An extraordinary event characterized the night of June 16 on the Paola promenade: A Caretta Caretta turtle has chosen our coasts to lay its eggs, in a symbolic coincidence that made the world day of sea turtles even more special. The exceptional sighting was reported by some citizens who immediately alerted the carabinieri, who provided the first safety of the nest.
The timely chain of interventions saw the collaboration of different realities of the territory: upon reporting of the activist and educator Monica Straticò of the WWF or Catanzaro the urban police of the Municipality of Paola were alerted, who presided over the site together with the fisherman Danilo Perrotta Until the arrival of the WWF volunteers. The joint intervention involved the WWF or Catanzaro associations, the WWF or Calabria citra with Michela Meneghelli And Giulia Boron, as well as Gregorio Cianflone WWF activist or Cosenza Sila Pollino. Thanks to the intervention, the nest has been secured and will be constantly monitored by the WWF volunteers. The hatching of the eggs is expected in about 45-50 days.
The success of the reproduction will depend on several environmental factors and the meteoromarine conditions that will occur in the incubation period. The nesting event assumes particular scientific relevance in the context of climate change affecting the Mediterranean basin. The coastal erosion that afflicts our coasts represents one of the main challenges for the conservation of sea turtles, since it reduces habitats suitable for nesting.
Precisely the complex relationship between coastal erosion and resilience of species is the subject of study of the new Life Adapts project, carried out by the WWF Italia, which will guarantee the collection of data necessary to interpret the adaptation of the symbolic species such as sea turtles and monk seal to climate change. “This event represents A sign of hope for the conservation of sea turtles in the Mediterranean“, underline the managers of WWF.” Paola’s choice as a nesting site confirms the importance of our coasts for marine biodiversity. “
WWF addresses a Appeal to the whole population to respect nature and actively collaborate to guarantee the success of the birth of small turtles. “It is essential to maintain the distance from the nest, avoid excessive noises and lights at night, and immediately report any anomaly to the competent authorities. This extraordinary event on World Turtles Day represents a moment of great meaning for the community of Paola and for all those who care about the conservation of the natural heritage of our territory”.