KAPTAN JUNE AND THE DALYAN TURTLES

Ever since JUNE HAIMOFF settled in Dalyan in 1984, she has strived to protect Iztuzu Beach and its sea turtle nesting places. Her campaign to save this Caretta caretta breeding site from exploitation for mass tourism in the mid 1980's was given considerable media attention by fellow-environmentalist Professor Sir David Bellamy. Consequently, an environmental effects survey was carried out, resulting in the declaration of the Köyceğiz-Dalyan Special Environmental Protection Area by the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers number 88/13019 dated 12.06.1988.).

June had a long-held ambition to create a foundation to endure the welfare of the beach and its loggerhead sea turtles. The Turkish Government requires an asset of 50,000 TL ( approx. £22,000) to allow the establishment of such a registered charity. Thanks to generous benefactors and a gift from TUI AG/Futouris, the Foundation has become a registered entity.

The first official step on the way was to sign the foundation's constitution. Therefore June Haimoff and her fellow-founders saw the notary in Denizli on 11 November 2010. This was the first official and therefore emotional step in establishing the long-fought-for Kaptan June Sea Turtle Conservation Foundation. More detailed information of this extraordinary event can be found on the EVENTS page.

On 24 February 2011, the Foundation was given the GREEN LIGHT by Turkish court and after publication in the Resmi Gazete on April 9th now has the official status of a Vakıf, a government approved entity.

The Kaptan June Sea Turtle Conservation Foundation will be an enduring facility for raising revenue to protect the sea turtles and their habitats, support other environmental causes, and enable young Turkish people to attend University and study Environmental Sciences.

If you would like to be involved in this worthwhile project, please contact June Haimoff at kaptanjune@gmail.com .

June near Iztuzu Lake

June at the release of
a female rehab turtle

Signing the Constitution