On Guatemala’s remote Pacific coast, El Jiote Island harbors one of the region’s most successful sea turtle conservation efforts. This volcanic island, accessible only by boat from Las Lisas, supports 450 residents across two communities. It is also critical nesting habitat for three sea turtle species: green turtles, critically endangered Pacific leatherbacks, and critically endangered hawksbills.
The Manualita Turtle Hatchery, located beside Moyuta village’s community school, has become Guatemala’s most productive Pacific turtle facility. During the 2023-2024 season, an impressive 32,773 hatchlings were successfully released. The hatchery’s simple structure provides essential shade on the dark volcanic sand beaches, which absorb so much heat that they can prevent eggs from hatching.
However, turtle conservation faces a significant challenge: local residents traditionally harvest eggs to eat or sell on the mainland. For years, hatchery volunteers have paid community members for the eggs they collect, to prevent their sale.
This innovative project centers instead on food security, by providing sustainable alternatives to turtle eggs. A community chicken farm will be established at the school, and will be managed collaboratively by students, staff, and residents. It will both produce healthy alternatives to turtle eggs and foster environmental stewardship among the children. The project aims to cultivate a cultural shift toward voluntary egg donation rather than sales.
The community has committed to patrolling adjacent mangrove forests to prevent illegal logging and wildlife hunting, protecting habitat for native hawks, endemic iguanas, and migratory birds.
Seacology funding will establish the school chicken farm, support conservation patrols, and organize community events including beach cleanings, turtle rallies, and egg collection evenings. Additional school improvements—kitchen equipment, window shades, and ventilation upgrades—will address Guatemala’s unfunded mandate requiring two daily school meals, and create a more comfortable learning environment in this tropical climate.
