Money talks: The value of conserving marine turtles in Asia-Pacific

The continued decline of endangered marine turtles will have serious economic consequences, particularly for coastal communities in developing countries of Asia-Pacific. Here we present on the findings of the marine turtle economic valuation study that shows, in addition to benefiting the species themselves, how investments in marine turtle conservation are also investments in people and their livelihoods. We will challenge decision makers, politicians, community leaders and the general public to start seeing marine turtles as a valuable asset, with the goal of generating revenue and jobs, and to further aid in endangered species recovery.