Several local children have been recognized by Aydin’s Conservation and Nature Lovers Association (EKODOSD) for their help with the monitoring work of nesting caretta caretta turtles on Sagtur Beach this summer

The children were each given certificates to highlight the role they played in ensuring 229 baby caretta hatched and made their way out to sea.

The children all live in Didim and spend the summer on Sagtur beach where their parents run the shop and restaurants.

Throughout the summer, they helped keep rubbish away from the cages covering the nests. When the eggs were ready to hatch, they spent several hours digging a trench from the nest to the sea to make the caretta’s first journey easier. They also took control of counting how many hatched, which is vital information for protecting an endangered species.

Maximilian Sam, an expat resident of Sagtur, said, “We are very lucky to have a group of children who work tirelessly with all stray animals.

“They do so with no complaint and a sense of fun and laughter that makes everyone smile. The organisation and practical skills they showed in everything they did proves there’s a positive future ahead.

“Even the youngest was helping to dig the trench, or fill it in depending on your point of view! We are all very proud of them and thank EKODOSD for giving them the recognition they so rightly deserve.”

Voices would like to add its own congratulations to Sinan Yasin Ozturk, Yigit Ozturk, Yagiz Alp Ozturk, Yavuz Selim Ozturk, Baran Akin, Ahmet Sinan Bugu, and Mehmet Omer Bugu.