Conservation
Marine Conservation & Wildlife Protection
Every turtle species along the African coastline faces increasing pressure from human activities, putting their survival at risk. Five of the world’s seven sea turtle species, including critically endangered hawksbills and vulnerable leatherbacks, rely on Southern Africa’s coastal waters.
But turtles are just one part of a much bigger picture. Marine ecosystems across Southern Africa and beyond are under threat from habitat destruction, pollution, and unsustainable practices. That’s why we’re committed to establishing impactful conservation projects that tackle these challenges head-on. We work with local communities, researchers, and conservation partners to protect our ocean’s rich biodiversity.
In Southern Africa, several incredible organisations are leading the charge in marine conservation, creating real change for our seas.
Marine & Wildlife Conservation
Every turtle species that inhabits the African coastline faces pressure from humans, and their survival is under threat. Five out of the seven global species of turtle visit the Southern African coastline: critically endangered hawksbill, endangered green turtles, plus vulnerable leatherbacks, loggerheads, and olive ridleys.
We aim to establish projects that address the threats and put measures in place to protect and conserve our marine life. In Mozambique, these are the organisations making waves in marine conservation
Sustainable social & economic solutions
We also want to tackle the social and economic issues that feed into our ability to ensure the conservation of our coastlines. Our presence on the Primeiras e Segundas island deterred illegal fishing activity. However, just being present is not enough. We must find a sustainable solution, that will have a lasting, positive effect on both human and animal inhabitants, long after we are gone.
Whenever an opportunity has presented itself, we have worked on a strategy to develop ideas into sustainable projects that will provide the local population with education, an alternative source of income, and nutrition.
Sustainable social & economic solutions
We also want to tackle the social and economic issues that feed into our ability to ensure the conservation of the area. Our presence alone has already deterred illegal fishers from coming to the island. However, just being present is not enough. We must find a sustainable solution, that will have a lasting, positive effect on both human and animals inhabitants, long after we are gone.
Whenever an opportunity has presented itself, we have worked on a strategy to develop ideas into sustainable projects that will provide the local population with education, an alternative source of income and nutrition.
Threats to Marine Life
Our marine ecosystems are facing more threats than ever before. It is imperative that we take measures to protect marine animals and their habitats. At Earth Legacy Foundation, we collaborate with marine conservation focused organisations to help wildlife and the ocean environment.
Poaching
Poaching is a very delicate issue. Despite turtles being legally protected in Mozambique, many local communities kill turtles for subsistence. With growing human populations and declining natural fish resources, the consumption of turtle meat and the harvesting of their eggs is unsustainable.
There is also a market for turtle shell products. Hawksbills, in particular, have been hunted for their shells for centuries. This critically endangered species was assigned the highest level of protection in 1997, by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). However, there is still a black market trade for their shells, which are smuggled to the Far East.
Many of the areas where turtles are killed are so remote, that local authorities do not have the resources to enforce the law.
Pollution
At least eight million tons of plastic ends up in our oceans each year. This contributes to an estimated five trillion pieces of plastic in surface waters, and at least 14 million tons of microplastics on the ocean floor.
A floating plastic bag is often mistaken for jellyfish or algae, which make up a sizable component of a sea turtle’s diet. When a turtle unwittingly swallows a plastic bag, it can block its intestines, which disrupts the turtle’s ability to feed, leaving them to starve.
Microplastics were found in the guts of every sea turtle, in a study in 2018. The most common plastics found derived from tires, cigarettes, clothing, ropes and fishing nets. It is not yet known what damage is caused to the turtles from microplastics, but it is known that plastic carries chemical toxins, and can affect the turtles buoyancy.
Fishing
Gillnets, shrimp trawl nets and longline hooks pose a massive threat to turtles. Hundreds of thousands of them are caught as bycatch each year. Both the legal traditional and commercial fisheries, and the illegal, unregulated and unreported fisheries, impact sea turtles. Sadly, due to lack of funding and government apathy for the environment and marine conservation, the scale of the threats from fishing is mostly data deficient.
Threats to Marine Life
Our marine ecosystems are facing more threats than ever before. It is imperative that we take measures to protect marine animals and their habitats. At Earth Legacy Foundation, we have established a number of projects to help ocean life and the ocean environment.
Poaching
Poaching is a very delicate issue. Despite turtles being legally protected in Mozambique, many local communities kill turtles for subsistence. With growing human populations and declining natural fish resources, the consumption of turtle meat and the harvesting of their eggs is unsustainable.
There is also a market for turtle shell products. Hawksbills, in particular, have been hunted for their shells for centuries. This critically endangered species was assigned the highest level of protection in 1997, by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). However, there is still a black market trade for their shells, which are smuggled to the Far East.
Many of the areas where turtles are killed are so remote, that local authorities do not have the resources to enforce the law. Read more about poaching in our blog.
Pollution
At least eight million tons of plastic ends up in our oceans each year. This contributes to an estimated five trillion pieces of plastic in surface waters, and at least 14 million tons of microplastics on the ocean floor.
A floating plastic bag is often mistaken for jellyfish or algae, which make up a sizable component of a sea turtle’s diet. When a turtle unwittingly swallows a plastic bag, it can block its intestines, which disrupts the turtle’s ability to feed, leaving them to starve.
Microplastics were found in the guts of every sea turtle, in a study in 2018. The most common plastics found derived from tires, cigarettes, clothing, ropes and fishing nets. It is not yet known what damage is caused to the turtles from microplastics, but it is known that plastic carries chemical toxins, and can affect the turtles buoyancy.
Fishing
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Conservation Measures
We have a number of conservation actions that we are aiming to achieve through our campaigns.
Anti Poaching Unit
Supplying local authorities with boats and vehicles to ensure there is a regular presence in remote areas, and to help them carry out law enforcement. Transforming the poachers into protectors:
SUSTAINABLE LONG TERM SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
TOURISM
Travel packages for groups and individuals. Our interactive travel program will help to create awareness, allowing travellers to get hands-on and be a part of the conservation effort.
EDUCATION
Across Southern Africa, we’re building partnerships to raise awareness about the critical threats facing our marine populations. From plastic pollution choking our oceans to unsustainable fishing practices, marine life is experiencing a catastrophic decline. By working together, we can shine a light on this issue and inspire change.
Conservation Measures
We have a number of conservation actions that we are aiming to achieve through our campaigns.
Anti Poaching Unit
Supplying local authorities with boats and vehicles to ensure there is a regular presence in remote areas, and to help them carry out law enforcement. Transforming the poachers into protectors:
SUSTAINABLE LONG TERM SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
TOURISM
Travel packages for groups and individuals. Our interactive travel program will help to create awareness, allowing travellers to get hands-on and be a part of the conservation effort. Scuba diving adventures on Ilha do Fogo. Eco-luxury destinations across Africa. A percentage of the profits from bookings is donated to Earth Legacy Foundation.
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