Endangered Green Sea Turtles: Ambassadors of Conservation

By Daniel Durazo

Through a unique, multidisciplinary sea turtle education program the idea of a pen pal takes on a whole new meaning.  In the fall of 2005 Pro Peninsula offered the program Ocean Connectors to underserved, bilingual 5th and 6th grade students in San Diego and La Paz.  These students used creative arts, language skills and conservation themes to connect via good old fashion snail mail to students of similar age in parts of Southern Mexico where scientists believe some of the endangered green sea turtles inhabiting South San Diego Bay migrate to nest. 

Some amazing things happened during this innovative program, in addition to expanding the local conservation perspective to new heights.  When developing their long-distance conservation messages each student was able to utilize his or her own particular strength (be it understanding of science, literary skills, or their knowledge of the Spanish language and Mexican culture) to communicate, and help other students to do the same. 

As migratory animals, sea turtles know no country or state borders when it comes to traveling great distances to their nesting beaches.  Therefore, students suggested ways they can work together while remaining sensitive to each other’s cultural issues.  All the participating students are confident that together they can make a difference and ensure that their shared ocean ambassadors survive for generations to come!

Ocean Connectors is generously supported by the California Coastal Commission’s Whale Tail License Plate Grants Program. Contact Lindsey Peavey at lindsey@propeninsula.org for more information.