The project is named after the Olive Ridley species of sea turtle, which is by far the most frequent victim of these ghost nets. In January 2015, Coco Collection announced our official partnership with the Olive Ridley Project to setup turtle rescue centres and to work together to reduce the effect of ghost nets on marine life.
In February 2017, we opened the first of these Marine Turtle Rescue Centres at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, fully equipped to care for the turtles that we find around the country with severe injuries to their flippers and necks after being entangled in ghost gear.
Our resident turtle veterinarian and a team of interns and volunteers for the Olive Ridley Project take care of our turtle patients. Injured turtles may require stitches, or sometimes surgery.
Our veterinarian also works closely with the local school at Hithadhoo in Baa Atoll. Our Turtle Vet teaches at the school and welcomes school children at the Rescue Centre.
Additionally, we offer internships for Maldivian nationals at the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre. The purpose of the internship program is to strengthen the local capacity to care for and conserve the turtle population. It teaches marine turtle biology, care, and conservation, as well as veterinarian skills.