DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel, The Heritage Collection, marked World Turtle Day by releasing 75 olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings at Sanur Beach on Saturday (23/5), as part of a marine conservation initiative in Bali.
The program was organized in collaboration with the Turtle Conservation and Education Center and several supporting partners, aiming to strengthen awareness about marine biodiversity protection and endangered species conservation.
This year’s release focused on olive ridley turtles, one of the sea turtle species commonly found in Indonesian waters and considered important for maintaining marine ecosystem balance.
The annual initiative also highlighted growing international concern over turtle conservation, including protection efforts supported by organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and regulations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Sea turtles play a significant ecological role by helping maintain healthy coral reefs and seagrass ecosystems, supporting coastal vegetation balance, and naturally controlling jellyfish populations.
Caitie Younghwa Lee, Vice President of Operations & Customer Relations at The Sanur, said the event was designed to combine environmental education, community engagement, and sustainable tourism.
“World Turtle Day is a reminder that small actions can create a meaningful impact. Together with The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel, we are proud to support turtle conservation efforts in Bali through initiatives that connect education, community involvement, and sustainable tourism,” she said.
Meanwhile, General Manager Ed Brea stated that the hotel group was committed to continuing the conservation program after holding a similar release activity last year.
“Through this olive ridley hatchling release, we hope to inspire guests and local communities to take part in protecting marine ecosystems. As a beachfront destination, preserving marine life is not only our responsibility but also part of the legacy we want to protect for future generations,” he explained.
The event was also supported by The Sanur Special Economic Zone for Health, Tanamera Coffee, and Alster Lake Clinic.
Organizers said the collaboration reflects growing awareness that environmental sustainability and human wellbeing are closely connected, particularly in tourism destinations that depend heavily on healthy coastal ecosystems.
The conservation initiative is expected to continue encouraging public participation in protecting Bali’s marine biodiversity and supporting long-term environmental sustainability across the island.