Community Media Center of Marin

Community Media Center of Marin

Community Media Center of Marin

Leatherback turtles are one of the main attractions on the island of St. Lucia. But these large sea turtles are at risk of extinction. Poachers have almost wiped them out. To protect the island's natural beauty and resources, ecotourism is being encouraged on the island. St. Lucia's leatherback turtles are scarce. Their shells are used to make jewelry. Their eggs are stolen, considered a delicacy and folk remedy. Divers have already damaged 80 percent of the coral reefs off the island. Protecting the leatherback turtles and their endangered flora and fauna is a global problem. The idea is to improve networking of marine protection projects in order to find solutions that protect ecosystems worldwide.