Sea turtles are heavily impacted by human activities during their migrations, facing habitat degradation, poaching, and illegal trade. At sea, unregulated fishing and pollution pose major threats, while on land, nesting beaches suffer from waste, light pollution, and urban development. France, which has the world’s second-largest maritime territory, has ratified several international conventions and, in 2022, published a ministerial decree to strengthen national protection measures.
TOTM experts are committed to implementing these measures, particularly in Mayotte, where poaching remains a serious issue. TOTM is seeking funding to reinforce anti-poaching efforts and support local authorities. The organization also plans to use international legal tools, such as the RAMSAR Convention, to strengthen protection at the national level by proposing the designation of new protected sites.
Objective: Support the strengthening and enforcement of regulations for the conservation of sea turtles.
- Assist in drafting and implementing a new ministerial decree defining the list of marine turtles protected on national territory and the conditions of their protection.
- Make recommendations for site designation under RAMSAR Resolution XII-24 and contribute to the drafting of management plans for existing or newly designated sites.
- Support anti-poaching measures in Mayotte.
- Support the adoption of regulations banning balloon releases across national territory.
