Grant: 25-011E
Project Title: Empowering Hispanic Communities for Sea Turtle Conservation: A Collaborative Approach to Reduce Plastic Pollution
Project Manager: Yvette Fernandez
Organization: Inwater Research Group (Non-Profit Organization)
Grant Amount: $13,209.00
Completion Date: 2026-05-28
Summary: Inwater Research Group's (IRG) Amigos de Las Tortugas program fills a crucial gap in sea turtle conservation by engaging Hispanic communities in Florida, empowering them to become stewards of their coastal environments. This program provides vital conservation knowledge, fostering environmental responsibility, especially among those who recently immigrated to the US. Thanks to the Florida Sea Turtle Grants Program, Amigos de Las Tortugas significantly expanded last year, reaching nearly 400 individuals in just six months. It is on track to achieve its goal of 600 participants, which represents 60% of the program's total impact over its six-year history! Through dynamic workshops, participants gain a deeper understanding of sea turtle conservation and increase their ability to advocate for these animals. By investing in continued support and tangible resources, we can transform awareness into action, ensuring that the impact of the program extends far beyond the workshops and into the daily lives of these families. During this second year we can continue workshops, distribute 225 conservation kits to families, and collaborate with five existing partner organizations to adopt conservation practices, fostering lifelong ambassadors who will champion the protection of Florida's sea turtles.
Results: The project was successfully completed in alignment with the outlined tasks, including public outreach, collaboration with partner organizations, and the distribution of practical conservation resources. An announcement was shared on June 3, 2025, through Inwater Research Group's social media platforms to acknowledge funding support and inform the community about the Amigos de las Tortugas initiative. The project focused on going beyond knowledge sharing by working with partners to identify culturally relevant solutions, developing Conservation Starter Kits for families, and providing reusable alternatives to reduce reliance on single-use plastics within community settings. A total of 700 Conservation Starter Kits were assembled, significantly exceeding the original goal of 225, with support from a volunteer. These kits were distributed consistently at Amigos de las Tortugas workshops across Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Miami, directly supporting families in adopting conservation practices at home. Social media posts were created and shared throughout the project to promote conservation practices and recognize support from the Sea Turtle License Plate Grant. Photo and video documentation of workshops and kit distribution are included as supporting materials. Overall, the project was completed successfully, expanded its reach across multiple regions, strengthened community partnerships, and demonstrated measurable progress in promoting behavior change and reducing reliance on single-use plastics.