Each year, thousands of baby green sea turtles clamber across a beautiful, white-sand paradise on Poilão Island, one of the largest hatching sites of this species in the Atlantic. The adorable turtles make their way to the sea between August and December, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
The Remote Paradise
Poilão Island is a tiny, uninhabited speck off the coast of Guinea-Bissau in West Africa. It is the southernmost island of the Bijagós archipelago, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Last year, over 44,000 nests were laid on its 1.4 mile-long beach, marking it as a crucial nesting ground for the green sea turtles.
Challenges and Conservation Efforts
While the turtles find their way to the nesting grounds effortlessly, human access to Poilão Island poses significant challenges. The lack of infrastructure, limited transportation options, and the political fragility of Guinea-Bissau make it a difficult destination for turtle enthusiasts. However, conservation efforts are underway, with the country seeking World Heritage List status for the Bijagós Islands to enhance environmental protections and visibility.
Turtle conservation programs have gained popularity in various tourist destinations worldwide, but Guinea-Bissau faces obstacles due to its impoverished state and minimal tourism. Despite the hurdles, the country aims to attract more visitors to witness the remarkable green sea turtle hatching events on Poilão Island.
