The TCP is a registered non-profit environmental organization that initiated in Rekawa in 1993, with the aim of safeguarding all sea turtle species native to Sri Lanka.  The TCP has been actively involved in national and local conservation efforts, addressing critical environmental issues. The organization’s mission has always been to implement sustainable strategies for marine turtle conservation through education, research, and community participation.

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In 1996, TCP established a community-based, in-situ marine turtle nest protection and research program at Rekawa Beach. Rekawa is a small fishing village located in the Tangalle Divisional Secretariat, Hambantota District, in Southern Sri Lanka. Situated about 8 km from Tangalle town, Rekawa became recognized as one of Sri Lanka’s most important sea turtle nesting beaches. After research confirmed the significance of the area for turtle nesting, TCP took immediate action to protect the turtles and their nests from illegal poaching and other threats.

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A Community-Led Conservation Model

At the core of TCP’s conservation efforts was the involvement of local people, many of whom had previously relied on poaching turtle eggs for their livelihood. The TCP introduced a sustainable alternative by training and employing local residents as ‘nest protectors’ and ‘research assistants,’ providing them with a more sustainable income and reducing the reliance on illegal activities. This community-based approach became the foundation of the conservation program and has played a vital role in Rekawa’s success as a nesting beach .

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 In 2006, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, in collaboration with TCP, the Coast Conservation Department (CCD), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), declared Rekawa Beach a wildlife sanctuary. This declaration gave the area special legal status, prohibiting the development of hotels on the beach and further safeguarding its environment.

 

A Sustainable Future: Community and Tourism

Since 2012, the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project has been managed on a daily basis by the local community through the organization Nature Friends of Rekawa (NFR). This transition to community management has allowed the project to become self-sustaining, with income generated from eco-tourism activities such as turtle watching, educational programs, and the support of visitors who come to learn about the project’s work.

 

In 2024, the TCP and NFR reached another milestone with the opening of a new Visitor Center, Turtle Café, and Souvenir Shop, which were inaugurated on World Environment Day, June 5, 2024. These new additions to the project aim to enhance the visitor experience while providing additional revenue to support conservation efforts. As part of the ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism, TCP has also launched a Tourist Guide Training Program in collaboration with the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau and the Department of Wildlife Conservation. This initiative is designed to improve the quality of eco-tourism in the region while ensuring that tourism activities align with conservation goals.

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Rekawa Livelihood Projects and Community Development

In addition to the turtle conservation work, TCP and NFR have implemented several community development projects aimed at improving the quality of life for the people of Rekawa. These include initiatives in batik making, sewing, and ornamental fish breeding & rearing, all of which provide sustainable income opportunities for local families and promote the growth of eco-friendly industries in the region.

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Through these integrated conservation and development efforts, the Turtle Conservation Project in Rekawa continues to make a significant impact, protecting endangered sea turtles while fostering sustainable livelihoods and eco-tourism in the local community.

 

For more information, please visit our official website: www.tcpsrilanka.org