With the nesting season in full swing, multiple institutions and coastal communities have intensified their actions to sea ​​turtle protection in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Panama. Efforts combine nest monitoring, environmental education, beach cleanups, and surveillance against illegal trafficking to increase egg and hatchling survival.
The common thread is the social participationTechnical teams, volunteers, and public-private partnerships are working on the beach, while the tourism sector is adding awareness-raising and citizen science activities. This is complemented by legal and operational measures that discourage nest poaching and improve the governance of these fragile ecosystems.
Cozumel strengthens environmental surveillance and education
The Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC) maintains ongoing work that adds 38 years of work in conservation and education. This season, the team of Conservation and Environmental Education has accounted for 972 nests: 133 loggerheads (Caretta caretta) and 839 white turtles (Chelonia mydas).
From the Punta Sur Turtle Camp it is reported that, in addition to monitoring, beach cleaning throughout the year to remove waste that hinders spawning. With the collaboration of 484 volunteers, 2.835,15 kilograms of waste, a tangible advance in habitat quality.
These actions, the FPMC leadership emphasizes, are aligned with state policies that integrate well-being, development and conservation, placing sea turtles as a flagship species for their role in the island's coastal ecosystems.
Responsible tourism as an ally in the Caribbean
A quarter of a century ago, Grupo Piñero launched the Eco-BahÃa Foundation with the idea that tourism can be conservation engineFounded in Mexico and expanded to the Dominican Republic in 2023, the organization combines monitoring, nest protection, environmental education, and restoration of coastal and marine habitats.
Throughout its history, its programs have allowed more than two million offspring reach the sea. In 2024 alone, around 100,000 people were protected. 100.000 offspring in Mexico and another 2.000 in the Dominican Republic, in coordination with authorities, volunteers and visitors who participate in patrols and interpretive activities.
In the DR, the organization protects more than 50 kilometers of coastline, follows the life cycle of hawksbill and green turtles, and last year protected 15 nests with more than 1.700 releases. The proposal integrates citizen science through iNaturalist so that tourists and communities can record observations of fauna and flora, contributing useful data for management.
The approach has been recognized by the sector: the foundation received the AEHM Traveling For Happiness Award in the category of fauna and flora preservation. In addition, more than 3.000 clients They have participated in eco-routes and more than 7.800 people, including schoolchildren and visitors, have attended workshops and activities in the region, reinforcing the environmental awareness.
Beyond turtles, Eco-BahÃa collaborates in reef conservation, wildlife rescue and reforestation, with alliances that include the Ministry of Environment and airport sector operatorsThe roadmap focuses on responsible and educational tourism that places sustainability at the heart of the experience.
Reinforcements on other coasts: Mazatlán, Panama and the fight against trafficking
In the Mexican Pacific, the Mazatlán Beach Operator and Administrator reported that, from January to date, its Conservation Program has attended 475 nests and 45.787 eggs, with weekly releases of thousands of hatchlings. Monthly monitoring shows an upswing in midsummer: in June, 15 nests (1.515 eggs) were rescued, and in July 113 nests (10.701 eggs); in August they were counted 340 nests with 33.028 eggs incubated, and so far in September 82 nests and 7.931 eggs have been secured.
Panama has strengthened the regulatory framework with the Law 371 of 2023, which toughens sanctions against the trade and traffic of sea turtle products, and promotes coordination between institutions and coastal communities. The country is home to five of the world's seven species, making it the key to regional conservation.
The workshop "Homologation of Information and Strengthening of Actions for the Conservation and Management of the Sea Turtle Resource" was held at the International Maritime University of Panama, with more than 50 representatives between NGOs, park rangers, technicians and researchers. The objective was to share experiences, unify criteria and align nesting data, food and migratory routes.
The Ministry of Environment recognized the work of community organizations and allies such as the Tortuguias Foundation (Punta Chame), Tortugas Pedasà (Playa Lagarto), AAMVECONA (San San, Bocas del Toro), Sea Turtle Conservancy (Soropta Beach), ACOPLAMA (Malena Beach) and the network Panatortugas, announcing that more entities will receive their mentions for their contribution.
Citizen awareness is crucial: it is emphasized that turtles They are not trophies or pets, and that its illegal consumption carries fines and criminal liability. Among the most notable threats are poaching, plastic pollution, bycatch and habitat loss due to uncontrolled coastal development.
In terms of surveillance, in El Cocoyul (San Marcos, Guerrero) a joint operation of the State Ecological Police, the Secretariat of the Navy and the National Guard arrested two people who were transporting 707 sea turtle eggs without authorization. Those involved, along with the seized material, were handed over to the competent authority for possible crimes against biodiversity.
The overall picture left by these initiatives is that of a coordinated effort: scientific programs, environmental education and responsible tourism, added to clean-ups, recognition of local organizations and safety measures. With more nests monitored, eggs protected, and hatchlings released, the region's coasts are moving toward more effective conservation that, step by step, helps sustain the future of sea turtles.