The marine turtle in Kenya are under threat due to environmental stresses as well as their importance in meeting the socio-economic and socio-cultural requirements of Kenya?s costal communities. Local people are still exploiting sea turtles for their eggs, shells and meat. In addition, turtle nesting beaches (rookeries) are being modified and/or being lost gradually to unplanned costal development and foraging habitats such as coral reefs and seagras beds are being destroyed by pollution, perennial sedimentation and unsustainable fishing. Many turtles are accidentally caught and drowned in fishing gear. The most widespread form of turtle exploitation in Kenya is the illegal poaching of turtle eggs and meat for human consumption ostensibly due to their medicinal value and the belief among local people that turtle oil enhances mail virility.
The main goal of this project is to enhance the conservation of sea turtles in Kenya and to promote sustainable utilization of marine resources through enhanced community involvement. In collaboration with 7 community based sea turtle conservation groups, the Kenya sea Turtle Conservation Committee will coordinate activities of the turtle conservation groups, and involve rural communities along the Kenya coast line for conservation of sea turtles. The project has four main components: Patrols & monitoring, habitat rehabilitation, PRA activities, and research.