Oaxaca’s coast is home to four of the eight sea turtle species that exist in the world.  For their ample geographic distribution, their habits and biologic characteristics, turtles are, at every phase of development, highly vulnerable to natural devastation, commercial capture, nest destruction and egg theft, as well as illegal exploitation.  In addition, accidental net trappings are commonplace. 

The progressive development of commercial fishing, compared to the low percentages of hatchlings surviving to adulthood, in addition to environmental decline, has resulted in the majority of turtle species becoming in danger of extinction. 

It is estimated that today’s Leatherback turtle has been reduced to less than 5% of its original population.  The Hawksbill turtle of the Pacific is found in a similar situation of scarce population.  The Green turtle has been threatened by one of the largest illegal exploitations of both its meat and its eggs.  The Olive Ridley turtle is the only species whose population has managed to significantly recuperate; without doubt, it is still classified as a threatened species.

The beaches of La Escobilla, Chacahua, Llano Grande, Barra de la Cruz and Morro de Ayutla, all located in Oaxaca, are the most significant conservation centers in Mexico.  Through investigation centers, government agencies and public institutions they achieve protective actions for the turtles and their young.

The Oaxacan Fund has established an integral project that contemplates conservation, local capacity building, and community development initiatives as a strategy to leverage superior results in the protection of sea turtles.