--- title: About The Project - Save Turtle description: Explore how Save Turtle protects nesting beaches, supports local communities and educates the next generation in Indonesia and Sri Lanka. url: "https://saveturtle.net/about_project" type: static generatedAt: "2026-10-24T09:58:38.120Z" --- ![Project Hero](/assets/83fd01232a76-hero-project.jpg) # About the Project ## Protecting sea turtles together All species of sea turtles are threatened with extinction. The situation is most alarming in the Indian Ocean, where in many places sea turtles have already disappeared completely. The SAVE TURTLE ORGANISATION (registered as Chráníme mořské želvy) is the Czech (EU) nonprofit organization founded in 2017. It works hand in hand with local organizations to safeguard nesting beaches from poachers at **eight sites in Indonesia** and **three sites in southern Sri Lanka.** ![Our Team Working](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/2d4899586c2f-turtle_morning.jpeg) ## Real impact Five out of the world’s seven sea turtle species lay their eggs in these areas. Conservationists relocate the eggs to safety and, once hatched, release the baby turtles directly into the ocean. Since 2017, **almost 5 million hatchlings** have been released — and the number continues to grow every single day. We work closely with the governments of Indonesia and Sri Lanka, universities, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers. [![Czechs protect sea turtles](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/b07ba79c7d2c-screenct.png)](https://www.ceskatelevize.cz/porady/11467245921-cesi-zachranuji/bonus/33149/) ## How we protect ### DIRECT PROTECTION Our trained rangers work daily on key nesting beaches in Indonesia and Sri Lanka: - Relocating turtle eggs to safer areas - Protecting hatchlings on their way to the ocean - Guarding against poachers - Cleaning beaches of plastic and debris - Recording data for turtle health and research Almost 5 million saved baby turtles since 2014 and every day the numbers are growing. Read more ![Direct Protection](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/9a883af68b57-image7.png) We protect five species of sea turtles — green, hawksbill, loggerhead, olive ridley, and leatherback — on their nesting beaches. Although sea turtles are protected by both international and local laws, poachers still attempt to steal eggs or even kill nesting females for their meat. That’s why guarding beaches and relocating eggs to safe hatcheries is essential. In the safety of protected beaches, eggs can incubate for about two months until hatchlings emerge. Clean beaches are equally important: driftwood and enormous amounts of waste can block females from nesting and hatchlings from reaching the ocean. **How and where direct protection works:** A female turtle comes ashore under the cover of night to lay her eggs. ![Image 1](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/d292f7b51725-image1.png) ![Image 2](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/a6e3621ff9c3-image2.png) ![Image 3](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/70f2e7bcfbbe-image3.png) Our conservationists locate the clutch in time and move it to a protected hatchery. ![Image 4](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/60afeb6eb23d-image4.png) ![Image 5](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/fc056369878c-image5.png) ![Image 6](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/08a0e0d0b4dc-image6.png) After hatching, baby turtles are released immediately into the sea. ![Image 7](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/9a883af68b57-image7.png) ![Image 8](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/3a2792f3ee47-image8.png) ![Image 9](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/6ebb9dc30b06-image9.png) Volunteers often join our rangers to help with beach clean-ups. ![Image 10](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/a8e7f3b7d635-image10.png) ![Image 11](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/db834bdca517-image11.png) ![Image 12](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/a5f24c990d11-image12.png) #### Where we operate: ### Indonesia - **Alliance for Tompotika Conservation** protects turtles in eastern Sulawesi (Tompotika area). - 3 organizations **Laut Biru Indonesia**, **Tanjong Penyu** and **SAMPAN (Sammuane Pannu)** work in western Sulawesi (Polewali Mandar). - **Yayasan Sealam Karya Lestari and Universitas Papua** safeguard leatherbacks in West Papua. - **Sahabat Penyu Loang** leads protection on Lembata Island, eastern Indonesia. - **PAMALI Indonesia** guards Denawan Island in southern Borneo, the most important nesting site for green turtles in southern Borneo. - **Berau, East Borneo:** We provide education and community development. From 2017–2022, we also ensured direct turtle protection at Bilang-bilangan and Mataha Islands — one of the world’s most important nesting sites for green turtles. ### Sri Lanka - **Gayan** protects hatchlings and nesting females on the beaches near Dikwella. - **Mahesh and his team** safeguards turtle nests near Matara. - **Malitha** protect nesting sites in Godauda. ### CONSULTANCIES In many places, well-meaning efforts still rely on outdated and harmful methods — like keeping sea turtles in small pools. These **practices cause stress, injuries, and premature death**. We work with communities in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Ecuador to offer practical, respectful alternatives: - Training - Community education - Building ethical conservation centers The effective sea turtle protection is not happening in pools. Read more #### Our role as consultants We provide guidance and training in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and beyond. Currently, our biggest challenge is working on Bali and Sri Lanka to improve conservation practices in rescue centers. At the same time, we train local people to protect turtles more effectively — for example, we organized several workshops for the coastal guard in Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Sharing knowledge and building local capacity is key to long-term turtle protection. Releasing chicks - a shocking difference #### Sri Lanka monitoring We work with hotels, resorts, and local organizations in Sri Lanka and Indonesia to connect tourism with real turtle conservation. Together with government authorities and community partners, we provide