About Us

6 FROM 7 SPECIES

Indonesia is a country with the long coast line in the world that has a tremendous potential in terms of natural resources and the variety of species of wildlife. There are a total of 7 sea turtle species, 6 of which can be found in Indonesian waters. These species are: Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Leatherback (Dermochelys coracea), Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Flatback (Natator depressus).

BALI AND TURTLE TRADE

Bali is one of the islands in Indonesia which is well known for tourism and also for the issue of sea turtles in the last two decades. Bali has received a bad reputation for the high numbers of sea turtle trading. This has become a focus of attention in the national and international scope and has created a bad impact for tourism in Bali.
Attention from the public regarding the issue of sea turtle trade raises various reactions, bad as well as good. For Balinese society, this is not something to be proud of.  Several locations on the beaches along Bali island are natural habitats for sea turtles to lay their eggs. Positive action has been shown by the Balinese community in starting activities to protect sea turtles and their nests. This has been done by the local community in Kuta Beach and Tegal Besar, Klungkung. So far, the major species found laying eggs in Bali is Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea).

Olive Ridley turtle rescue on Tegal Besar beach

WORKING WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Bali Sea Turtle Society (BSTS) is a society for the protection of sea turtles that is based on Bali island, Indonesia. BSTS works to involve and train the local community to protect sea turtles through “Community Based Conservation” programs with real actions as listed in the following:

1. Sea turtle nest protection
2. Human Education
3. Campaign

WE'VE BEEN AROUND SINCE 2011

BSTS is non profit & non government organization founded by Balinese people in 2011, with the aim to protect the sea turtles and their habitat, and to raise public awareness regarding sea turtle protection.