As the third United Nations Ocean Conference unfolds until Friday, June 13, in Nice, we spotlight Local Ocean Conservation, a Kenyan organization dedicated to marine wildlife protection, particularly sea turtles.
In 1997, a group of residents from the small coastal town of Watamu, Kenya, decided to take action to protect sea turtles from human activities threatening their reproduction. Increasing development of beaches and poaching were especially endangering turtle nesting sites.
Since then, this small group has grown into the non-governmental organization (NGO) Local Ocean Conservation, which each year safeguards 50 to 100 turtle nests along the beaches of Watamu. Volunteers also work closely with fishermen to rescue turtles accidentally caught in fishing nets. At their rehabilitation center, turtles suffering from injuries, exhaustion, or diseases such as fibropapillomatosis receive care before being released back into the wild. According to the NGO, more than 24,000 turtles have been rescued, examined, tagged, and released since 1998.
The center also pursues an educational mission; it is open to visitors, school groups, researchers, and volunteers. This aims to encourage the local community to engage in marine conservation and rethink their relationship with natural resources.
On the occasion of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference currently underway in Nice, Le Monde presents a photo feature highlighting the vital work of this NGO protecting sea turtles.
