The new year is here, and before us stretch days full of possibility, wonder and new beginnings. This is also a time of fresh starts and goal setting – popularly known as New Year Resolutions.
Did you know? The idea of a ‘fresh start’ isn’t just a cliché, it’s a well-researched psychological phenomenon known as the Fresh Start Effect. Research by Dr. Katy Milkman from Wharton School shows that we experience time not as a continuous flow but as a series of ‘chapters’.
“We are more likely to pursue our goals on ‘fresh start’ days because they make us feel like different people – people who aren’t burdened by our past mistakes.” Dr. Katy Milkman.
All of us, at some point of time in our lives, have embraced the idea of New Year Resolutions. Whether it is planning a long-awaited holiday, or building new or better habits, such as using less single-use plastic, all of these aspirations are guided by our values. They are a soft nod to who we are, and a gentle nudge to who we hope to become. And within this endearing human ritual, lies the seed of real change.
As a conservation organisation, we thrive on the idea of change. So here’s our attempt at helping YOU with your resolutions, in our own turtley awesome way!
1. Be kinder to wild animals and respect their personal space
The easiest way to be kind to animals is to behave respectfully around them. So no chasing, no touching, and definitely no keeping wild animals as pets. But did you know there are other smaller behaviours that you need to be aware of, for example: you shouldn’t swim right above a sea turtle. Why? Find out here!
2. Add an ocean-themed book to your reading list of 2026
Reading is a wonderful way to build knowledge, and discover curiosities you did not even know existed. For example, did you know there’s a book on the incredible life and the afterlife of seashells? Who would have thought! And if sea turtles are among your favourite animals, here are some turtle themed books you could knock off your 2026 reading list.
3. Not much of a reader? Try podcasts instead!
If you’re someone who enjoys listening to audio books or podcasts on the go, we’ve got you covered! Our nine-episode podcast series (available on Spotify, Apple & Youtube) on all things sea turtles has a little bit of everything – from how sea turtles mate, what nesting looks like, the mysterious lives of rarely-seen male turtles and even some thoughtful views on decolonising sea turtle conservation.
4. Travel mindfully and pick eco-conscious adventures
Travelling can be deeply enriching, opening you up to the world in so many ways. But it can also have unintended negative impacts on the environment and host communities. So this year, try choosing more eco-friendly experiences. Research tour operators, avoid sham animal facilities, pay attention to habitats along with animals and support genuine local businesses.
And if a picturesque island getaway is on your resolution list, consider taking it a step further with an off-the-beaten-path Maldives Sea Turtle Conservation Snorkelling Cruise, where unforgettable adventure meets hands-on impact, and every day on the water helps create real change. (The February edition has spots available at a 10% discount)
5. Take part in citizen-science and help conservation research
You don’t need to be a scientist to support conservation. By recording wildlife sightings and behaviours and submitting them to local organisations, you can contribute valuable data used in real research. That is the beauty of citizen science, it’s free, easy and has a big impact!
So if you spot a sea turtle in Seychelles, Maldives, Oman or Kenya, you can help us with out sea turtle research by submitting your photos. Find out more here.
6. Volunteer for a cause you care about
Volunteering, apart from helping a cause, it is also a great way for personal development. You get on-ground experience, meet new people, learn new things and while you bring about important change, you too are changed by the experience.
If you have ever wanted to work with sea turtles, take a look at our sea turtle volunteering programme in Maldives.
7. Learn something new!
Curiosity keeps us growing. Learning something new, whether a skill or a subject you’ve always wondered about, will help broaden your perspective and keep your mind engaged. With free online courses readily available, it has now become easier than ever to start. If sea turtles interest you, try our free e-Turtle School, offering two self-paced courses on sea turtles and their conservation.
8. Give thoughtful, waste-free gifts
This year, choose gifts that reduce the clutter. Thoughtful, waste-free gifts can take many forms: memorable experiences, something handmade, or even a sea turtle adoption? Yes, you can name and adopt a wild sea turtle for a loved one, receive updates if your sea turtle is re-sighted, and support healthier oceans, all of this without the footprint of a physical gift.
9. Pick local, sustainable seafood options wherever possible
Whenever possible, choose locally caught, seasonal species of fish over imported options, and avoid seafood linked to destructive fishing practices. You can find this out by asking your fishmonger or restaurant staff, checking labels or menus for catch location and method, or buying directly from local fishers and community markets. Supporting small-scale, local fishers not only reduces your ocean footprint but also helps foster healthier oceans and more sustainable livelihoods.
10. Keep an open mind and be respectful of local perspectives
Creating change isn’t only about having access to science or adhering to a single set of values. It’s also about listening, especially to communities that live in close relationship with nature. If you want to learn more about sea turtles, while learning about the species from books and scientists, maybe try starting a conversation with a local fisher and hearing their perspective. This year, keep your mind open, approach conversations with curiosity, and make space for multiple perspectives. If you are curious about the role of fishing communities in conservation, take a look at this short film from our work in Kenya.
