What child doesn’t love turtles? These slow-moving, lovable creatures live right here in Abu Dhabi, and you can learn all about them at a family event at Monte-Carlo Beach Club.
Did you know the shell of a hawksbill turtle changes colours depending on the temperature of the water it’s in? Hawksbills spend most of their time in shallow lagoons and coral reefs rather than in ocean waters, and look like other marine turtles, with a flattened body and shell, and flipper-shaped arms that allow them to swim. And, like many other sea turtles, the hawksbill sea turtle is a critically endangered species.
Because of the slow reproductive rates of sea turtles – hawksbills usually mate twice a year and few hatchlings survive their first few days – many species, including hawksbills, face extinction. Fishing doesn’t help, as it often interferes with turtle populations, while construction can disturb the turtles’ ecosystem.
But Saadiyat Island, where many hawksbills call home, has taken measures to ensure that it remains a safe place for hawksbill turtles to nest. That’s why the Monte-Carlo Beach Club has organised the Discover the World of Turtles event on Saadiyat to teach families about the species, and what is being done to keep them safe and well in Abu Dhabi.
Discover the World of Turtles will take place on March 29, where Dr Nathalie Staelens, head of environmental services for the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), will talk about the importance of turtles in the ecosystem, how to protect them and how to react when you see them.
Dr Staelens says, ‘The speech will give an overview of the life of sea turtles, their presence in the UAE and Saadiyat in particular, and why it is important to protect them. It will then continue into the specific measures TDIC has implemented in order to protect the turtles and their nesting habitat on Saadiyat Island, including the conservation of the Dune Protection Zone, which is a turtle nesting beach, and the collaboration with operators and contractors to turn off lights and minimise other disturbances during nesting season.’
TDIC took charge of the development of Saadiyat Island in 2007 and since then it has been actively working to protect hawksbills through a conservation programme. Despite these efforts, though, the hawksbills remain critically endangered. Dr Staelens explains, ‘The future of the hawksbills depends on worldwide efforts to protect them, and the outcome won’t rely on any single initiative. That being said, these initiatives are important for raising awareness and achieving results on a global scale.’
Other breeds of turtles can be found in the Gulf region as well. Dr Staelens reports that green turtles and even the occasional loggerhead turtle can be found in these waters. Both of these face serious environmental threats.
The good news is that there are things you can do to help protect them. Dr Staelens advises, ‘People should report stranded turtles in winter time and nesting turtles during nesting season, avoid disturbing nests, and help raise awareness of turtle-nest poaching and marine debris, which leads to turtles dying of suffocation.’ Report to TDIC by calling 800 8342.
In addition to educating the public and future generations on how to protect turtles, the event will have activities for children such as face painting and puzzle making. There will also be an arts and crafts competition, where children can use arts materials to create a mascot. The winner will receive a hamper and all participants receive a jar of sweets.
Discover the World of Turtles, March 29, 11am-1pm. Dhs50 per adult, with light refreshments included. Kids go free. Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, www.montecarlobeachclub.ae (02 656 3500).