training, consultations, and workshops to improve practices in turtle rescue centers and on nesting beaches. #### Challenges in Sri Lanka Unfortunately, many centers still keep turtles in small pools, buy eggs from fishermen, or release hatchlings under harmful conditions. Raising awareness among tourists is crucial — only support programs that genuinely help sea turtles. ![Sri Lanka Challenge 1](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/f9a4fc5fff3b-image13.png) ![Sri Lanka Challenge 2](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/20fb9af3896f-image14.png) ![Sri Lanka Challenge 3](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/1895b35f2db2-image15.png) #### Ecuador & the Galápagos In 2023, we also consulted in Ecuador and the Galápagos, working with Charles Darwin Station, WWF, and local NGOs. Together we: - Conducted beach patrols and hatchery work - Monitored and tagged turtles in the wild - Collaborated on education in 4 schools - Shared our educational materials across Latin America (Argentina, Mexico, Suriname) We also addressed local threats: bycatch in fishing nets and predation of eggs and hatchlings by dogs. Education and cooperation with communities are key to long-term solutions. ![Galapagos 1](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/bda546cc29a7-image16.png) ![Galapagos 2](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/44b95269e0f4-image17.png) ![Galapagos 3](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/619961a978d5-image18.png) ### EDUCATION We believe **change starts with understanding**. Our education programs in Czechia and Indonesia **empower young people** to: - Understand marine ecosystems - Reduce plastic pollution - Build a sustainable future **Children are our future, and as well as the planet’s.** Read more ![Education](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/62a7e936aaad-kids.jpg) #### Why education matters We want local communities to understand why sea turtles are essential for healthy oceans: - They maintain balance in marine ecosystems - They keep seagrass meadows alive - They help coral reefs thrive - They control jellyfish populations But our education goes beyond turtles and the ocean. We also teach English, waste reduction, and how to handle materials sustainably. Children learn swimming skills too — helping them feel safe in the water and develop a stronger connection with the sea. Changing the mindset of adults can be challenging — but the future belongs to children. That is why we put strong emphasis on education. ![Education 1](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/8d5c630eb74d-image19.png) ![Education 2](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/fced417a2d2f-image20.png) ![Education 3](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/0f0f77f01280-image21.png) #### Where we teach We believe that education is the key to a sustainable future. We work with children and students in: - **Lembata Island**, Indonesia - **Sembilan Archipelago**, South Borneo, Indonesia - **Berau**, East Borneo, Indonesia - **Sulawesi**, Indonesia - **West Papua**, Indonesia - **Southern Sri Lanka** From kindergartens to high schools, we bring the beauty of the ocean into classrooms, showing why marine life matters and how everyone can help protect it. ![Teaching 1](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/3f328053aa81-deti1.png) ![Teaching 2](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/ced31b55b8d7-deti2.png) ![Teaching 3](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/047eba10258f-deti3.png) #### Educational materials The teaching tools we developed are now being used worldwide. ![Materials 1](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/926a04e0aa8a-deti4.png) ![Materials 2](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/58680b98461c-deti5.png) ![Materials 3](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/4749f88ee5b6-deti6.png) We’ve even created **printable coloring books** and **memory games** in English, Indonesian, Spanish, and Sinhala — **free to download** and use in schools or at home. ![Coloring Icon](/uploads/3d2a1566-043d-45cc-8eaf-fae55476854f.png) ##### Coloring Book [English](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/documents/sea_turtles_coloring_book.pdf)[Sinhala](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/documents/Graphic1-13.pdf)[Indonesian](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/documents/penyu_brozura_IND.pdf)[Spanish](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/documents/tortugas_marinas.pdf)![Memory Icon](/uploads/cded1084-7b4e-4588-9b9b-e0042a4a4c81.png) ##### Memory game [English](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/documents/zelvy_pexeso_ENG.pdf) ![Working with communities](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/a03fa534abf6-local1.jpg) ### WORKING WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES In areas where turtles are hunted for their shells, we offer real alternatives. Through workshops and training, locals learn to create sustainable products using coconut shells, wood, or other eco-friendly materials — supporting livelihoods without harming nature. **Protecting turtles by creating opportunities for people.** Read more We support local craft workshops. By creating opportunities, we help people see that protecting turtles can benefit both nature and their own communities. ![Craft 1](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/3ef8f473762d-local2.png) ![Craft 2](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/ee4a18f0f3c5-local3.png) ![Craft 3](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/a2eac547997d-local4.png) ![Workshop 1](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/e3b48f4ceede-local5.png) ![Workshop 2](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/2c759ed33df1-local6.png) ![Sustainable products](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/a0db28229729-local7.png) ## Our supporters [![Supporter 2](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/abb8d252ae2b-2.png)](https://www.vakovako.com/) [![Supporter 1](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/af1178c34502-5.png)](http://a4bs.cz) [![Supporter 3](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/9973de60f992-3.png)](http://zoobrno.cz) [![Supporter 4](https://cdn.nuasite.com/assets/saveturtle/bba5279abdd2-4.png)](http://podglazurou.cz) [Explore all supporters](/supporters)