Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 27th May 2024 – The National Center for Wildlife in Saudi Arabia is ramping up its efforts to protect marine turtles from the increasing threats in their natural habitats, with environmental pollution at the forefront. The center conducts regular field surveys to monitor and track the numbers and species of marine turtles, alongside assessing the impact of pollution on their health and safety. As part of these efforts, the center has launched an ambitious project to rehabilitate turtle nesting areas in several of the kingdom’s reserves.
In its first phase, the project involved the rehabilitation of 20 islands in the Farasan Islands Reserve, where more than four tons of industrial waste, including plastics, metals, and wood, were removed. This step is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing threats to marine turtles, which include oil pollution, chemical pollutants, and light pollution that disrupts the nesting paths of female turtles.
A United Nations report highlighted the catastrophic state of marine life due to pollution, with around 13 million tons of plastic waste being dumped into the oceans annually, threatening more than 100,000 marine animals, including turtles. A recent study revealed that over 70% of marine turtles have ingested plastic pieces, posing a severe threat to their survival. Among the most affected species are the loggerhead turtles, whose population has decreased by 47% in recent decades.
These environmental challenges demand a concerted effort from both public and private sectors, as well as the international community, to protect marine turtles and ensure they continue playing their crucial role in the ecosystem. This can be achieved by reducing plastic usage, preventing oil spills, minimizing chemical pollutants, and establishing marine protected areas. Furthermore, raising awareness about the importance of protecting marine turtles through innovative means that resonate with the public is essential.
Protecting marine turtles requires multi-faceted strategies and continuous efforts, with international and local collaboration being key to ensuring a better future for these marine creatures that play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.
Media Contact
Organization: National Center for Wildlife
Contact Person: Kenana Dahlan Media & Communication supervisor
Website: https://ncw.gov.sa/
Email: k.dahlan@ncw.gov.sa
City: Riyadh
State: Riyadh
Country: Saudi Arabia
Release Id: 27052412612