Sea turtle populations in Mombasa, Kenya are currently facing numerous threats, including direct subsistence harvesting for meat and eggs, commercial harvesting for meat, oil, and shells, incidental capture in both artisanal and commercial fishing, as well as habitat alteration, degradation, and loss.

The situation regarding sea turtle exploitation in Kenya presents a significant challenge for conservation and management efforts, particularly since a substantial proportion of mortalities is attributed to human activities. Mitigation strategies require considerable socio-cultural and socio-economic changes.

Although sea turtles are designated as 'protected animals' under the Wildlife Act (Cap 376) and the Fisheries Industry Act (Cap 378), which prohibit any form of direct exploitation of the species or its products under Kenyan law, illegal harvesting and exploitation continue to occur without restraint. This issue is exacerbated by insufficient resources, including equipment, personnel, and funding, to enforce the existing legislation. Additionally, there is currently no legislation in place to safeguard critical sea turtle habitats, such as foraging or nesting sites, except for those located within designated marine protected areas. Consequently, UCESCO Africa is stepping in, with the assistance of volunteers like you, to help protect unprotected sea turtles and ensure their safety.

Please participate in this immersive sea turtle conservation initiative in Mtwapa, Mombasa, Kenya, and take an active part in safeguarding endangered marine turtles and their coastal environments. Collaborating with knowledgeable local conservation personnel, you will contribute to ongoing turtle protection efforts that emphasize rescue, rehabilitation, research, and community engagement. Volunteers engage in daily conservation tasks, such as beach patrols, nest monitoring, data gathering, and assisting in the rescue and release of turtles inadvertently captured by local fishermen. Additionally, you may assist in caring for sick or injured turtles at the Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, gaining invaluable knowledge about turtle biology, behavior, and the challenges facing marine ecosystems along the Kenyan coastline.

This intimate conservation experience provides significant engagement in authentic fieldwork, directly contributing to the protection of sea turtles while also supporting local economies and marine education programs.

Other activities you can engage in during your leisure time

• Women Empowerment (Mombasa & Kilifi)

Skills training workshops (handicrafts, tailoring, agribusiness), table banking groups, entrepreneurship mentorship, counseling services, mental health awareness discussions, and product marketing assistance.

• Plastic Waste Management (Kilifi)

Community waste collection initiatives, plastic sorting and recycling efforts, upcycling workshops, and environmental awareness programs.

• Beach Clean-Up (Mombasa, Mtwapa & Kilifi)

Coastal clean-up activities, waste audits, community involvement initiatives, and marine pollution awareness campaigns.

• Ecofarm & Ecotourism (Kilifi)

Kitchen gardening, small-scale organic farming, eco-learning farm tours, and training for sustainable livelihoods.

• Teaching  (Mombasa & Kilifi)

Classroom assistance, literacy and numeracy sessions, mentorship initiatives, and extracurricular activities.

• Mangrove Conservation & Restoration (Kilifi & Mombasa)

Mangrove nursery operations, seedling planting, site restoration efforts, and community conservation education.

• Education Support (Mombasa & Kilifi)

School visits, provision of learning materials, student mentorship, career guidance, and educational awareness programs.