Getting ready for visitors as lockdown eases 

 Since covid-19 struck Kenya on March 6th 2020 we closed our gates to visitors who come for tours at the project. Nevertheless, our conservation efforts never stopped and in some instances they had to ramp up! Our key programs including turtle rescue and release, nest monitoring, mangrove restoration, anti-poaching and conducting beach clean–ups never ceased. Abiding by COVID-19 preventive measures we have continued to carry out our important task of marine resource conservation. 

Conservation education and awareness has been stalled due to prohibition of social gathering in efforts to contain COVID-19. However, following the governments directive to open the economy, the health safety responsibility has been largely transferred to individuals. At LOC we have opened our gates to tours in effort to continue awareness creation on importance of marine conservation focusing on turtles as flagship species. We have taken and will continue to take COVID-19 precautions and social distancing measures strictly. 

Offering conservation education has always been one of our main tools in conservation since an informed society makes the best conservationists. This helps protect the critical coastal ecosystems. 

In opening our gates to visitors, we aim to reach more people and share our conservation success stories and challenges.  

Visitors are required to adhere to visiting within small groups which make social distancing possible and allow our team to effectively communicate through a mask or face shield.  

We expect visitors to: 

•  arrive with and keep wearing a face mask during the tours 
•  avoid handshakes and sanitize on arrival 

It’s been a tough couple of months and as we emerge out of confines of our houses, Local Ocean Conservation is one of the most refreshing places to visit and remind ourselves about the beauty and importance of nature.  

We look forward to seeing you soon.