### Rehabilitation of sea turtles: a local and global commitment
The morning of May 22, 2025, in Watamu, a small coastal town in Kenya, a poignant scene takes place. Fishermen, after having hacked a turtle, collaborate with members of the local non -governmental organization Ocean Conservation (LOC) to offer it a chance of survival. This approach, which might seem anecdotal, is indicative of a deeper dynamic concerning the conservation of sea turtles, a species seriously threatened by human activities.
#### A awareness route
Local Ocean Conservation, founded in 1997, illustrates the importance of community work in the preservation of marine species. With more than 24,000 saved turtles, this organization has managed to evolve from a group of volunteers to an entity recognized for its tireless efforts. The awareness of local populations, which have long perceived turtles as a resource to be exploited, plays a crucial role in this transformation. Over the years, the change in perception of the communities of Watamu and Diani shows that education can lead to increased respect for marine life.
Fikiri Kiponda, an active member of the NGO for 16 years, evokes the joy that accompanies him during the relaxation of these turtles. This passion underlines a fundamental aspect of conservation: the emotional connection that humans can develop with fauna, especially when they are involved in its rescue.
### The innovative conservation approach
LOC’s approach is based not only on the rehabilitation of injured turtles, but also on a financial incentive system for fishermen who bring turtles to the center. This model has multiple advantages: it encourages fishermen to adopt responsible behavior while allowing them to compensate for the potential losses due to the need for less invasive capture. The involvement of more than a thousand fishermen in this program testifies to the growing commitment in favor of the preservation of the species.
However, the fight for the safeguarding of sea turtles is not limited to occasional interventions. Environmental challenges such as plastic pollution and climate change exacerbate the situation. Turtles, for example, suffer more and more health problems linked to the ingestion of plastics, which block their digestive system and cause disorders. These realities underline the need for a systemic approach which considers not only the protection of turtles, but also the overall health of the marine environment.
### associated risks and solutions to consider
The challenges encountered by sea turtles highlight essential questions on the preservation of ecosystems. The rise in waters due to land leap and climate change also increases the risk for laying areas. Protecting nests by moving eggs to less vulnerable areas is a crucial task for NGOs, but it cannot replace wider actions aimed at reducing the effects of climate change.
The need for coordination between governments, NGOs and communities is also essential. LOC efforts, although significant, must be integrated into broader political strategies to approach the underlying causes of the threat weighing on sea turtles. This can go through the development of stricter fishing regulations, sustainable management of maritime resources, and an extensive education on pollution.
### conclusion: a future to build together
The history of the saved turtle and its journey to the rehabilitation center of the local NGO Ocean Conservation not only embodies an act of individual compassion, but it also evokes collective responsibility in the face of the decrease in biodiversity. The efforts made by organizations such as loc are admirable but must be part of a global and multisectoral dynamic.
As communities learn to live in harmony with their environment, and public policies promote sustainability, it is possible to hope for a future where sea turtles and other species will be able to prosper. In this context, the impact of local initiatives on the preservation of biodiversity calls for increased support, in order to promote not only the survival of turtles, but of the marine ecosystem as a whole.