Project Background and Achievements

Dudley Perera's project has been underway since 1988. The main aim of the project is to monitor local sea turtle activity and conserve the local nesting sites. We aim to make the public more aware of how endangered these beautiful creatures are and just how important it is to help protect them before it is too late.

One of the most important activities of the project is its hatchery. Within the sanctuary of the project, collected and rescued eggs can hatch safely away from predators before being released into the sea at night-time. In addition, a certain number from each hatching are kept back for a short period for 'headstarting' before release. The hatchery program is designed to maximise the number of hatchlings reaching the sea and surviving through the critical stages of their early life. Only a few hatchlings from each batch will ever make it to adulthood. Therefore every nest-ground, every egg, every hatchling and every turtle is crucial to the survival of the species. Unfortunately, sea turtles face many dangers.

The project's work relies on fundraising and grants. Last year, the project helped clear and maintain the local beach, protecting vital nesting-grounds (particularly important after the devastation of the Tsunami) and released 10,000 hatchlings. When you consider how long the project has been going, you can begin to understand the impact the project has!

The Tsunami, 26 December 2004

On 26 December 2004, Sri Lanka (together with other Indian Ocean countries) was hit by a tsunami caused by a sub-sea earthquake registering 9.2 on the Richter scale. Kosgoda, a fishing community on the coast, was devastated by a six metre wave which surged some 1.5km inland. Many died in the disaster, homes and property were destroyed and many displaced. Dudley and his family were fortunate to escape with their lives. Their home and the KSTCP however were gone; as were some 200 Hawksbill turtles which had been in Dudley's care at the time. There were fears that the destruction of the sea turtle nesting grounds would have a permanent effect on turtle populations.

The KSTCP's hatchery facility has been lovingly rebuilt. Since reopening the project in March 2005, the work of the volunteers is also focused on rehabilitating the devastated beaches to attract sea turtles again. This is done through planting Pandanus Trees and beach clearance, ensuring a safe and clean environment for turtles.

Volunteers were also involved in tsunami relief/community development work. This includes working with the local community to help rebuild their homes and lives and ranges from clearing rubble to teaching children in the local temporary housing camp. Their work continues today in the new community centre.

Together with local people and tourists, sea turtles have fortunately returned to the beaches of Sri Lanka and Kosgoda remains one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the country. With our help, sea turtles will continue to return to Kosgoda time and time again and we can ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures.

KSTCP, 2008

Getting there... 2006

Home - Project - Volunteers - Project Work - Sea Turtles - Risk Factors - Gallery - News - Contacts

Copyright © 2008 Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project. This website is proud to be 'volunteer -powered'. Site queries to Brian