Turtle and Habitat Protection Program  |  Malaysia

Outcomes

Environmental Outcomes

Improved nesting habitats for sea turtles through coastal clean-ups and tree planting, reducing pollution and providing cooler, shaded areas for turtle nests.

Removal of over 100kg of waste per group, helping restore remote nesting beaches and reducing threats from marine debris like fishing nets and plastics.

Reduction in microplastic pollution through data collection and awareness, contributing to long-term coastal health.

Scientific Contributions

Valuable citizen science data submitted to global platforms like the Clean Swell database and The Big Microplastic Survey, supporting international research on marine pollution.

Enhanced understanding of local and global environmental threats affecting sea turtles and coastal ecosystems.

Community & Educational Outcomes

Hands-on conservation experience for students, deepening their environmental knowledge, critical thinking, and sense of global responsibility.

Ongoing tree nursery development, enabling long-term reforestation and student involvement in a multi-year conservation legacy.

Potential participation in hatchling releases, offering a powerful emotional connection to the impact of conservation efforts (when conditions allow).

Background

Pangkor Island, located off the west coast of Malaysia, is a small but ecologically significant area that serves as a nesting ground for several species of sea turtles. In recent decades, these turtle populations have faced growing threats due to coastal development, pollution, habitat degradation, rising global temperatures, and increasing marine debris—especially plastic waste and abandoned fishing gear.

Many of the island’s beaches, once suitable for turtle nesting, have become cluttered with rubbish from tourist activities and ocean currents. This pollution not only obstructs turtles from nesting but also endangers hatchlings trying to reach the sea. Additionally, microplastics in beach sand and higher temperatures are disrupting the delicate balance of hatchling sex ratios, as warmer sand tends to produce more females—a serious issue for long-term species survival.

The project responds to these challenges by partnering with a local conservation organisation that is actively working to protect and restore turtle habitats. Their mission includes engaging youth and community members in hands-on conservation work to preserve the island’s biodiversity and promote sustainable practices. Through this collaboration, students are given the opportunity to contribute to practical, data-driven conservation efforts, helping restore Pangkor’s beaches as safe nesting areas and raising awareness of the global issues surrounding sea turtle survival.

Impact Report