Sea turtle conservation

Sea Turtle Nesting Centre

Giving sea turtle nests a safe place to hatch.

Sea turtles come ashore on Zanzibar's beaches to lay their eggs. But their nests face many threats, from flooding and predators to human disturbance.

We carefully relocate nests at risk to our Sea Turtle Nesting Centre at Meliá Zanzibar, where they are monitored until the hatchlings emerge. Since 2020, we have relocated 21 nests and released more than 2,000 hatchlings into the sea.

The centre is also a place to learn. Through nest monitoring and visits from students, we share practical knowledge about sea turtle conservation and inspire the next generation to protect turtles and their nesting beaches.

Sea Turtle Nest Protection Training

Equipping rangers and security guards to protect nesting turtles.

When a turtle comes ashore at night to nest, the people present can make a real difference. Poaching remains a serious threat to Zanzibar's sea turtles, and hotel security guards and beach rangers are often the first to encounter nesting turtles.

We train them to recognise nesting turtles, protect nests, follow monitoring procedures and safely relocate nests at risk to our nesting centre. More than 130 people have taken part in our training so far.

Working with the Department of Marine Conservation, we help those on the front line respond effectively to nesting turtles and protect their nests, giving hatchlings the chance to reach the sea.

Zanzibar Sea Turtle Network

Working together to protect sea turtles across the Zanzibar Archipelago.

Sea turtles nest on beaches across the Zanzibar Archipelago, making collaboration essential to their protection. We are developing the Zanzibar Sea Turtle Network to connect NGOs, local communities and government institutions working to protect sea turtles.

By bringing together data from across the archipelago, the network aims to build a clearer picture of sea turtle nesting activity and help guide conservation efforts towards the beaches where protection is most needed.

The network will also encourage knowledge sharing and training, helping more rangers and community members take part in protecting sea turtles and their nests.