Guatemala - Claudia Santizo, the Executive Director of Guatemalas National Council of Portected Areas, CONAP, (Consejo Nacinal de Areas Protegidas), anounced that Gautemala has declared the 10th of October the National day of the Marine Turtle. On average over hundred thousand little turtles are saved at protected hatching centers and are released every year. But much more needs to be done.
This celebration is to contribute to the conservation of the marine turtles of Guatemala. There are important activities sheduled for this day, there will be drawing and poetry contest for children in nearby shools of a hatching protection sites. The iniciative: "Seeding Life" will present the nests where little turtles are keep safe for hatching. Sipacate will be the location where the event will take place, the Prizes for the winners of the diferent competions for children will be given on the 10 th of October at that location.
Claudia Santizo explained that a forum about "Sharing experiences of Marine Turtle conservation" will be held where researchers and experts in turtle conservation will share their knowledge. With the support of the Vice-Ministry of Food Security and the Foundation Montecarlo Verde, the volunteers of the local communities and workers of CONAP will receive an incentive in food supplies to motivate their important work. Edgar Grisolía, Vice- Minister of Food Security gave his assurances that the support of food will be institutionalized to be a source of continuous contribution to the conservation efforts.
Most experts recognize seven species of marine turtles worldwide: the green, hawksbill, loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, olive ridley, leatherback, and flatback. All but one - the flatback - can be found in the Latin American and Caribbean region, and all are threatened by extinction.
All the turtles that exist in Guatemala are in danger of extinction, some are in more danger and more vulnerable than others. The mayor reason for the danger of extinction is the uncontrolled consumption of the eggs, hunting the turtles for sale, unsafe fishery practices, oil contamination and waste from big boats and the communities.
In the last hatching season, 31 turtle hatching conservation centers where established, they are able to work with the collaboration of private and governmental organizations. On average 19 centers work in each season. Between al of the centers, over hundred thousand little turtles are released every year.
Photos. Joseph Ross Majestic World
