Program
Sea Turtle Conservation
Here, sea turtles find a refuge to nest, and we are here to ensure that they continue to do so safely.
The Sea Turtle Conservation Program works to protect these endangered species by monitoring nests, reducing poaching and raising awareness in local communities about their importance.
Monitoring teams are present on the beaches every day, carrying out essential work to protect and conserve the Caretta caretta sea turtle species during the nesting season, which runs from June to October. Maio Island stands out as one of the main nesting sites for this species in the country, being the third most important island for nesting in Cape Verde and the fifth in the world.
We use modern technology, such as drones and GPS, to study the turtles and ensure more effective protection. In addition, we promote the exchange of experiences with experts from all over the world, because we believe that conservation is better when we work together.
Every protected turtle is a step towards the future. Join us in this mission and help us keep Maio's natural legacy alive!
the program
Objective
Protect and conserve sea turtles (mainly Caretta caretta) with community involvement.
Main actions
-
Monitoring nesting beaches with the support of monitors, volunteers and the local community.
-
Licensing and liaising with government and police bodies for a legal and integrated approach.
-
Scientific research (beach temperature, genetics, migration, etc.) and international projection of Cape Verde as a benchmark in marine conservation.
-
Promoting sustainable tourism (e.g. Homestays) and strengthening local identity.
information
The programme is based on a community-based model, where the local population plays an active and central role in all stages of protecting the Caretta Caretta turtles. Through an organised structure with coordinators, technicians, community leaders, volunteers and the support of the Homestay Houses, the beaches and nesting females are continuously monitored during the nesting season.
The activities are legally authorised by the National Environment Directorate (DNA) and carried out in conjunction with various partner entities, ensuring a collaborative approach.
In addition to the protection aspect, the programme invests heavily in science, with studies on migration, genetics and reproductive behaviour, positioning Cape Verde as an international example of marine conservation and environmental sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maio is a sanctuary for the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), home to one of the largest breeding colonies in the world. The island's well-preserved coastline is essential for the survival of this endangered species. Protecting turtles also means conserving their natural habitats, which are fundamental to biodiversity. In addition, they boost sustainable ecotourism and are part of the island's natural and cultural heritage, benefiting both the fauna and local communities.
During the nesting season, teams of technicians and local monitors patrol the beaches day and night, identifying nesting turtles and protecting the nests from threats such as erosion, predation and looting. When necessary, the nests are relocated to safer areas. After hatching, the hatchlings are counted to assess reproductive success. In addition, data is collected on the turtles' behaviour and the factors that affect their reproduction, allowing conservation strategies to be optimised.
Local communities play a central role in the programme, participating as monitors, conservation leaders, volunteers and environmental educators. The field teams live in the homes of local families, and meetings and awareness-raising workshops are organised for all ages. This link strengthens turtle protection, generates employment and values local identity, promoting more sustainable development. The ‘Guardians of the Sea’ programme, created in 2016, involves 20 fishermen in monitoring megafauna and illegal fishing, contributing essential data for conservation.
The programme significantly reduced turtle poaching in Maio, making it less frequent and more restricted to a small part of the population. Today, children have little affinity with eating turtle meat, reflecting a generational change. It is estimated that the programme saves between 400 and 800 adult turtles every year, as well as tens of thousands of hatchlings. This impact has been achieved through continuous surveillance, environmental education, the creation of employment alternatives and the strengthening of the legal framework.
Visitors can help by taking part in responsible night-time turtle watching tours, always with trained local guides. In addition, they can support sustainable trade, reduce the use of plastics, respect the rules on the beaches and promote good practices among other travellers. For greater involvement, they can volunteer, make donations or take part in clean-up and awareness-raising campaigns.
The programme has generated unprecedented discoveries about the biology, behaviour and migration of turtles in the Atlantic. With satellite tracking, migratory routes and key areas for their conservation have been identified. Continuous monitoring has made it possible to study the effects of climate change on the sex ratio and nesting success, optimising protection techniques. These advances have been publicised at congresses, scientific publications and international networks, making Maio a benchmark in the conservation of the loggerhead turtle.