Fact: Sea turtles have been in existence for over 100 million years and are a vital part of marine ecosystems.
Fact: Nearly all sea turtle species in the world have been classified as “endangered”.
Fact: According to the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), sea turtles numbering tens of thousands are lost annually due to illegal trade and overharvesting.
Fact: Habitat loss and climate change are also threats to sea turtle existence.
Fact: In countries like Sri Lanka, initiatives such as the Our Turtle Conservation Project (OTCP) are doing their bit to help in turtle conservation.
Getting there
The Our Turtle Conservation Project (OTCP) can be found along the beach around 10 minutes from Berjaya Hotel Colombo. It is easy to access from St. Rita’s Road and is a short drive from Mount Lavinia hotels.
The Beginning
OTCP has been involved in turtle conservation since 2003 focusing on protecting hatchlings and ensuring their safe release into the sea. It looks to also educate visitors about the importance and dire need of conservation.
Turtles in Sri Lanka
Of the seven sea turtle species in the world, five species can be found in Sri Lanka;
01. Green Turtle
02. Olive Ridley Turtle
03. Loggerhead Turtle
04. Leatherback Turtle
05. Hawksbill Turtle
Visitor Experience
At OTCP, visitors get the chance to interact with some of the turtle species mentioned above. Depending on when you visit, you can see an enclosure turtle eggs, or better yet, young hatchlings!
Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+
