Protect the Sea Turtles

Sea turtles are one of the earth’s most ancient inhabitants and have been swimming in the world’s oceans for more than 100 million years. It is saddening to realize that all sea turtle species are now endangered, including the Olive Ridley. Once an abundant species of sea turtles, the Olive Ridley population is now rapidly declining.

One of the greatest threats to their survival is the loss of their natural nesting grounds. Since sea turtles always return to the same beaches to make their nests, land development can leave them without a place to nest and lay their eggs. For the Olive Ridley turtles, recent plans to develop a port in Orissa, India – dangerously close to their largest breeding grounds – pose an additional threat for the already endangered species.

The extinction of the sea turtles would mean the loss of these magnificent beings, revered in many indigenous cultures as the symbols of creation, wisdom and longevity. Furthermore, sea turtles play a critical role in the marine ecosystems, so their loss would also potentially threaten the vitality of the oceans, beaches, and dunes – ecosystems that are crucial to the survival of many other species, including human beings.

To help protect the Olive Ridley sea turtles, you are invited to add your name to this campaign to have the port at Orissa shifted to an alternative location that will not threaten the nesting grounds of this highly endangered species.