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Protecting ocean life, empowering communities
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Join our dedicated turtle & marine conservation volunteer program focused on the protection of leatherback and loggerhead turtles in South Africa. Make a difference in marine life preservation.
Welcome to the Turtle & Marine Conservation Project – a hands-on, community-driven initiative based in the beautiful coastal village of Bhanga Nek. Tucked away along KwaZulu-Natal’s untouched shoreline, this special place is known for its rich marine life, traditional fishing practices, and deep cultural roots.
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Located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bhanga Nek forms part of one of South Africa’s most biodiverse and ecologically important areas. The park is home to an incredible estuary system of lakes, beaches, and coastal forests – and holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Thonga people, who have lived in harmony with this land for generations.
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Our work focuses on protecting endangered sea turtles, conserving marine and coastal ecosystems, and supporting the local community through education and sustainable practices. Bhanga Nek is one of the few places in the world where loggerhead and leatherback turtles return each year to nest – and you could be part of the team helping to protect them.
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From beach patrols during nesting season and marine life monitoring, to working with schools and sharing knowledge about ocean conservation, every day brings a new chance to make a difference. It’s not just about protecting nature – it’s about connecting with the people who call this coastline home and learning from their way of life.
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Join us in Bhanga Nek and experience conservation in action, where community, culture, and wildlife come together along one of South Africa’s most breathtaking and meaningful coastlines.
Mission
Our turtle & marine conservation volunteer program aims to protect leatherback and loggerhead turtles in Bhanga Nek, Kosi Bay, South Africa. We invite passionate volunteers to help preserve marine life.
Participants will engage in various activities, learning about turtle conservation while contributing directly to our efforts in sustaining marine ecosystems.
