due to the animals’ migratory be
havior. ‘Sea turtles travel vast distances, sometimes moving between countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Somalia. Researchers use photographs of the unique scale patterns on turtles’ faces, much like human fingerprints, to identify individual animals,’ she said.
From Funzi Island, conservationist Athman Kipusa described ongoing efforts by the Beach Management Unit (BMU) to protect turtles and their nesting sites. ‘Our work includes clearing beach debris that could endanger turtles and guarding nesting areas against poachers and predators,’ he said.
Kipusa stressed that sea turtles should no longer be viewed as a source of food. ‘Sea turtles are not delicacies; they are national assets that contribute significantly to tourism and the economy. Anyone who witnesses the destruction or illegal capture of turtles should report it immediately to conservation groups, KWS, or fisheries officers,’ he said.
The Sea Turtle Festival underscored the growing collaboration between non-governmental organizations, govern
ment agencies, educational institutions, community groups, and the private sector in safeguarding Kenya’s marine biodiversity. Conservationists believe that sustained public awareness, community participation, and youth engagement will be critical to ensure that future generations inherit healthy oceans where sea turtles continue to thrive.
