Enhancing the Protection of Marine Turtles in the Mediterranean Region

In May 2022, Blue Pangolin Consulting signed a contract with the Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC) for the Conservation of Marine Turtles in the Mediterranean.

This project supported the development of Phase III of the regional marine turtle conservation programme in the Mediterranean, building on achievements from the MAVA Foundation’s M7 Project (Phase II). Blue Pangolin worked in close collaboration with regional partners, including Archelon, Dekamer, MedPan, MedAsset, National Marine Park of Zakynthos (N.M.P.Z.), SPA/RAC, WWF, North Cyprus Society for the Protection of Turtles (SPOT), to assess the impacts of previous interventions, guide the next phase of conservation action, and ensure the long-term sustainability of efforts to protect marine turtle populations across the region.

The assignment focused on evaluating project effectiveness, securing sustainable funding pathways through the development of a financing guide, and co-developing a robust, partner-led framework for implementation from 2023–2026.

This work ensured that conservation targets, such as achieving favourable conditions for 50% of nesting sites, were underpinned by strong metrics, partnership coordination, and strategic resource mobilisation. 

Main deliverables:

• Impact assessment of Phase II activities, with performance measured against key conservation targets
• Development of a communications and fundraising toolkit to support long-term implementation
• Facilitation of a multi-stakeholder process to co-design Phase III (2023–2026) including logical frameworks, goals, and priority actions
• Technical advice to strengthen project sustainability and regional cooperation