A campaign has been launched on La Costilla beach in Rota. environmental awareness focused on the protection of sea turtles. Called 'Here We Save Turtles', this initiative seeks to inform residents and visitors about the presence of these reptiles on the Andalusian coasts, in addition to promoting good practices when sightings or stranding situations occur, especially in the summer season and during the nesting season of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta).
The activity, coordinated by the municipal delegations of Beaches and Ecological Transition in collaboration with the Seville Aquarium, takes place in the morning near Plaza Jesús Nazareno. Numerous bathers interested in learning about the marine life gathered there. how to protect these species and how to act correctly in their presence.
Outreach, games and informational materials for the whole family
The campaign stands out for its practical and participatory approach: Games and information panels have been organized and activities for different ages, facilitating understanding of the importance of not intervening directly with the animals and reinforcing the message to call the emergency number 112 if you encounter a sea turtle. In addition, the risks these species face are explained and how to contribute to their conservation through useful tips on the detection of nesting tracesFor more information, you can also visit The importance of Almassora beach as a nesting area.
The materials used serve as educational tools to raise awareness about protecting turtle habitats and promote responsible behavior among visitors.
Regional impact and institutional support
Rota is one of the six coastal municipalities in the province of Cádiz that take an active part This project, which has a national scope and brings together more than eighty coastal towns in Andalusia, the Valencian Community, Murcia, and the Balearic Islands, not only involves in-person activities; the campaign also includes the installation of informative sign on beaches and busy areas to remind everyone of the appropriate course of action in the event of a sighting or emergency involving these animals.
The dissemination of these messages has been possible thanks to the involvement of entities such as the Seville Aquarium, Global Omnium, Oceanogrà fic Foundation, Azul Marino Foundation, the Andalusian Regional Government, and the Andalusian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FAMP), among other collaborators. In addition, participating city councils and regional governments facilitate the installation of informational signage in their municipalities.
Social awareness and coastal protection
The 'Here we save turtles' initiative increases awareness about the problem of sea turtles and motivates citizens to be protagonist in conservation of the environment. The goal is to involve beachgoers in protecting marine biodiversity and preserving coastal ecosystems. To learn more about conservation efforts, you can consult the impact of climate change on sea turtles.
Although loggerhead turtle nests have not yet been detected on Atlantic beaches like Rota, participating experts emphasize that the presence of juveniles is becoming more frequent, indicating progress in conservation and the positive impact of campaigns like this one.
The actions carried out during the day demonstrate the importance of collective involvement. Residents and tourists have received clear information and practical advice, participating in games and educational activities that reinforce the idea that protecting marine wildlife is everyone's responsibility. Collaboration between scientific associations, government agencies, and civil society has been essential to consolidating a monitoring and support network that will be key to the future of these endangered species.
