From Beach to Ocean: Jocotoco's Foundation Efforts to Save Endangered Sea Turtle Species

Good news! The Ecuadorian government decided to protect 8 miles of the coastland profile on behalf of nature conservation. This resolution will complement our efforts to preserve the 4 species of sea turtles that breed on the beaches in front of our Ayampe reserve. We are helping them find a safe way toward the sea after hatching, and now they can have a secure path for long-term survival underwater.

As the Ocean Conference in Panama evidenced in early March, protecting our seas provides innumerable advantages to humankind, from food security to climate mitigation. Beyond these vital benefits, as films like Finding Nemo show, the often wonderful and sometimes bizarre marine life captures our imagination. Marine turtles are examples of charismatic flagship species that inspire us. We are convinced of the importance of understanding the unseen ecological services these migratory species offer to their ecosystems. Like many other marine species, sea turtles maintain the health of the oceans, each playing critical roles that are not mutually exclusive. Every species counts.

At Jocotoco Foundation, we are committed to conserving sea turtles in alliance with the Ancestral Community “Las Tunas” in our Ayampe reserve. Together, we are guarding the beaches, as they are critical sites for the reproduction of four species of sea turtles: Olive Turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), both considered vulnerable under the IUCN red list, Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) and the Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), considered in danger and critically endangered respectively.

Jocotoco and the Community protect hundreds of nests that are increasing in number year to year with this joint work, and we are thrilled to know that the Hawksbill sea turtle, who disappeared from our shores a few years ago, is back in “Las Tunas” beach.

Our dedication to safeguard turtles and reduce egg mortality guarantees that thousands of recently hatched individuals make it safely to the ocean”.

However, as soon as the young turtles leave the beaches, they face several threats, most notably overfishing and bycatch. Many organisms undergo the same menace, but it is particularly severe in species with delayed maturity. Comparable to humans, sea turtles do not reproduce until they are 20-30 years, implying that most individuals might never get the chance to produce offspring.

Jocotoco is working with the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment on the 30x30 initiative to conserve 30 percent of natural areas by 2030. Ecuador recently announced the protection of 1.5 million hectares within 8 miles of the continental coastline. This resolution will bring significant benefits in climate change mitigation, food security, and biodiversity conservation as it will protect the nurseries of keystone species.?

Protecting Ecuador′s coastline will improve marine ecosystems' health and strengthen sea turtles' protection. This decision will enable the conditions to research and monitor marine biodiversity activities. It can catalyze long-term success for coastal communities to thrive and for conservation organizations like ours to focus our energy where it is most needed.

This promising news keeps our work motivated to monitor and protect sea turtle nests, elevating the number of recently-hatched individuals reaching the sea.

Find out more about Jocotoco’s work in Ayampe reserve, and join us in our efforts to preserve habitats and the species depending on them.