NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Maureen Wright; E-mail: pr@lma.net
Phone: 800-387-1399/416-440-2500; Fax: 416-440-2504

Conservation Initiatives in Grenada –
Home to the Leatherback Sea Turtles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 20th, 2009. (St. George’s, Grenada) - The lush island of Grenada is home to a rich selection of natural wonders, the most spectacular of which is the annual nesting of Leatherback Sea Turtles.

Each year, from May to September, on Levera Beach (located in the northern parish of St. Patrick’s) the Leatherback Sea Turtles appear in large numbers. Nearly 600 of these majestic reptiles clamber the instinctive route on to the shore to their ancient nesting ground, where they propagate a new generation. This instinctive behavior provides conservationists an excellent opportunity to study these gentle leviathans.

Able to live upwards of 80 years, Leatherback Sea Turtles can grow up to two meters long and weigh nearly 636 kilograms. Due to worldwide habitat loss, hunting and irresponsible fishing practices (driftnets) the Leatherback Sea Turtle has been declared an endangered species.

The Grenada Board of Tourism along with Ocean Spirits, a not-for-profit conservation group dedicated to preserving the turtles, has made vigilant efforts to protect the nests from damage and poaching. They have dedicated resources to educational programs, which includes leading Eco-tourists on a carefully supervised tour of the nesting grounds. Visitors interested in viewing the turtles can arrange a tour with an Ocean Spirits ‘Turtle Guide.’

The natural beauty of Grenada has been a treasure to its people throughout history. Today, efforts to preserve the Island's diverse Ecosystems and wildlife continue to be a major priority of the Grenada Board of Tourism. Therefore, there are, and continue to be a variety of Eco-friendly undertakings, from ‘Green Globe’ certified resorts, to conservation area on land and sea, and work to maintain Grenada’s pristine environment. For more information on the turtles and Eco-tourism in Grenada, www.grenadagrenadines.com/softa.html

About the Grenada Board of Tourism
The Grenada Board of Tourism was formed in 1991 to market and promote Grenada as the ‘Spice of the Caribbean’ and a preferred Caribbean tourist destination, while providing technical and managerial support to industry partners. For information on Grenada, tourism sites, hotels, contact the Grenada Board of Tourism in Toronto at 416-595-1339 or visit www.grenadagrenadines.com

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