On the ground in Malaysia

(left) Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) swimming in the Indo Pacific Ocean ; (right) A Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is placed upside down on a lifebuoy for safety as it is taken by motor launch to deep waters, where it will be released into the wild, Mafia Island, Tanzania.

Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas)

Most people have never seen a marine turtle. Some may have come by one in the world's big aquariums. A handful might have had the joy of spotting one in the sea or even on the beach.

As time ticks away, fewer of us will have that opportunity as numbers of these ancient reptiles are steadily declining around the globe. Malaysia is no exception. In the 1950s, thousands came to its coasts to nest. Today, only a handful return.

In a bid to reverse this trend, WWF is attempting more than a drop in the ocean. The Ma'Daerah Sanctuary is part of a downpour of projects aimed at protecting these creatures in all stages of their life cycles.