Legambiente and TH Resorts have signed a memorandum of understanding to protect sea turtles that nest on the Italian coasts.
The memorandum of understanding was signed within the framework of the European Life Turtlenest project. TH Resorts and Legambiente commit to collaborating on the implementation of a common program, which includes the adoption of a code of conduct aimed at tourism operators in the beach sector for the proper management of beaches and aimed at protecting sea turtles and their nests.
The sea turtles of the species Caretta caretta are increasingly nesting on Italian beaches. A positive phenomenon, but one that requires attention. The increase in temperatures, linked to climate change, has expanded the nesting range of this species in the Mediterranean. In this context, the Life Turtlenest project, carried out with the contribution of the LIFE program of the European Union, was created precisely to protect the nesting habitats of the Caretta caretta and to increase the reproductive success of the species. This scenario therefore highlights the important role of beach operators, essential for the reporting and securing of nests, but also for maintaining a suitable habitat for nesting, as well as informing and raising awareness among the general public.
The national framework agreement translates into specific local protocols concerning the management of beaches. The involved entities have obtained the recognition of “Turtle-friendly beaches” as a testament to their commitment. Legambiente has also granted a special flag of the Life Turtlenest project, which must be displayed on site. Specifically, the TH resorts that have taken part in the initiative are located in Ostuni, Marina di Sibari, Marina di Pisticci, Le Castella, Simeri, also involved in the project are the Touring Villages managed by TH at the Tremiti Islands, La Maddalena and Marina di Camerota.
The protocol provides that beach operators are trained to recognize sea turtle tracks and to adopt the rules to follow in case of presence of nests or hatchlings. They are also instructed to spread correct information to tourists about the most appropriate behaviors to avoid damaging nests and not frightening the turtles seeking a secluded place.
“We are very satisfied with the signing of this protocol which shows increasing attention towards nature and the environment. In recent years, we have recorded, in most cases, growing interest from managers, who consider the presence of turtles an added value for their business – comments Stefano Di Marco, Project Manager of the European Life Turtlenest project, coordinated by Legambiente – 2023 was a record year with over 450 nests recorded on the Italian coasts. This data demonstrates the urgency of creating a structured network with various stakeholders including institutions, citizens and, of course, tourism operators for the protection of Caretta caretta.”
Life Turtlenest, a project co-financed by the European Union through the LIFE program and coordinated by Legambiente, aimed at improving the conservation of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in Italy, Spain and France, through monitoring activities, securing nests, scientific research and information and awareness campaigns. Besides the coordinator Legambiente, the European project involves the Anton Dhorn Zoological Station; Ispra; La Sapienza University of Rome; University of Barcelona; BETA Technological Centre (UVic-UCC); ENCI; Cest Med; Basilicata Region, Campania Region, Puglia Region, Lazio Region, Environmental Protection Agencies of Tuscany. In addition to the Italian regions washed by the Tyrrhenian Sea (Basilicata, Puglia, Campania, Sicily, Lazio, Sardinia and Tuscany), Life Turtlenest will intervene in the French Camargue region, the French Riviera and Corsica and in the Spanish regions of Catalonia, Murcia, Andalusia, Balearic Islands and Valencia.