FLT launches the "Adopt a Turtle" program

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Through a press conference, Fundación La Tortuga announced its plan to adopt sea turtles in order to protect these marine species through their sponsorship. The project will be developed in conjunction with the Nueva Esparta Sea Turtle Working Group (GTTM-NE) and seeks to integrate children, youth, and adults in interactive events in order to finance conservation activities.

Through a press conference, Fundación La Tortuga announced its plan to adopt sea turtles in order to protect these marine species through their sponsorship. The project will be developed in conjunction with the Nueva Esparta Sea Turtle Working Group (GTTM-NE) and seeks to integrate children, youth, and adults in interactive events in order to finance conservation activities.

For those who have been captivated by the nesting of a sea turtle, it is perhaps easier to understand the importance of caring for nature and the animals that inhabit it. It can be a process of long hours since this marine species arrive to the sand and adapts what will serve as shelter for its eggs, but it is pleasant and surprising to witness this event that invites those who observe it to be more cautious with the environment and with the wide biodiversity present. This was one of the driving forces that prompted Fundación La Tortuga (FLT) to create the "Adopt a Turtle" program, a project that seeks to promote the protection of chelonians that are at high risk of disappearing.

At a press conference held at FLT’s headquarters, Alberto Boscari (president), Pedro Vernet (turtle expert), and José Vóglar (biologist) officially launched this project aimed at preserving the various species of sea turtles through their sponsorship. The plan, which will be developed in conjunction with the Nueva Esparta Sea Turtle Working Group (GTTM-NE), seeks to integrate children, youth, and adults in interactive events in order to finance conservation activities for these reptiles that have survived for more than 110 million years.

"The idea is to strengthen the work that has been carried out since the foundation was created. Our inspiration was this specimen, but unfortunately the contact we have with it is very brief, so we are looking for viable ways to get to know its lifestyle, so that our work will be much more effective," explained Boscari.

The purpose of "Adopt a Turtle" is to get closer to the marine populations present in the country. According to studies, five of the seven types of turtles existing on the planet inhabit Venezuelan territory, "so we can consider ourselves privileged". The symbolic adoption of this aquatic animal provides the opportunity to participate in turtle camps, night watches, and the release of turtles, as well as in other evaluation activities, monitoring, talks, and environmental events.

There are three plans to join the network of Adoptive Sponsors and Corporate Adoptions, with the contribution to be invested in rescue and conservation programs, research, and workshops. In addition, companies can comply with the contributions established in the Organic Law of Science, Technology, and Innovation (LOCTI), since the program is tied to projects endorsed by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Intermediate Industries.

"We hope to have the support of many, as this is a problem that ultimately affects us all. Hopefully, just as this generation has been able to observe these specimens, future generations can do the same, and the program is committed to that, to prevent this and other species from disappearing.

The conservationist program is divided into several phases that will be developed in different parts of Venezuela. The main idea is to first cover the state of Anzoátegui, some points of Sucre and Nueva Esparta, states where turtles tend to lay their eggs.