Sri Lanka Marine & Wildlife Conservation

The Marine & Wildlife Conservation programme works closely with the Sri Lankan Environmental Department and local NGOs to create sustainable programmes. We have created a long-term strategy to re-generate key areas of rainforest and maintain and protect coral reefs and the marine life in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Our various hands-on projects will have you fully immersed in environmental conservation - whether it be helping with the restoration of sea turtle numbers along the coast, replanting indigenous trees or creating artificial nests for Tree Frogs.

TURTLE HATCHERY

Exploitation of sea turtles exists in Sri Lanka, where many eggs and turtles are traded illegally by illicit businesses. Such activities are inhumane and have a detrimental effect on the sea turtle population around Sri Lanka. The Travelteer turtle sanctuary has been built to combat this trade as well as providing conservation education for the local community.

This project aims to protect turtle eggs in our sanctuary and release hatchlings into the ocean safely. We also have a scheme where fishermen bring us injured turtles that have been trapped in fishing nets to be rehabilitated and released back into the ocean! The project is hard work but incredibly rewarding - releasing an injured turtle back into the ocean after rehabilitation is really special.

BEACH & RIVER CLEAN-UP

The Beach & River clean-up project aims to restore and protect beaches and coastal rivers which are important habitats to the marine life along Sri Lanka's southern coast.

Plastics and other debris are hazardous to marine life such as turtles that ingest plastic bags mistaking them for jellyfish. By keeping these areas litter-free we can help protect the local wildlife and take a small step in battling the plastic pollution crisis. All litter is sorted into its recyclable elements and is then taken to collection points to be broken down and reused.