Here at The Great Project we are proud to offer you the chance to volunteer with turtles on three different projects. Each of our turtle conservation projects is located in a very different part of the world, so no matter where you want to travel to you will be able to help the turtles! With that in mind, we wanted to tell you a little more about which species of turtle you will be able to see in each location, and how you will be helping them! Let’s take a look.
The Great Turtle Project
Location: Sri Lanka
Turtles you may see: Green, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, and one Hawksbill!
How you’ll be helping: Beach maintenance, burying eggs, cleaning the hatcheries, feeding the turtles, releasing the turtles, and teaching local children about the importance of turtle conservation
Why you should volunteer: Egg poaching is still commonplace in Sri Lanka, and the poachers will patrol the beaches to steal the eggs and sell them to the highest bidder. When the vendors bring the eggs to the sanctuary, staff will pay a price slightly higher than the norm so that you as a volunteer can bury them once again and safeguard them until they hatch.
Perhentian Islands Marine Conservation Project
Location: Perhentian Islands off of the north-eastern coast of peninsular Malaysia
Turtles you may see: Leatherback, Green, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley
How you’ll be helping: Snorkel and scuba diving identification surveys of the turtles, and by taking part in turtle watches
Why you should volunteer: Volunteers on this project play a vital role in gathering research which will help with the conservation efforts for turtles and the other marine life in the area. You will be collecting information on turtle size, location, and population and this will give the researchers a better idea of how to help the animals!
Costa Rice Turtle Conservation Project
Location: Costa Rica
Turtles you may see: Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Green, Hawksbill
How you’ll be helping: Data collection, beach clean ups, night patrols on the beach, and school visits
Why you should volunteer: This project was created by the community members and scientists of the area in an attempt to create a culture of environmental conservation in the country. As a volunteer you will be helping to spread this message through practical, hands on methods such as data collection and visits to the local schools.
If you have been inspired to help the turtles at any of these incredible project sites then you can find out more information on our turtle page! We are here to help you help the turtles, so what are you waiting for? Get involved!
