According to experts, in the last four years 99% of sea turtles have been born female. The heat of the sand influences their sex during the incubation phase: research shows that if turtle eggs are incubated below 27.7°C the hatchlings will be male, and if they are incubated above 31°C, the pups will be female.
This means, of course, that the warmer the sand, the more likely it is that females will hatch, raising concerns about the possible disappearance of sea turtles.
What are Nest Domes?
Wunderman Thompson Colombia and Banana Boat, together with the Colombian Sea Turtle Conservation Program (ProCTMM), have devised an innovative and sustainable solution: Nest Domes. Inspired by the organic shape of the turtle shell and made with natural materials, Nest Domes are domes that regulate the temperature of the sand on the beaches, influencing the adequate conditions in terms of shade and ventilation necessary for a better proportion of hatchlings. females and males.
Designed with the help of marine biologists, local artisans, designers and engineers, the Nest Domes were created using Caribbean wood from Santa Marta (Col.) that is part of the sea turtle ecosystem.
A polished, light wood that helps reflect the sun’s rays, the inner layers are made of cork, a 100% biodegradable material and, most importantly, a natural refrigerant, while the outer layer is covered with a layer of natural linseed oil that prevents excess moisture when it rains. The design has specially created hand-carved windows to ensure proper wind circulation, pushing hot air out of the dome.
“An exceptional feat”
Aminta Jauregui, principal investigator of the Sea Turtle Conservation Project, has declared: “throughout the evolution of the prototypes we managed to lower the temperature in the nests by 4ºC. With these domes we are able to recreate the pivotal temperature necessary to achieve an equal ratio of male and female sea turtles. It is an exceptional feat of innovation, we are optimistic that it will have a positive impact on the future population of sea turtles, now classified as endangered”.
Gabriel Suárez, Latin America Marketing Director of Edgewell, said: “It is our mission to be a positive force for good and protect fun in the sun, that includes sea turtles. We are delighted to be part of this initiative that will reduce the impact of dangerous UV Rays that affect both humans and other species that urgently need protection, and to be one of the first sunscreens to take action and protect this beloved species. ”.
For everyone
Nest Domes are a global solution, as an open source project that will be made available to everyone, with the hope that they will be created and installed on beaches all over the planet.
Bas Korsten, Wunderman Thompson Global Chief Creative Officer, added: “We have worked together with nature to create an innovative solution that will help reduce the temperature of the sand and help creatures like sea turtles to thrive once again. It is a very important job to be a part of this, and we are excited to pioneer a project that will have a huge impact around the world.”
After a successful pilot project that was carried out on the beaches of Santa Marta, Colombia, with the help of fishermen and the local community, these Nest Domes are now going to be tested and installed on several beaches in Mexico, and soon in the rest of the Caribbean coasts.
The Nest Domes were officially launched at the 41st International Sea Turtle Symposium, a seven-day event held in Cartagena, Colombia, March 18-24. An event that brings together a community of sea turtle biologists, environmental professionals, conservationists, indigenous groups, researchers, academics and advocates from up to 60 countries to share knowledge.