DIRECT PROTECTION
Our rangers guard nesting beaches in Indonesia and Sri Lanka every day. Since 2014, we’ve helped almost 5 million hatchlings.
ABOUT SEA TURTLES
Ancient. Beautiful. At risk.
Sea turtles have been gliding through our oceans for over 100 million years. These remarkable reptiles play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem — from keeping coral reefs healthy to maintaining seagrass beds where countless marine species thrive.
But today, all seven species of sea turtles are endangered. Their populations have plummeted, especially in the Indian Ocean, where they’ve already disappeared from many regions. That’s where our mission begins.
They eat jellyfish, clean up the reefs, support marine biodiversity — and they need us now more than ever.
In some areas, their populations have declined by more than 90% over the past 70 years. On many beaches, eggs are stolen and sold to tourist restaurants, while adult turtles are killed for their shells, which are then turned into souvenirs.
ABOUT US
Save Turtle (registered in the EU as Chráníme mořské želvy z.s.) is a Czech nonprofit founded in 2017 by Hana Vašina Svobodová. We work on the front lines to protect sea turtles — mainly in Indonesia (8 places) and Sri Lanka (3 places) — by safeguarding their nesting grounds and supporting local communities.
We also offer global consultancy, run educational programs, and help communities find sustainable alternatives to turtle hunting.
Our Vision
We dream of a world where people love nature, where both locals and tourists understand the importance of sea turtles, and where no one contributes — knowingly or unknowingly — to their extinction.
How we protect
CONSULTANCIES
Turtles don’t belong in pools. We show communities in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia and Ecuador how to protect them the right way.
EDUCATION
Change starts with understanding. In the Czech Republic, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, we teach kids to understand the ocean and cut plastic.
WORKING WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Where turtles are hunted for their shells, we offer another livelihood. Locals learn to craft from coconut shells and wood.
Planning a beach holiday?
Here’s how to respect sea turtles while you travel.
Responsible Turtle Tourism
- Support real turtle conservation — the ones protecting wild nesting beaches, not showcasing turtles in tanks.
- Observe turtles from a respectful distance — ideally on the beach, at night, with a red flashlight.
- Ask questions before visiting any turtle center. Ethical ones focus on education, habitat protection, and never keep healthy turtles in captivity.
Practices to Avoid
- Centers that keep hatchlings in shallow pools. These harm young turtles’ muscles and instincts, leaving them unfit for the wild.
- Daytime hatchling releases (done for photos). Turtles released on hot sand often die within hours.
- Any place that lets you touch, handle, or take selfies with turtles. It’s not cute — it’s cruel.
How to choose a responsible turtle center
- Prefer tours that involve natural turtle watching, not “turtle shows.”
- Look for projects run with local communities, trained rangers.
- Ask whether turtles are kept in pools or released promptly after hatching.
Your money matters. Support places that protect nature, not exploit it.
See our guide for touristsHow can you help?
Everyone can protect sea turtles — yes, even from the other side of the world.
Help us protect more nesting beaches, support local rangers, and grow our education programs. Every donation counts — and goes straight into action.
Media
Learn more about sea turtles and join responsible tourism.
Hanka's Interview
Radio Prague International: Czech sea turtle crusader seeks to save species from extinction
What others say about us
"Hana's expertise has been absolutely crucial for our efforts to protect the five species of sea turtles nesting in Sri Lanka. Her team plays a key role in shaping our conservation strategies and engaging local communities. I am deeply grateful for the cooperation with the Save Turtle organization."
"The Indonesian Embassy in Prague and I deeply appreciate the efforts made by the Save Turtle organization to protect sea turtles in Indonesia. We fully support all their initiatives aimed at environmental conservation. It is a great example for everyone involved in protecting our planet."
"Save Turtle is not just a project to protect endangered animals; it protects us all from the destruction of the biosphere. It teaches us to appreciate nature and inspires people to travel for knowledge rather than just entertainment. I wish Hana and her team continued success in their vital mission."