Conservation of marine turtles in the Republic of Congo

Throughout the year, Congo hosts significant populations of five of the world’s seven species and subspecies of marine turtles. All are classified as “Endangered” or “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List.

Present in Congo since 2004, Renatura carries out population monitoring at some of the world’s most important nesting sites for leatherback, green and olive ridley turtles. The data collected by the association has already been published in scientific studies, and Renatura is a member of two regional scientific networks (PROTOMAC and REEDDAC).

The project’s overall objective is to contribute to the study and conservation of marine turtles in the Republic of Congo, and to their economic valorisation for the benefit of local communities.

The specific objectives are:

– To improve knowledge of marine turtles in Congo by completing a statistical model for estimating nesting activity,

– To effectively protect nesting sites through the continuous presence of staff at nesting sites,

– To develop wildlife-watching tourism around these animals for the benefit of local communities.