PANJIM: In a bid to create a safe and enabling environment for the turtles across the coastal belt, the State Government is working towards ‘Conservation and Management of Marine Turtles’ project. 

The project, which focuses on biodiversity conservation and capacity building, is estimated at Rs 7.58 crore. The forest department is going to be the implementing agency for the project. 

“The main objective of the project is to create a safe and enabling environment for the turtles by affording protection against death/injuries besides putting in place a proper rescue and recovery mechanism thereby ensuring ‘Biodiversity conservation’,” sources said adding that large number of turtles are currently reported from Goa coast dead or injurious conditions.

Marine turtles are listed under Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and have the highest protection status. The Government of India had, under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification of 2011, given special recognition to the turtle nesting sites in the State of Goa and categorised the sites under CRZ I designated as No Development Zones (NDZ).

“Promoting eco-tourism activities in turtle nesting areas will help to protect the sites, which are facing threat,” sources said.

The project also speaks about setting up two modern turtle rescue and rehabilitation centres at Morjim in North and Agonda in South Goa.

“The research centres will undertake research on turtle mortalities offshore and poor hatchling and egg survival rate. The reasons will be identified and steps will be taken to improve the situation,” sources said.