On the golden beaches of the Mediterranean, where the moonlight shimmers on the waves, an ancient drama unfolds. Beneath the sand, quietly and unseen, the lives of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) are growing — creatures that have walked this Earth since the time of the dinosaurs. Their return to shore to lay their eggs is one of nature’s most touching miracles. Every tiny hatchling that breaks free from its shell and heads toward the sea is like a spark of hope for the whole planet. The joy of witnessing this wonder is incomparable.

But alongside this joy comes anger and sorrow. Instead of silence and respect for these oldest inhabitants of our planet, the beaches are crowded with sunbeds and umbrellas, crisscrossed by ATVs, and drowned in noisy parties. Tourists tread over nests, unaware that the future lies beneath their feet. Pleasure boats cut through the waves, preventing turtles from surfacing for air. Government authorities, instead of protecting them, make life harder for these ancient travelers: new construction, lack of safeguards, and indifference toward a species on the brink of extinction. This is not just a violation of nature’s balance — it is a betrayal of life itself.

The loggerheads fight for every second of their existence. They must endure polluted seas, disoriented ecosystems, glaring spotlights, and blasting music on the shores. And still, they return again and again to the same places, where harmony once reigned. How much longer can they survive before they vanish forever?

We must stand beside them. Protecting marine life means protecting ourselves, for the sea is our shared heart. Let us help the turtles — and the world: don’t litter, respect nature, demand coastal protection from authorities, and support organizations that safeguard nests. As long as a hatchling can still reach the sea, humanity has a chance for a future.

Nesting map 2025
Adrasan Bay, Kumluca/Antalya

What each of us can do:

• Don't disturb nests. Even a casual step can destroy a clutch. If you see marked areas with ribbons or signs, avoid them.

• Avoid bright lights at night. Baby turtles navigate by the moonlight over the sea. Lamps, fires, and flashlights will confuse them.

• Don't leave trash. Plastic bags are a deadly trap for marine animals. Take away everything you brought in and pick up what's left.

• Avoid motorized recreation near the coast. Noise and waves prevent turtles from rising for air.

• Support environmental initiatives. Volunteer programs, turtle rescue centers, and environmental foundations are a real investment in their future.

Each of these steps is simple and accessible. But together, they offer powerful protection for the ancient inhabitants of the Mediterranean.

By saving turtles, we keep the sea alive.