Turtle watching at Lara bay in Cyprus

Does anyone know how to get in contact with the turtle watching project in Lara Bay on the Akamas peninsula?

I wish to watch the nesting and hatching of the turtles but such information for contact with any organization cannot be found.

Hope that you can help me

Comments for Turtle watching at Lara bay in Cyprus

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Jun 17, 2018
1m washed up dead turtle today.
by: Anonymous

Found a dead washed up large turtle on beach. Cant find any contact or advice on who to report this to.
Lots abt observing conservation but nothing abt reporting dead or injured turtles.

May 22, 2013
Turtle Hatching at Lara
by: JJB

Lara is run by the husband of the minister of fisheries. He does not allow "normal" humans to take part, only if you are studying for a degree at university. He is obstructive in the efforts of volunteers to allow anyone to watch and does not allow anyone to take part in the hatching, unless as above.

There was a really good group set up at Episkopi who did allow members of the public to walk the beaches to watch for turtles nesting and to watch when nests were excavated to allow many babies to make their way to the sea.

This has now been stopped and these members have had their licences revoked. This now allows fishermen to net the areas and turtles get trapped in those nets. The turtles drown or are clubbed to death if they do survive. This apparently is the decision of the SBA, made this year, with no reference to those licence holders!

Green and Loggerhead turtles nest and lay eggs on our beaches, they are endangered. This is wrong and people must stand up and shout for this decision to be reversed. It is an amazing experience to see a live turtles and especially babies being able to make their way to the sea. It is a shame that more people won't be able to take part.

May 19, 2013
Be aware turtles in cyprus in danger!
by: JJB

Lara Bay is not the only project protecting turtles in Cyprus. There is another project at Episkopi. Much work has been done over the years to help the turtles to safely lay and hatch eggs BUT this year ALL licences have been revoked.

This is extremely worrying and not helpful at all to the people who gather information and welcome volunteers. If there is anyone out there who can take this up at a higher level, it would be much appreciated. Everyone should be aware that Cyprus is wrong in its decision to abandon the welfare of these beautiful and endangered species.

May 24, 2011
Turtle watching in Cyprus
by: Anonymous

It is the 24/05/2011 and we saw 7 -9 turtles coming in to lay their eggs. We live in Cyprus and have done for 10 years and havn't had this experience before.

We were at the Natura Beach and they were all popping their heads out of the sea, checking out the beach. What an amazing experience.

Very glad that my children got to see them. I hope others can see them too.

Feb 02, 2011
Lara bay turtle conservation project
by: Helen

Beatrice

Use the links on my first comment below - they are the best way to get any updated information on the project.

Feb 02, 2011
Looking for storytellers about the Lara turtle project
by: Béatrice

Hi Helen, or anybody who knows!

I am going to Cyprus also to find out about the Turtle project in order to write a story about the project, people and volunteers who run the Lara Project. Would anybody have updated information? I am going soon, on the 15th of Cyprus for 6 days. I am aware there aren't any turtles to see at this time of year but would hope to at least talk to people about it. Thanking you in advance,

Béatrice.

Jun 10, 2009
Lara Turtle Conservation Project
by: Helen

There are a couple of organisations you can try:

AKTI - an organisation based in Nicosia. They have a page on the turtle project here from where you can send them an e-mail.

Seaturtle.org also has information on the project but is worldwide so best to start with the Cyprus based AKTI.

The owner of one of our local hotels the Natura beach is actively involved in nature conservation so you could also try contacting the hotel - www.natura.com.cy.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Helen

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