The summer sees not only an influx of tourists to Turkey's Mediterranean beaches, but a host of sea turtles as well. Now in order to protect the threatened reptiles, in collaboration with the Futouris sustainability initiative TUI AG's Environmental Management has set up the "Travellers without boundaries" project. Contracted hoteliers are invited to today's inaugural event along with tour operators and World of TUI incoming agencies to set in motion further protective measures for sea turtles in the Turkish region of Dalaman.
"In our role as a tourism company we have the conservation of nature and variety of species firmly embedded in our code of conduct. This means that we are responsible for taking concrete measures to counter the decline of the protected sea turtle population", explains Mila Dahle, Head of Group Environmental Management / Sustainable Development at TUI AG. The project is being supported by the scientists of the University of Pamukkale. As its co-ordinator, the project has had the good fortune to recruit June Haimhoff, recognised for her many years of work protecting the region's sea turtles. June has actually been honoured for her committed efforts by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II.
After the discussion of examples of best-practice and scientific knowledge of species protection, the participants will accompany the nature protection experts on a visit to a sea turtle centre at Iztuzu Beach. As the nests are buried in the sand and for the most part hidden from view, local educational work on the ground is of particular importance. Accordingly, TUI AG's Sustainable Development / Environmental Management section has produced a set of "Guide for Sea Turtle Protection" for hoteliers and a guest information sheet with advice on how they can help through their behaviour on the beach. These materials are to be made readily available in hotels throughout the region.