A meaningful milestone has begun at Mawil Sea Turtle Sanctuary in West Sumbawa, Indonesia. For the first time, a sea turtle has officially been adopted through the sanctuary’s community-based conservation program, marking a new chapter in protecting one of the ocean’s most iconic and threatened species.
The first adopted turtle, named Ikly, is a Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) that nested at Mawil Beach on 8 May 2026. According to conservation monitoring data, Ikly measured 99 cm in carapace length and 87 cm in width, laying an impressive 84 eggs in her natural nest.
Unlike artificial hatchery systems, Mawil Sea Turtle Sanctuary practices a natural hatchery approach, allowing eggs to remain and hatch in their original nesting locations whenever conditions are safe. This method helps preserve the turtles’ natural instincts and supports healthier survival outcomes for hatchlings returning to the sea.
The adoption was made possible through the support of Hajadi Artiawan, who became the first official adopter in Mawil’s conservation program. While the turtle remains wild and free in the ocean, the adoption symbolizes a commitment to helping protect nesting beaches, monitor nests, support hatchlings, and strengthen conservation efforts led by local communities.
Sea turtle adoption is not about ownership—it is about responsibility and connection. Every adoption directly contributes to beach patrols, nest protection, coastal clean-up activities, environmental education, and long-term conservation work in Mawil.
For local conservation groups, this first adoption represents more than financial support. It is proof that people care, and that communities can work together to protect marine life for future generations.
Mawil Beach continues to face challenges from plastic waste, habitat disturbance, and illegal egg collection. Through initiatives like turtle adoption, more people can become part of the solution.
The team at Mawil Sea Turtle Sanctuary hopes Ikly’s story will inspire many others to join the movement.
By adopting a turtle, individuals, schools, businesses, and communities can actively support the protection of nesting mothers and hatchlings while helping preserve Mawil’s coastal ecosystem.
Because every nest matters.
Every hatchling matters.
And every small action can help shape the future of our oceans.
Mr. Harjadi: Sumba’s Quiet Defender of Turtles
ReplyDeleteAt Mbawana Beach, Sumba, Mr. Harjadi backed the nightly patrols and pushed the message out.
He didn’t dig nests himself. He showed up, funded torches and fencing, and got 3 neighboring villages to stop buying eggs. He spoke at the village hall so locals heard it from one of their own.
Result: 200 hatchlings released this season. Zero sold at Mbawana.
Conservation sticks when locals lead and locals listen.
Follow Paka River Camp. We will be heading there this year to see it firsthand.
Anyone wants to help out? Do give a shout here.