Volunteers on Sri Lankan Beach Protect Turtle Nests Amid Growing Human Impact and Conservation Challenges

On a hot evening on Mount Lavinia beach in Sri Lanka, a group of volunteers from the Pearl Protectors, a local environmental organization, are busy searching for turtle nests. They work diligently under the cover of darkness, using flashlights and digging tools to locate and protect these crucial nesting sites.

Their efforts are critical as they patrol the beach from late evening until early morning, aiming to mitigate the threats facing sea turtles during their breeding season.

The presence of these volunteers is increasingly important due to the escalating threats from human activity. As Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, continues to expand, the western coast has seen a surge in tourism, with more restaurants and entertainment venues cropping up.

This influx has led to increased noise, litter, and other disturbances that interfere with turtle nesting activities, which traditionally occur from November to April.

Local restaurant manager Upul Priyantha Kumara highlights the adverse impact of human activity on turtle nesting. He recounts an incident where a turtle, disturbed by a birthday party’s flash photography, abandoned its attempt to lay eggs. This disruption exemplifies the broader challenges turtles face as they try to nest in increasingly crowded and noisy environments.

To combat these issues, Muditha Katuwawala, the coordinator of the Pearl Protectors, has expanded their initiatives to include regular beach patrols. These efforts involve working with the coastguard to locate and relocate eggs from vulnerable areas to safer locations on the beach. Once hatched, the baby turtles are escorted to the sea under the cover of night to ensure their survival against predators and other dangers.

However, not everyone supports the volunteers’ conservation work. There have been confrontations with locals, some of whom have reacted aggressively, possibly due to the economic value of turtle eggs. Despite the legal protections against capturing or selling sea turtles and their eggs, poaching remains a significant issue, driven by commercial demand from both locals and tourists.

Educational outreach has been a crucial component of the Pearl Protectors’ strategy. By raising awareness among coastal communities and tourists, they aim to shift attitudes and reduce poaching. This approach has had a positive impact, with approximately 90% of local villagers now supporting conservation efforts. Yet, challenges persist, including the persistence of illegal turtle hatcheries that exploit poached eggs for tourist attractions.

In contrast, the Turtle Conservation Project in southern Sri Lanka has taken a unique approach by hiring former poachers to patrol the beaches. This initiative provides an alternative livelihood for those previously involved in illegal activities.

Despite these advancements, illegal hatcheries remain a significant problem, as they release hatchlings during the day, which can severely reduce their chances of survival due to increased predation and exposure to harmful human contact.

As night falls, the scene at Dehiwala’s coastguard station is a poignant reminder of the impact of conservation efforts. Baby turtles emerge from the sand and make their way to the ocean, a sight that brings hope and fulfillment to the volunteers.

Rose Fernando, a volunteer, reflects on the reward of witnessing these tiny creatures begin their journey, emphasizing the profound satisfaction of contributing to their survival amidst ongoing challenges.