American Consulate-Chennai Participates in TREE Foundation Efforts to Protect Sea Turtles in Chennai

Counsel General Andrew Simkin and Mrs Bess Simkin with TREE Foundation chairperson Supraja Dharini before releasing Olive Ridley hatchlings into the ocean

March 28: American Consulate General-Chennai participated in a turtle watch activity organized by the TREE Foundation whose conservation efforts to save Olive Ridley sea turtles, a species in the endangered species list, continues to receive a positive reception from fishing communities. The foundation’s guiding principle is that sea turtle and marine mammal conservation can succeed only by working with fishing communities to establish conservation mechanisms that respect people’s livelihood. The foundation community program covers 86 kilometers of the coastal area. Since 2002, the TREE Foundation has engaged in environmental education, sea turtle conservation and community development. Consul General Andrew Simkin and Mrs. Bess Simkin participated in a turtle walk led by Ms. Supraja Dharini, Chairperson of the TREE Foundation, who stressed the importance of community involvement in achieving its goals. The community project includes sea turtle nest relocation, the creation of protected nesting areas, community nest monitoring and ensuring the hatchlings reach the ocean. Participants at the event observed eggs hatching and the hatchlings’ walk to the sea. The American Consulate General-Chennai applauds the TREE Foundation for providing a valuable community service that will help ensure the survival of Chennai’s Olive Ridley sea turtles.