**Climate Action Key to Protecting Cyprus’ Sea Turtles**
The University of Cyprus has emphasized the interconnectedness of climate action and the protection of sea turtles, coinciding with the observance of World Sea Turtle Day on Tuesday. The university’s oceanographic centre highlighted the urgent need for conservation measures to safeguard two vulnerable species—loggerhead turtles (*Caretta caretta*) and green turtles (*Chelonia mydas*)—that nest along the island's shores.
As climate change continues to exert pressure on marine life, the university's researchers are accelerating efforts to address the threats posed to these species. Rising temperatures and increasing sea levels are particularly concerning, as they jeopardize the nesting beaches and breeding habitats essential for the survival of these turtles.
The University of Cyprus is actively participating in the ‘Life Adapts’ project, a Mediterranean initiative aimed at enhancing climate adaptation strategies for sea turtles and monk seals. This project, co-funded by the European Union and coordinated by the University of Pisa, brings together organizations from Cyprus, Greece, and Italy to develop coordinated responses to climate-related threats across the Mediterranean region.
As part of the project, more than 100 sea turtle nests have been identified and protected on monitored beaches in Cyprus. Researchers are currently gathering temperature data to determine which nesting sites may be more resilient to the impacts of climate change. Additionally, topographic mapping of these nesting beaches is underway, allowing scientists to classify breeding areas based on their vulnerability to future sea level rise.
The University of Cyprus has urged the public to play a role in protecting these nesting sites. They recommend avoiding visits to nesting beaches at night and limiting artificial lighting near the coast, as light pollution can disorient both adult turtles and hatchlings. Furthermore, the university encourages visitors to minimize their presence on nesting beaches and to take measures to protect sensitive coastal habitats.
In addition to these recommendations, the university has advised the public to exercise caution in known turtle habitats, reduce boat speeds in shallow areas, and remain vigilant for marine wildlife. "Protecting sea turtles means protecting our coasts and strengthening our resilience to future challenges," a university spokesperson stated. They reiterated that the actions necessary to save sea turtles align closely with those required to combat the climate crisis.
Conservation groups have increasingly raised alarms regarding the detrimental effects of plastic pollution, abandoned fishing gear, and habitat degradation on marine species. The collaborative nature of the ‘Life Adapts’ project allows for the sharing of expertise and the development of common strategies to address the environmental pressures affecting marine ecosystems throughout the Mediterranean.
As the threats to sea turtles grow, the call for climate action becomes more urgent. The University of Cyprus and its partners are committed to fostering a sustainable future for both marine life and coastal communities, underscoring the vital link between environmental conservation and climate resilience.