Why in news?
During the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Congress held in Abu Dhabi in October 2025, the conservation status of the green sea turtle was upgraded from âEndangeredâ to âLeast Concernâ. The decision reflects a global population increase of about 28 per cent since the 1970s thanks to decades of concerted conservation efforts.
Background
The green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a large marine reptile found in tropical and subtropical seas around the world. It plays a vital ecological role by grazing on seagrass and seaweed, which maintains healthy coastal ecosystems. Historically, hunting for meat, eggs and shells, along with habitat loss and bycatch in fishing gear, drove the species towards extinction.
Factors behind the recovery
- Protecting nesting beaches: Conservationists have safeguarded turtle nesting sites by controlling predators, reducing poaching and restricting beachfront development.
- Community initiatives: Local communities have been involved in monitoring nests, relocating eggs to hatcheries and reducing consumption of turtle products.
- Reducing bycatch: The adoption of Turtle Excluder Devices and other bycatch reduction measures has prevented turtles from being accidentally trapped in fishing nets.
- International cooperation: Success stories in Ascension Island, Brazil, Mexico and Hawaiâi show that longâterm protection and enforcement can allow populations to rebound close to preâexploitation levels.
Remaining challenges
Despite the positive trend, some subpopulationsâsuch as those in the Southwest Pacificâcontinue to decline because of declining hatchling production, habitat destruction and climate change. Continued vigilance is necessary to ensure that the global recovery endures and that nesting beaches and feeding grounds remain healthy.
Source: Down To Earth