Eco-Bahia’s Sea Turtle Conservation Efforts Inspire Kids

Riviera Maya, Mexico — In observance of World Sea Turtle Day, the Eco-Bahia Foundation—the environmental arm of Grupo Piñero in Mexico—reaffirmed its commitment to the conservation of these ancient marine creatures through a series of hands-on, educational, and community-focused activities. The events targeted children, youth, and families in the towns of Akumal and Chemuyil.

Interactive Learning for Conservation

As part of its Environmental Education Program, the foundation organized the activity "Hydrate Like a Turtle!" in collaboration with Akumal’s youth volleyball team. Forty children participated in interactive games, including a bingo-style game highlighting threats to sea turtles, an anatomy recognition exercise, and a role-playing game titled "Mother Turtle for a Day." Reusable water bottles were distributed as a symbolic gesture to reduce single-use plastics, one of the primary dangers to sea turtle populations.

Simultaneously, at Playa Aventuras DIF, the foundation hosted "Turtle Guardian for a Day," engaging students from the Eleuterio Llanes Pasos Telesecundaria in Chemuyil. Participants learned about the foundation’s incubation pens, simulated nest monitoring, and studied the life cycle and challenges faced by the green sea turtle, an iconic species of the Mexican Caribbean. The experience concluded with a visit to Akumal Bay, where students observed green sea turtles swimming freely in their natural habitat.

A Foundation of Conservation

"Conservation begins with education and an emotional connection to nature. That’s why Eco-Bahia works at the grassroots level, fostering awareness in new generations so they become guardians of the sea and biodiversity," said Luis Verdín, Manager of the Eco-Bahia Foundation.

These initiatives reinforce the foundation’s long-standing dedication to sea turtle protection, one of its cornerstone projects. In 2024 alone, the program safeguarded over 1,200 nests and more than 100,000 hatchlings. Through education, science, and community engagement, the sea turtle conservation program not only protects the species but also promotes a model of regenerative and responsible tourism across the region.