In the calm of the morning, with the gentle sound of the waves as the soundtrack, I witnessed a scene I had always dreamed of seeing: tiny Loggerhead Sea Turtles, freshly hatched, heading toward the sea on Camburi Beach.
What an emotion! This image, capturing such a delicate moment, graces the cover of my new book, "Baía das Tartarugas: Marine Richness in the Capital of Espírito Santo".
The book will be launched on November 8, but the message it carries is already echoing in the community.
A Dark Past
There was a time when sea turtles were ruthlessly hunted, and their eggs collected for consumption, driving many species to the brink of extinction. It was a cycle of destruction.However, thanks to conservation efforts, awareness of these creatures’ importance began to take root. Communities that once saw turtles as mere resources have become guardians of their beaches.
Camburi Beach
Camburi Beach, located in the capital of Espírito Santo, one of the most urbanized areas in the state, still plays a role in the lives of these turtles. Despite the intense lighting and urbanization, nests are still documented there.
In 2016, I had the opportunity to document nesting on the same beach now featured with hatchlings on the cover of my book. It was a moment etched in memory for the hope it symbolizes.
Challenges and Solutions
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) report that many nests are relocated to safer areas, shielding the hatchlings from urban dangers. It’s a constant struggle.The threats facing these beloved marine reptiles are vast: urban development, excessive light pollution, and contamination jeopardize the turtles' life cycles.
The Sistema de Informação de Monitoramento da Biota Aquática (SIMBA) has recorded many of these challenges. To us, these data are the voice of nature crying out for help.
Symbols of Hope
Turtles are symbols of resilience and hope. When I see them emerging during my regular visits to the Baía das Tartarugas, I’m reminded that their presence can attract tourists, bringing not only awareness but also resources that can help protect their habitats.
The cover image, showing hatchlings making their way to the ocean, is a provocation: do we want Baía das Tartarugas to remain a safe home for them?
The Cycle of Life
These little turtles, now swimming in the ocean, were saved by the Tamar Project and transported to safe beaches, ensuring the survival of the hatchlings. When released at Camburi Beach, as depicted in the photos I present here, they return to a home where their story intertwines with ours.
I dream of seeing these tiny turtles come back decades from now to lay their eggs on the same beach, but this time in a well-prepared and protected environment.
What an honor it would be to welcome these incredible creatures to our “backyard”!
But for that to happen, we need to overcome all the challenges to make this reunion safe for them.
The Struggle for Survival
The Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta), the species featured in the photo, although less numerous than the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) in Vitória, is a regular presence in Baía das Tartarugas.
They are studied and protected by conservation projects and local institutions, such as the Tamar Project, Chelonia Mydas Project, IPRAM, Instituto Últimos Refúgios, the Vitória City Hall, and environmentalist groups—all holding onto the hope for better days in the capital.
Despite the challenges, with everyone's help, turtle populations have impressively recovered. Nature is always resilient.
The Importance of Conservation
Sea turtle conservation is a matter of pride and responsibility. Everyone can contribute to protecting these creatures, from small daily actions to participating in conservation initiatives.So, I invite you to get involved. Comment, like, and share this content. Send the article link to your friends who will also be enchanted by this story.I hope you enjoyed this story. See you on the next adventure!
THE PROJECT
The book project is an initiative of Instituto Últimos Refúgios and the Baía das Tartarugas Conservation Project, made possible by the Espírito Santo Culture Incentive Law (LICC) from the Secretary of Culture (Secult), with sponsorship from Grupo Águia Branca, support from Grafitusa, and a partnership with the Vitória City Hall. The launch is supported by the Tamar Project Foundation.
Visit, comment, like, and share this content. Send the article link to your friends who will enjoy this story. Your interaction is essential to keeping my conservation work alive and showing the world the importance of protecting our biodiversity.
I hope you enjoyed this story. See you on the next adventure!
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Nature photographer and cinematographer, founder of Instituto Últimos Refúgios, Master in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development, passionate about the environment! Join me on this incredible journey of wildlife discoveries and see more beautiful stories as I constantly explore nature.
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