Conservation of Sea Turtles Regional Action Plan for Latin America and the Caribbean Photo: Fran & Earle Ketley
Rare and threatened reptiles Each day appreciation grows for the ecological roles of sea turtles, which range from the maintenance of healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs, to serving as food for marine and terrestrial predators, and even controlling the proliferation of jellyfish. They are also very valuable to coastal communities that benefit from tourism focusing on sea turtles. Six of the seven species of sea turtles inhabit the waters of Latin American and the Caribbean. They are: green turtle (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), the olive and Kemp s ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea and L. kempii), and the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea). Leatherback turtle All are threatened with extinction, mainly from destruction of beaches and feeding grounds at sea, overexploitation of their eggs, meat and shells, as well as mortality in nets and hooks of the region s fisheries. Illustration: Raziel Méndez / Defenders of Wildlife
A regional effort Due to their migratory habits, sea turtle conservation is an issue demanding a regional approach. Unilateral efforts by governments cannot completely protect sea turtles, since they cover distances that encompass the jurisdictions of various nations and international waters. WWF in action Since its founding in 1961, WWF has supported many efforts for sea turtle conservation around the world. The Marine Turtle Regional Action Plan for Latin America and the Caribbean defines the priority themes, directions and actions on which WWF will focus its efforts. In this region, WWF concentrates on the conservation of leatherbacks, hawksbills and Eastern Pacific green turtles, due to their highly threatened status. Sea turtle conservation is linked to community development by strengthening non-extractive uses such as tourism. It also advocates for responsible fisheries and the preservation of critical marine habitats. Thus, these reptiles serve as flagship species for addressing broad environmental themes. Hawksbill turtle Photo: WWF-Canon / Cat HOLLOWAY
What do we want to achieve? 100-YEAR VISION: Sea turtles flourish in the marine environment, providing multiple benefits to coastal communities throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. 25-YEAR GOAL: The recovery of key populations of sea turtles in the Eastern Pacific and Western Atlantic oceans. 3 TO 15-YEAR GENERAL OBJECTIVE: The significant reduction of threats to selected populations of sea turtles from the loss and degradation of their critical habitats, unsustainable use and incidental capture in fisheries. Eastern Pacific green turtle 10-YEAR SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: 1. Save the critically endangered Pacific leatherbacks from extinction. 2. Ensure the recovery of Western Atlantic leatherbacks. 3. To maintain hawksbill genetic diversity and secure their recovery. 4. Ensure the recovery of the Eastern Pacific green turtle (Ch. mydas agassizi). 5. Promote non-extractive uses of sea turtles that improve the quality of life of coastal communities. 6. Ensure that extractive uses are sustainable and allow the recovery of the species. Illustration: Raziel Méndez / Defenders of Wildlife
Photo: Sebastián Troëng Sea turtles are worth more alive than dead because of the tourism revenues generated for coastal communities. Our strategy 1. The needs of human as well as wildlife are taken into account. 2. The slogan for curbing over-exploitation is Turtles are worth more alive than dead. 3. Conservation activities are based on scientific knowledge. 4. Objectives are achieved through teamwork with partners and specialists. 5. Case studies feed-back as conservation models into future actions with lessons learned. 6. Horizontal transfer of best practices is stimulated by promoting encounters among peers. 7. Alliances and coordination with stakeholders are a requirement for undertaking the challenge of conservation. 8. We intervene at various levels, supporting local, national and international initiatives, from a regional perspective. 9. The plan responds with dynamism and flexibility to emerging threats and opportunities. 10. The plan s activities are evaluated using indicators of success, achievement and performance.
You can contribute to their protection by supporting our work or collaborating with us! For more information: Carlos Drews cdrews@wwfca.org Regional Coordinator for Marine Turtles Conservation WWF Latin American and Caribbean Programme Phones: +506 2348434 / 2534960 Fax: +506 2534927 San José, Costa Rica web: www.wwfca.org Production: Communications Department WWF Central America Cinthya Flores, Rafael Esquivel Photo: Liana Drews