Turtle Conservation Project in Cyprus

Cyprus boasts the only beaches along the Mediterranean where two endangered species of turtle reside: green and loggerhead. A conservation project aims to help baby turtles take their first steps from nest to sea.

Hatching season occurs annually in October. Every year, 300 green and 2,000 loggerhead turtles come into the world and attempt to make it to the sea.

Volunteers join the project from all around the world. They are compensated for travel and accommodation expenses. The effort usually spans 6 weeks.

A critical step is making sure no turtle gets trapped in his egg. This is common among turtles that happen to be at the bottom of a pile.

Volunteers often carry turtles by bucket to the sea as shown in the picture. Turtles tend to get confused by the articifial lighting and continuous seashore developments and this mechanism ensures they safely reach the waters.