WORLD TURTLE DAY 2024 by Shenequa Williams & Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

WORLD TURTLE DAY 2024 by Sheniqua Williams & Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

 World Turtle Day is celebrated annually on May 23rd with the main objective to raise awareness about the conservation of turtles and tortoises. These ancient reptiles are vital to ecosystems but face threats like over hunting, habitat destruction and pollution (especially plastic pollution).

These reptiles provide food such as meat, eggs, oil, shell, bone, leather and medicine especially for people residing in coastal areas.  These sea animals and many others are worth our protection therefore the onus is everyone’s to be informed of their worth and contribute to their wellbeing.

Antigua is proactively involved with sea turtle conservation and have several areas surrounding beaches that are nesting sites for Hawksbill, Green, and Leatherback turtles. A non-governmental Organizations (NGO) known as the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) protect these nesting areas, sea turtles and the hatchlings.  The EAG partners with several communities, groups and relevant stakeholders with monitoring and tagging of these sea creatures and also conducts training and educational workshops pertaining to the sea turtles and other animals.

However, on the sister island of Barbuda, tortoises or land turtles are quite popular and is notably one of the island’s terrestrial animals.  An interesting fact about the tortoise, is that according to scientists, it is known to be the oldest living land creature on earth and they deserve all the appreciation and respect necessary.

We, all can help with the preservation of these magnificent reptiles by reducing plastic use, stop illegal dumping/littering, supporting conservation efforts, and spreading awareness. This World Turtle Day let’s protect these remarkable creatures for future generations.

Every year, World Turtle Day is observed on May 23 all over the world. (File Photo)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May be an image of turtle