Protecting sea turtles in Puerto Cayo, Ecuador

Hi, I'm Madelaine! I am a member of C-Natura Foundation, an Ecuadorian non-governmental organization dedicated to biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. We work to protect sea turtle nesting beaches in our beautiful country of Ecuador.

I wanted to tell you specifically about our efforts to save a unique jewel of nature: Puerto Cayo beach in Manabi. This beach has long been a critical nesting site for four endangered species of sea turtles: olive ridley, green, leatherback, and hawksbill. Each year, adult females emerge from the sea to lay their eggs in the sand. It is a truly moving spectacle that allows a glimpse of the majesty of these ancient creatures.

Unfortunately, in recent years Puerto Cayo has faced a series of man-made threats, from plastic pollution to habitat destruction from hotel construction. As a result, the number of turtles nesting there is rapidly declining.

At C-Natura Foundation, we believe that we cannot stand by and allow this special beach to disappear. This is why we are initiating a fundraising campaign to finance our Puerto Cayo Project. With your help, we will conduct day and night patrols to protect the nests from threats, install educational signs and train the community, residents and tourists, and work hand in hand with the authorities to enact stricter conservation regulations.

Please consider making a donation today to be part of this effort to save the beaches of Puerto Cayo. You can make a difference with any amount you can contribute. We need to acquire through this fundraising, equipment such as tags, tape measures, applicator, alcohol, cotton, gloves, rite in the rain material for data collection, waterproof equipment for equipment protection.

Together we can ensure that this magical beach remains a sanctuary for sea turtles for many generations to come.

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