SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION
SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION
Sea Turtles are an important part of the global ecosystem, and their survival is vital to the health of many aquatic and terrestrial environments. They help to control the population of other species, maintain the health of seagrasses and coral reefs, and provide food for a variety of predators. Without turtles, the ecosystem would suffer, affecting both the environment and our economy. Turtles are integral parts of our planet's ecosystem and play a major role in maintaining balance.
Bali island is home to several endangered turtle species, which has been hunted for centuries for its meat and eggs. Fortunately, there are people like Made Kikik, founder of the Saba Asri Turtle Conservation, who have dedicated their lives to protecting these gentle creatures and educating locals and visitors about the importance of conservation.
The Saba Asri Turtle Conservation is a non-profit organization based in Saba Beach, Gianyar, East Bali. it aims to conserve and protect sea turtles and their habitats, rehabilitate injured and sick turtles, and release healthy turtles back into the wild.
The Saba Asri Turtle Conservation also operates a hatchery, where turtle eggs are collected from vulnerable nests on the beach and incubated until they hatch. The hatchlings are then cared for until they reach a certain size and weight, and are then released into the ocean. This process ensures a higher survival rate for the baby turtles, who would otherwise be vulnerable to predators and other dangers.
Additionally, the center empowers local communities by involving them in their conservation efforts, creating more awareness, and building a more sustainable future. The Saba Asri crew with the assistance of others nearby, collect turtle eggs locally during the egg laying season (April – October) on beaches where the turtles come in at night to lay their eggs. The eggs are carefully collected then moved to a protected, sandy area and monitored. When they hatch, the hatchlings are gathered and fed for a several days – few weeks in order to make them stronger. Then they are then released to begin their life’s journey in the open ocean. The females who survive will return in 30-40 years to the same beach where they were released to lay eggs – completing the cycle.
Education & Volunteers
The center offers a range of educational programs for schools, universities, and community groups, which aim to raise awareness about the importance of sea turtle conservation and marine ecosystem protection. The center also invites volunteers from all over the world to participate in its conservation projects and contribute to its mission.
The center is not only helping to preserve Bali's natural heritage but also inspiring people to take action and become responsible stewards of the environment. Whether you are a local or a visitor, you can support the Saba Asri Turtle Conservation by visiting the center, sponsoring a turtle release, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can ensure that Bali's shelled wonders will continue to grace our oceans for generations to come.
Children are the best ambassadors for sea turtle conservation. By educating the next generation, we raise awareness and make beachgoers more responsible. We can help nurture an interest in sea life, and children can engage in meaningful interactions with the turtles. It is a practical way of conserving marine habitats for future generations.
Turtle Release
One way to support these organizations is by participating in ethical turtle release programs. These programs allow tourists to release baby turtles into the ocean while providing financial support to the conservation center that work to protect and save turtles in Bali. Ethical turtle release programs usually begin with participants being taught about the importance of turtle conservation. They are then introduced to the turtles and are given a set of guidelines on how to properly handle and release them.
Your donation can make a significant difference.
No matter how big or small your donation may be, it can make a significant impact on turtle conservation efforts. By donating to turtle conservation efforts, you are helping to protect not only turtles but also the delicate balance of the natural world. Organizations use your donations for:
Collected turtle egs from vulnerable nests on the beach.
Incubated until they hatch.
Caring the hatchlings until they reach a certain size and weight.
Provide these little turtles with the food to grow strong and healthy.
The cost of labor required to care for hatchery turtles, including feeding them.
Rescue and rehabilitate injured and debilitated turtles.
Ensure that rescued turtles receive the necessary care and are returned to the wild safely.
Educate villagers and children coming from local schools.
There are still many ways that you can get involved and make a difference. You can volunteer at a local turtle conservation program, help clean up beaches, or become an advocate for turtles in your community. Sharing information about the importance of turtles and the threats they face on social media can also help raise awareness, inspiring others to get involved and make a difference.