CEA Turtle Camp 2022 Needs Your Support

Help us protect and conserve the sea turtles in Akumal.

Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA) launched the 2022 Turtle Camp season, the 27th for the ecological, nonprofit institution. Climate change impact, sargasso, lack of staff, and the pandemic hit hard. With the increased nesting needs – expected to be over 1000 this year – and a decrease in resources, the camp has been relying more and more on the dedication and assistance of the volunteers who live in the area, called the Guardians of Akumal Turtles, and a variety of youth and travelers looking to pitch in and help the cause.

Six of the seven species of Marine turtles are endangered and protected by international and Mexican laws. CEA’s Turtle Nesting Protection Program is operated through a permit, NOM-162-SEMARNAT-2012, which is the basis of our action plan for conservation and protection of the turtles.

Each year the camp has expenses running around $30,000 usd. The past two seasons we have been unable to reach this amount. Funding for the program comes from the following: Approximately $11,000 usd of the budget comes from the CEA/CUIA endowment fund. Another $8,000-$10,000 comes from an anonymous donor, and this year and last we received a donation for a Tortuguero salary from Lisa Wilson. Bill and Betsy Miller, experienced Guardians volunteers, raise funds through garage sales and other events every year. Linda and Mike Mulgrew donated stakes and Retro T-shirts for sale. Laura and Dave Wolfe raised funds at this year’s Lol Ha Super Bowl event. We also have a sponsorship from the Rotary Club Tulum for nest marking signs for Akumal Sur. We still need $500-$1000 usd donations for nest signs specifically and also turtle signs.

Our drive for funding to meet this year’s basic camp needs is short $8,000 usd to meet salaries, camp, and accommodations. Please note what category of CEA donation you are making. Include your email address so we can send your tax receipt and tell you exactly how your donation will be used.

If you have a property on Half Moon Bay or Playa Tortuga/Jade Bay, there is the option to have its name on a sign. Please contact the office at [email protected] or call + 52 984-217-3385 and speak with Administration to get sponsorship details.

Donations can also be made through the Yucatan Environmental Foundation (YEF) either via PayPAl or Yucatan Environmental Foundation (YEF) c/o Kim Freeark, 304 Fairbank Rd., Riverside IL 60546-2215

Don’t forget we also promote the adopt a sea turtle campaign.