Why is Karan Adani Proud to Support Olive Ridley Turtle Conservation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Conservation Initiatives: APSEZ is committed to protecting Olive Ridley turtles.
- Significant Nesting: Odisha hosts one of the largest nesting populations globally.
- Community Involvement: Engaging local communities is crucial for effective conservation.
- Funding Commitment: A corpus of Rs 30 crore has been allocated for conservation efforts.
- Innovative Measures: Special lighting and fishing restrictions are part of the conservation strategy.
New Delhi, May 23 (NationPress) Karan Adani, the Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), expressed his pride in backing the conservation initiatives aimed at protecting the Olive Ridley turtles, whose numbers are flourishing in Odisha.
The name Olive Ridley refers to the turtle's distinct olive-hued carapace—the hard upper shell.
This species is categorized as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with unique breeding behaviors and increasing threats from human activities contributing to their fragility.
"We are thrilled to witness the Olive Ridley turtles thriving in unprecedented numbers at Gahirmatha beach near Dhamra," Karan Adani stated in a post on the social media platform X, coinciding with World Turtle Day.
He added, "We take great pride in our support for conservation efforts that shield these remarkable creatures and their delicate ecosystems in Odisha."
The Dhamra port managed by Adani Group is a sanctuary for one of the largest nesting populations of Olive Ridley turtles worldwide.
The Group has allocated a fund of Rs 30 crore dedicated to the conservation and safeguarding of the Olive Ridley turtles.
In a video shared on X, Karan Adani highlighted various initiatives undertaken by Adani Ports for the benefit of Olive Ridley turtles.
These initiatives encompass dark sky lighting—special lights designed to minimize sea glare and facilitate turtle movement; turtle migration support—providing trawlers to the Forest Department for monitoring during migration periods to ensure their safety; and safe navigation—planning port routes away from turtle congregation areas.
Additional efforts include fishing zone marking—placing buoys to deter fishing boats from entering turtle-sensitive regions; and community engagement—collaborating with the Divisional Forest Officer in Bhadrak to educate fishermen on the importance of mangrove and turtle conservation.
During the 2024-25 nesting season, approximately 6.89 lakh Olive Ridley turtles nested at Gahirmatha beach, as reported by the company.
Karan Adani emphasized that APSEZ will persist in its conservation endeavors for these marine species.
"By collaborating with local communities and wildlife authorities, we remain committed to protecting these gentle marine beings," stated the Managing Director of APSEZ.