Who We Are
A Volunteer Initiative for Sea Turtle Conservation
Caretta Friends is an independent volunteer initiative dedicated to protecting loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)and their nesting habitats in Gazipaşa, Türkiye.
🐢 Our Goal
Our goal is to make sea turtle conservation a natural part of life in the local community.
We want residents and visitors to understand that a protected area on the beach is more than just a fenced-off patch of sand. Beneath the surface is a nest, a developing generation of sea turtles, and a fragile part of the natural life cycle.
Through education and community involvement, we want to help people understand why every nest matters and how human activity on the beach can affect the survival of sea turtle hatchlings.
In the long term, Caretta Friends aims to build a local community of people who want to take part in sea turtle conservation, environmental education and the protection of Gazipaşa’s coastline.
🌊 What We Do
Today, Caretta Friends is developing several areas of work:
CarettaFriends.com
Our website provides information about sea turtles, nesting, and responsible behaviour on nesting beaches.
Caretta Friends App
We are developing a dedicated mobile application as part of the project’s digital infrastructure, with the aim of improving public engagement and supporting future conservation activities.
Local Information & Support
People already contact us with questions about turtle nests, tracks and encounters with sea turtles, as well as how to behave responsibly on the beach.
Environmental Education
We are developing educational ideas and materials for children, local residents and visitors to Gazipaşa.
🌱 From One Person to a Community
Caretta Friends started with one person’s personal involvement in sea turtle conservation.
Little by little, more people are becoming interested in sea turtles, reporting nests and turtle activity, asking questions and looking for ways to help.
Our next step is to turn this growing interest into a local community for sea turtle conservation and environmental awareness.
🌍 Our Focus Areas
🐢 Sea Turtle Conservation
Supporting the protection of Caretta caretta nesting habitats and promoting responsible behaviour on nesting beaches.
📚 Environmental Education
Creating clear and engaging educational materials about sea turtles, nesting and the threats they face.
🤝 Community Engagement
Encouraging local residents and visitors to become involved in protecting nature and the coastline.
🌊 Coastal Conservation
Raising awareness about plastic pollution, beach cleanliness and the importance of protecting natural coastal habitats.
📱 Digital Tools
Developing the Caretta Friends website and app to share information, engage people and support the growth of the future volunteer community.
🤝 Want to Get Involved?
Caretta Friends is open to people who want to learn more about sea turtles and contribute to their protection.
You can:
report a sea turtle nest or turtle sighting;
suggest an environmental initiative;
help with an educational project;
propose a collaboration;
join our growing volunteer community.
Get in touch
WhatsApp: +90 501 379 43 26