Turtle Conservation in Sri Lanka

What is the Turtle Conservation in Sri Lanka project all about?

Volunteer with us on a turtle conservation project in Sri Lanka and help a local team protect five endangered species of turtle. Sri Lanka is home to the Hawksbill, Green, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley and Leatherback varieties of turtles which are highly sought after. The area is a nesting ground for these species, so the aims of the project are protecting the breeding grounds and monitoring turtle activities in the Indian ocean, on Sri Lanka’s beautiful coastline.

The conservation and research centre employs 5 staff and the focus of their work is to protect these five species which are under threat from locals, tourists and export demands. The demand for turtle meat, eggs and turtle shells is growing. Turtle meat is seen as an aid to fertility, the shells to decorate hair combs, and the eggs as an aphrodisiac. The turtles are also under threat from the fishing industry. Often turtles are injured through becoming caught in fishing nets which remain untreated, as well as being food for other sea creatures. Spend your time volunteering with other marine enthusiasts and protect Sri Lanka’s endangered turtle population.

Why choose this Turtle Conservation project?

• Provide a much needed extra pair of hands to a small team of 5 local members.
• Contribute to a concerted global effort of saving the turtles, classified as endangered, especially as poaching has increased due to its by-products including their shells becoming popular.
• Feel the reward of contributing to marine conservation and protecting this species while enjoying a lovely beach setting.

Role of the Conservation Volunteer

The project focuses on 3 main elements: patrols to clean and protect the habitats, caring for the turtles and educating the local community to ensure that they understand the impact of fishing and farming of turtles. Specific activities in which volunteers may be involved include:

• protecting turtle nests through beach patrols and beach cleaning
• collecting turtle eggs to enable them to hatch in a safer environment
• caring for injured turtles (if needed)
• feeding turtles and releasing turtles back into the sea
• monitoring activities
• working with the local team to develop educational materials for local communities

Volunteer shifts will fit in with the local team’s needs and may include some evening and night work as beach patrols are required at various times of the day as female turtles often lay their eggs at night. It is possible to add on weekend excursions to this placement, please speak to an advisor.

What skills do I need to be a Conservation Volunteer in Sri Lanka?

Volunteers participating in this turtle conservation project in Sri Lanka will be expected to be physically fit, enjoy the outdoors and feel comfortable working as part of a team. You will be asked to send in your CV/Resume for this placement.

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