Olive Ridley turtles

Safeguarding India’s sea turtle nesting grounds with development

The debate over proposed “turtle trails” highlights tensions between eco-tourism and conservation at sensitive nesting beaches of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtle. Scientists warn that light, noise, human presence, and tourism infrastructure can disrupt mass nesting events, particularly along Odisha’s globally significant arribada sites. While awareness and livelihoods are important, experts argue that strict protection of core nesting habitats, science-based regulation, and off-site educational initiatives are essential to ensure that conservation priorities are not compromised by tourism development.