Turtle Aid Italy

Italy’s southern coastline, particularly the Apulian regions of Salento and Gargano, is experiencing a significant ecological shift. Due to rising sea temperatures and other climate-related changes, the loggerhead sea turtle —a species classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN—is expanding its nesting range northward. Historically limited to southern regions like Calabria and Sicily, loggerhead turtles are now laying eggs on beaches in Apulia, including the scenic shores of Gallipoli, Salve, and the Gargano Promontory. These areas are not only ecologically rich, with habitats such as Posidonia oceanica meadows and coastal wetlands, but also among Italy’s most visited summer destinations, drawing millions of tourists annually.

This overlap between emerging turtle nesting sites and high-intensity tourism zones presents both a conservation challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, unregulated tourism can lead to habitat degradation, artificial lighting, beach cleaning, and human disturbance—all of which threaten turtle nesting success. On the other hand, tourism offers a powerful platform for education, community engagement, and sustainable development. The TUI Turtle Aid Italy project addresses this complex situation by integrating sea turtle conservation with responsible tourism practices.

The project protects over 3,500 turtles and rescues around 300 injured turtles through structured beach monitoring, nest protection, and rehabilitation efforts. Trained volunteers patrol beaches, detect nests and ensure hatchlings reach the sea safely. The project also supports the rescue and rehabilitation of injured turtles in coordination with local authorities and coast guards. Turtles affected by bycatch, boat strikes or pollution are transported to the Sea Turtle Recovery Center in Manfredonia, where they receive veterinary care.

To align tourism with conservation, the project introduces a Turtle-friendly Tourism Certification for beachfront businesses. At least 60 hotels and beach clubs are engaged through assessments, training and support to adopt eco-friendly practices like reducing light pollution and avoiding beach cleaning during nesting periods.

Public engagement is central to the project: over 4,100 tourists and community members are educated through awareness campaigns, signage and events. 1,000 schoolchildren participate in tailored programmes, while seasonal activities like turtle releases, eco-tours and “Turtle Days” foster local involvement.

Legambiente is an Italian environmental organization, established in 1980. Its core mission is the protection of the environment, natural landscapes, and public health. The association promotes awareness campaigns on critical issues such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity conservation, and the circular economy. With a widespread presence across Italy, it operates through local chapters that actively engage volunteers and citizens. Legambiente develops educational initiatives in schools aimed at fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and sustainability. It undertakes scientific monitoring projects, including Goletta Verde, which assesses the quality of coastal waters, and Carovana dei Ghiacciai, which documents the retreat of Alpine glaciers and highlights the impacts of the climate crisis. Legambiente works in partnership with public institutions and private entities to advocate for improved environmental policies. It publishes comprehensive reports and dossiers to inform public opinion and guide decision-making. Committed to promoting sustainable lifestyles, it is an active member of international networks.

The organization also conducts beach monitoring activities to track and protect sea turtle nesting, and it manages a dedicated rescue and rehabilitation center for marine turtles in Manfredonia (Apulia).